Mr. Sunshine Smiles

Well, hi there folks and happy Monday!

I hope all of you were able to enjoy and relax for the Thanksgiving holiday! Isn’t it crazy that it already has come and gone?!

Oh, and in case you needed to know, it is 26 days until Christmas…

SAY WHAT?!

Like, how is that even possible?!

I literally can’t handle it.

Anyhoo, just a few days ago we were able to take time to stuff our faces with turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes (literally ALL the mashed potatoes), cranberry sauce (the jellied kind), corn, green bean casserole, pumpkin pie, and whatever other delicious dishes we all partake in as we celebrate the traditions of the season with our family, friends, and loved ones.

And one of the things that this holiday is built upon is the simple notion of being thankful.

As dictionary.com defines it, the word thankful is described as “feeling or expressing gratitude; appreciative.

And in my life, I believe feeling or expressing gratitude, being appreciative, and being thankful are all priceless.

And while I will take the next couple of moments to share with you just a few of the things I’m thankful and grateful for in my life, I encourage you all to do the same.

And not just today…we should be doing these things every single day.

Some of what I’m about to write in regards to things I’m thankful and grateful for are entities that I’ve shared previously in other blog posts; however, they are such important aspects of my life that I can’t emphasize enough with another share to you all.

I’m thankful and grateful for all of the essential and frontline workers that are fighting the pandemic and working exhausting hours day in and day out to fight what and navigate the waters of what this world is going through. It’s hard to believe that we have been experiencing this for almost two years now. And I don’t think the amount of exhaustion people are feeling from what the world is experiencing can be written into words.

I’m thankful and grateful for my parents. I’m thankful for them having the courage to sit down and talk with me about my sexuality even though it was an uncomfortable territory at first. I’m thankful for your patience, understanding, and compassion that you have shown me every step of the way and continue to do each day. You have been huge supporters and encouragers this year especially with my Miles 4 Smiles Campaign and that is something I can’t possibly even begin to write about in expression of how grateful I am for that. Without your guidance, I would not be the man I am today. I would be lost in this world of negativity, hate, and pain if it wasn’t for the constant love that you have used from your souls to raise me on the principles of love and kindness for everyone regardless of religion, social status, ethnicity, politics affiliation, or sexuality. I hope I continue to make you proud as I grow through the years ahead on the paths that await.

I’m thankful and grateful for my brother. While you might not have been the most loving sibling to me during our time growing up, I truly wouldn’t want to have it any other way. Even though we may still have fighting battles of words and wit every now and then, you are someone that I look up to and truly admire. You are extremely hard working and I have thoroughly enjoyed watching you mature into a loving husband to Mindy. It also warms my heart seeing you be a wonderful father to both Mackenzie and Ellie. You may have the brain of smarts, but I have the brain of good fashion sense. Ha!

I’m thankful and grateful for my sister-in-law, Mindy. Mindy–you have brought even more grace, love, and support to our family and we could never thank you enough for that. I have been able to witness you as a hardworking mom who wants to give her family all the best no matter what the cost and that melts my heart. I know you’ve been through some very tough times that have rocked your emotions over the years and seeing how you have come out of those trials even stronger is such beautiful a thing. And every time I get to see you interact with your girls, Mackenzie and Ellie, it brings a big smile to my face.

I’m thankful and grateful for my two nieces, Mackenzie and Ellie. They both have brought a whole new level of smiles and innocence to my life that I adore like no other. I have found my inner child getting to build Legos with Mackenzie on the weekly, coloring, playing hide and sneak or whatever other games she wants to play is just so fun! And getting to hold Ellie and hear her cute, baby sniffles and breathing make the inner soul soar with love. I can’t wait to continue watching them grow up even though I wish time would slow down! I’m also secretly excited for Uncle JP selfies with them both.

I’m thankful and grateful for my coworkers (at both the full time and part time locations) whom I get the pleasure of being around on the daily. While I continue to navigate the virtual work world (which I have struggled with this year and still have my moments), I’m thankful that each and every one of you is always happy to lend a listening ear or offer a piece of advice or guidance in regards to anything that I’m struggling with. All of you bring so much to the table and have helped me grow emotionally and professionally. I only hope that we continue to push each other in our future growth paths together in making the lives of those we help day in and day out a bit better. The future growth that we are continuing to see in the new year (and next 5 years) is only going to present so many more wonderful opportunities for each of us to try new things and make history!

I’m thankful and grateful for both Melanie and Christine who have been my in-person office cubicle ladies since June. I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know both of you on a more personal level as we have shared many fun moments, personal stories, and supported each other in both our personal and work lives. I’m excited to share 2022 with you gals as we keep our in-person antics going.

I’m thankful and grateful for all the incredible friends who have supported me throughout my life in different capacities. It doesn’t matter if our paths have crossed for a hot second (literally) in the past, have crossed paths in the present, or will cross paths in the future…each of those moments (or future moments yet to happen) is incredibly special in the evolution of Mr. Sunshine as a human being.

I’m thankful and grateful for Marissa. She has been with me since the beginning (literally) when we grew up as daycare buddies. We have only strengthened our friendship over the years and I can’t thank you enough for always being there to offer your ear for a vent session and advice on whatever I might bring to you. I love that we have our Saturday evening traditions of scary movies, Domino’s pizza, games, or whatever else we decide to pass the time. You are always in my corner and I appreciate that more than you can imagine. I look forward to all the carbs, laughs, and scary movies that await in 2022.

I’m thankful and grateful for Abby. She is kind, generous, and compassionate. I’m grateful for the fact that we can just sit on the couch, put on a Disney princess movie, and have the best time watching. When I’m with you, I always know that I will be laughing and having a good time regardless of what we end up doing. Thank you for being a sounding board when I have moments of word vomit.

I’m thankful and grateful for Ephrata Performing Arts Center and all those I’ve met and had the pleasure of working with over the years. It is so special to me that I have access to a theater so close to home where the feeling of those around you is family. It is a safe place where I can be myself and find joy in the smiles I see on the faces of audience members when under the lights to perform. This year, performing Something Rotten after a year without live performances was an amazing feeling and it brought me right back to the feeling of how much I appreciate a creative outlet to make people happy so close to home.

I’m thankful and grateful for Hank Angus and those from the Hope Express family that believed in me and helped me to uncover the definition of “being worthy” and keeping my passion with finding a cure for pediatric cancer alive. The kindness and generosity of everyone involved with this organization is immeasurable and I only pray that I can continue to strive and make a difference each day with sharing love and hope with everyone around me and igniting a fire within them to make positive change.

I’m thankful and grateful for the late Pat Kautter who was a true pioneer in the theater world. I was thankful to work with her on a few different shows in multiple capacities at the Ephrata Performing Arts Center. She was always the “theater mom” who encouraged me not to give up, be true to my identity, and give each moment 110%…even if it meant smiling as I tried to fake tap dance!

I’m thankful and grateful for my Grandma Neidermyer who left us back in 2006. More than a decade later, it still feels like yesterday when I was huddled around the bed witnessing your last breaths on this earth with all of the family crying tears of pain. I wasn’t ready for you to leave. Your gentle smile is one that is imprinted in my mind and your presence is one I feel from above, especially in moments when I’m struggling. Each day, I wake up and look at the very last picture we got together at the 2005 high school holiday concert that sits on my dresser. It was such a surprise to see you after the show and the smiles on both of our faces in this image are true joy. A moment I will never forget as long as I live.

I’m thankful and grateful for my personal trainer, Zach Musser. He has helped me stay motivated to better my body and mind physically and mentally. I’ve been seeing him for almost 4 years and I can’t begin to thank him enough for the lifestyle changes that he has helped me create for myself. Even if I give him attitude and sass during our early morning workouts, he never fails to push me harder with his undying encouragement and motivation, especially on those days when I just want to quit. 2022 is going to be a BIG year for my fitness goals, so I hope you are ready to help me get my body looking like Gregg Sulkin.

I’m thankful and grateful for my online health/life coach, Daniel Buckley. He seems to have come into my life at just the right moment. We have been working together now for about 3 years. He always is encouraging and motivating during his check-ins with me to make sure that I’m staying on track with my food logging and daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly commitments and goals that I have created for myself. He has the best smile and the energy that exudes from his voice is refreshing and invigorating. We have both been able to support each other in our personal lives and struggles as we offered guidance and words of wisdom over our time of knowing each other, which is even more impressive considering we live in different states. Get ready, Daniel! When I come visit Nashville, I’m making you run with me for at least a mile. No excuses.

I thankful and grateful for all the jocks and straight boys who got a kick out of making fun of me during the years of my childhood. Because of you, I learned to grow thick skin and realize that I shouldn’t give TWO HOOTS about what others think about me or my sexuality. And even though there are moments (mind you in today’s society…the 21ST CENTURY), that I still get stared at or name called, I often find it a bit more tolerable for me to move on and ignore it because of the harsh words that you threw at me growing up.

I’m thankful and grateful for Pastor Angie and my church family. Pastor Angie has heard it all already from me in the short time I’ve known her and she always has special guidance and wisdom to offer…and a cup of coffee too! She has been thrown quite the task of leading our faith community during such a challenging time and she done more than any of us would have ever expected. Her tenacity and strength is unparallel to anyone I’ve ever met, especially at times when she is going through some personal struggles. She has continued to challenge our entire church community to do better for the community and to offer up our gifts to make change in the world for the better. I can’t wait to see what is in store for the community at St. Paul Penryn in 2022 because we are unstoppable and a force to reckon with. And, in case you need a new community to worship with or feel fulfilled and included, we welcome ALL, so check us out.

I’m thankful and grateful for my Tampa coworker, colleague, and friend, Harrison. 2021 has been no different with him always sweeping in with his exceptional with and humor at the times that I need it most when I’m going crazy and struggling. He always offers a perspective in order to make me step back and think so as to make sure I’m not always acting upon emotions. He also always is there to offer advice for a good, upbeat song to help make the day go by even faster. I was lucky enough to meet him in person (finally) this year during his first of two visits to Lancaster and it was wonderful! He is a wonderful human that I’m glad God put in my life.

I’m thankful and grateful for Handsome Jed. While he is someone who is newer to my circle of friends, he feels like he has been a friend forever. He is warm, kind, compassionate, and every adjective in between. He challenges me, holds me accountable, and supports all of my endeavors. He is always the first person to offer a helping hand no matter what the circumstance. He is a blessing to everyone he encounters and I couldn’t be more thankful for the fact that he is part of my Lancaster family.

I’m thankful and grateful for all my blog post supporters who continue to come back week after week. I have thoroughly enjoyed writing content for you all over these past 3 years and I couldn’t be more humbled by your support, love, and kindness.

I want to thank my bestie, DMH. I know that I’ve said it many times before, but I’m so thankful that you were brought into my life a mere 7 years ago through what is one of the worst phone apps to this day. Our friendship has only gotten stronger since that time. You are one individual that I trust completely, which is hard for me to do these days because of the past I have experienced. Thank you for being a constant in my life amongst a world of change. Thank you for adding extra letters in your texts, never getting mad if I’m having reactive moments of emotion over aspects of my life, allowing me to word vomit in car travels to scary movies, not judging me for wanting to sing Josh Groban’s “Evermore” at the top of my lungs, knowing that sometimes all I need is a night of rummy playing to recharge, and for always being able to bring a smile to my face no matter what the situation. These are priceless things that I cherish greatly (more than you can ever imagine). For these many moments, I will never be able to repay you. I can only hope (well I don’t hope because I know for a fact) that our friendship will only continue to grow stronger as we grow older. . I’m very, very, VERY lucky to know you and have you by my side as a bestie. In today’s society, I think it is extremely important and necessary, especially in the gay community, to have a best friend that involves a platonic relationship. I think it is vital for both personal and emotional growth. We share something special and I hope that everyone in the world is jealous of it…because you know what…they should be–what we share as besties is not something many people have in this world. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the memories thus far and for the memories that I know are yet to come. It has been wonderful seeing you take on your dream of interior design this year after finally taking a plunge! I’m excited to see what the future holds in store for you with that career and when you start your own business, I call dibs on being the Administrative Assistant. I’m looking forward to seeing you splash Sunshine Cottage with some of your creativity energy with the projects and budget I gave you! I’m also looking forward to starting off 2022 with our bestie trip to Las Vegas for Katy Perry. I hope you realize how much of a special individual you are to me and how vital of a role you play in Mr. Sunshine’s daily grind.

I’m thankful and grateful for everyone in life that has been able to look past the walls of judgment our society has built up to realize that I, along with my fellow LGBT brothers and sisters, are human beings full of love to give. We are no different than you. Just because we love someone of the same sex doesn’t mean that we should be called inappropriate names, stared at constantly, or judged because we want to be happy. Quite frankly, I’ve been called the word ‘faggot’ enough in my life. I want anyone in the world who is struggling with their sexuality to know that it will be OK. I know that it can be scary territory to navigate, but I assure you that you are NEVER ALONE. There will always be people around to wrap warmth and support around you in the moments of extreme darkness when you want to give up.

I’m thankful and grateful for ALL of the individuals from ALL over the world who have supported me financially, emotionally, and physically during this year’s Miles 4 Smiles campaign. I have never done something as crazy as this undertaking and there have definitely been moments throughout the year where I have thought to myself that I’m not going to be able to hit these ambitious goals. But somehow, through the love and support of YOU, I sit here within reach of BOTH my running and monetary goals for this year’s mission in support of The Conner M. Holland Foundation.

So, please remember to continue taking moments out of every single day for reflections on the many blessings that you are both thankful and grateful in your life.

Because I believe feeling or expressing gratitude, being appreciative, and being thankful are all priceless.

And we could all use a bit more priceless thankfulness in our lives.

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!

Hi Folks!

It is that time again where I wish you another happy Monday as we start a new week in this crazy thing called life.

And what a crazy week it was.

We got news in regards to a high-profile trial coming to an end, bill signing in the White House that has seemed to only further the polarizing of the political spectrum, news about booster shots being approved for all adults, and some Summer-like weather that Mother Nature decided to throw in as a teaser before she decided to blow some cold winds our way.

Can’t wait to see what is in store for us this week.

And before I get into this week’s post (which I promise you will be an easy, short read), I want to take just a few moments to bullet point some quick entities in my life that I’m thankful for, especially since the holiday of thankfulness is upon us.

This in no way, shape, or form a complete list (like duh…do you even know who I am?!), but rather just a quick jolt to help you think about entities that you are thankful for in your life too!

1. I’m thankful for my loving family who is always there to support me through every undertaking no matter what the cost with the greatest love.
2. I’m thankful for my incredible friends who always know how to make me laugh, give me unconditional love, and keep me going during the toughest of times.
3. I’m thankful for my coworkers at both my full-time and part-time jobs who always continue to challenge me on the daily and encourage me to take risks, do the right thing, and help others.
4. I’m thankful for Pastor Angie and my church family. My spirituality is such an important part of my life and has become even more important since the pandemic. There is always a wonderful comfort that I find within our faith community.
5. I’m thankful for a warm roof over my head that gives me shelter along with moments of calm, warmth, and relaxation after days of exhaustion.
6. I’m thankful for all of YOU who continue to come back week after week to relish in the words I write from the heart for you to read every Monday.

Your turn! Please make sure to take some time today, tomorrow, and every day after to be thankful for things in your life. And if they happen specific to a person in your life, please make sure to reach out and let them hear those words.

And while Thanksgiving takes place this coming Thursday, November 25th, being thankful is something that we should acknowledge each and every day.

Alright, it’s time to move on to this week’s post…the 145th one I’ve written to be exact!

Are you ready?

Do you have your morning coffee (or whatever morning beverage you enjoy most) in your hand?

Are you cuddled in warmth ready to read some more words?

I hope that you answered an energetic YES to all of these questions!

At the moment, it is currently 8:34pm.

I’m lying on the couch, in a blanket, with pain and exhaustion in the body after running 13.3 miles around Lititz to clock mile number 1,179 in the year-long Miles 4 Smiles journey.

And, in case you were wondering, that is marathon #45 of 50. That means we have just 5 more to complete with 39 days left!

AND…

We are 88% of the way to our $20,000 fundraising goal!

Insanity.

Which leads me in to this week’s post about emotional tears.

And…no…I’m not talking about the emotional tears that I cry from watching all the Hallmark and romantic comedy movies with happy endings.

Because…yes…I do cry at those movies.

Rather, I’m talking about the raw, real tears that fell from my face as I experienced support in the past week from people all over the United States.

One week ago, as I sat on my bed waiting to become tired, I kept thinking to myself about how daunting of a task it would be for me to finish out the last 50 days of the Miles 4 Smiles journey to hit both the 50 marathon running goal AND $20,000 fundraising goal.

As I kept running numbers over and over in my head, I kept getting discouraged with the fact that my running schedule would need to become a bit more intense and the fundraising efforts would need to ramp up even more than the previous 11 months.

I was starting to feel defeated.

I was starting to feel that these goals I created for myself were a bit too ambitious.

So, I decided to enlist the help of some of my closest customers at work.

I reached out to just a handful of them explaining my mission and passion to help others and to show them the other side of Mr. Sunshine when I’m not on the 8-5 clock working as an Account Manager.

And in just one week, the total fundraising efforts went from $14,000 to $17,660!

Almost an additional $4,000 was added in just about 7 days.

SAY WHAT??!!

And can you guess what I did?

Yep, you guessed it.

I did exactly what the title of this blog post confirms.

I cried emotional tears.

I went from feeling defeated in regards to the yearly goals to feeling an energy of revival in just one week.

And as I sit hear writing about it for you, I still continue to get emotional.

Call it divine intervention, but it was like my cry for help was heard and in return met with the most overwhelming support that I never imagined would happen.

Seeing the support from not only some of my customers across the world, but individuals (some of whom I don’t even know that well or at all) coming together for the common good to create light in the world is so rewarding and beautiful.

Our world is a dark place.

But I’ll be damned if I let it extinguish the fire in my soul that continues to burn with the support, help, and love of individuals everywhere.

Literally…everywhere.

We are changing the world.

We are going to continue changing the world.

And we have another 39 days left to CRUSH our goals in the year-long journey that started January 4th.

And my emotional tears are at the ready.

Feel passionate or moved to donate to help these families fighting pediatric cancer? Or at least spread the word to others around you?

Join the flight and please check out miles-4-smiles.com (link below) for more information and to make a donation!

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!

http://miles-4-smiles.com

Well, hi there folks!

First off, I would like to thank you for supporting me during my decision to take a few weeks off from blogging!

Second off, I want to thank you for coming back to read a fresh new post from yours truly!

Can you believe that the last time I wrote an official blog post was on the 11th of October?!

It has been 5 weeks!

Like, WHOA.

A lot can happen in 5 weeks.

And guess what?!

Ding! Ding!

You guessed it!

I’m going to tell you all about those 5 weeks and what I learned.

Are you ready?

Are you cuddled up with your favorite cozy blanket and warm beverage?

Although with the Summer-like weather we had this past week, we could trade that blanket in for a pina colada.

Anyway, I digress as per the usual.

5 week sabbatical.

Right.

Here we go.

I learned that I get incredible joy from performing on a stage in front of an audience unlike anything else in my life. After being away for almost two years, I can’t tell you how much excitement I had every night performing Something Rotten at the EPAC with a cast and crew of the most brilliant individuals. And for those who were so kind to come out and support it, you know exactly what I’m talking about. The energy that cast gave each night was electrifying and contagious.

And it was just the jolt of joy humans in this world needed after COVID cancelled everything in 2020.

With this joy though, I also learned that the rehearsal process has become a bit too much for my body when also trying to work a full time and part time job.

I learned that I need to listen to my body when it is screaming at me.

And that was exactly what I did after Something Rotten closed. I had no down time as I went into stage managing a special two-night performance of Hedwig for Halloween weekend.

My body cried.

So, I listened.

I got off social media with the scrolling habit for several days and I coupled that with no work for four days straight.

I put my phone on DND and set no alarm to chime in the morning.

It.

Was.

Glorious.

I didn’t realize how much my body needed that mental reset until I was in the moment resting it.

With this rest, I also learned that I can’t work on changing the world if I’m not taking care of myself.

I’ve always put others first in my life and set any needs of my own to the sidelines. It’s just who I am. And while I have loved working to fundraise for multiple facets of charities over the past couple of years, I’ve learned that I need to force myself to hit the brakes.

This year’s mission with Miles 4 Smiles—which has just under 50 days left—has definitely added some stress and anxiety to my daily life because of the thoughts that I will not reach my goals. And while I continue to be hopeful, there is still the small voice in my mind telling me we won’t make it.

And what has that taught me?

That I need to start learning to say “no” to things and saying “yes” to myself.

So, I’ll say this now because I want each and every one of you reading these words to hold me accountable.

2022 is going to be a year for me. To focus on me. So, while there might be times that I say “no” to you, I would ask that you don’t take it personally. That “no” is actually a “yes” for myself to keep me going and healthy—physically and mentally.

The pandemic really messed with my mind. I feel like I have lost part of my socialization skills with others and that makes me incredibly sad. Moments where there are lots of people that present an opportunity to socialize was something that I used to not bat an eye at with diving in and talking. But now, I have started to second guess my ability to carry conversations. And I want to try and find that part of me again.

I also want to work on my fitness and health. While I feel physically healthy for the most part (especially with running almost every day), I want to dig into the muscle building aspect of my body.

I find myself too often scrolling through the phone at social media wasting time when I could be investing time into myself.

And while I’m extremely proud of the progress I have made with my body over the years with my awesome trainer Zach, there is a craving for me to put in hard work even more so since I will have the time to focus on me when I say “yes” to myself.

And if you want to see a visual of my fitness body goal, just type in ‘Gregg Saulkin Pretty Smart” into the search bar and click the images option.

You’re welcome.

And last, bur certainly not least, I learned from my sunshine sabbatical that quality time with my family and friends (which I do hope to get more of in the new year) is something I cherish deeply as it gives me a rejuvenation of true happiness. On the flip side, I also equally cherish the moments of time by myself too.

I never thought myself to be someone who truly enjoyed being alone; however, after living through a pandemic, I truly have learned to appreciate the quiet time I have with just me and myself.

It is refreshing and reviving.

In these past five weeks, I have learned so much about what my body needs and how I need to execute things in my life to keep myself feeling well balanced.

I learned that taking time off and doing absolutely nothing is needed.

As my one colleague from work Kris reminded me…

…a car needs gas to go. And if we don’t fill up that tank, it will just stop.

Our bodies are our car. And if we don’t learn to fill its tank up when needed, we will just stop, crash, and burn.

Fill up your tank ladies and gentlemen.

Take that sabbatical to recharge your body.

Give yourself grace.

And remember that we can’t continue to change the world with love, kindness, and other good things if we ourselves can’t give our bodies those very same entities.

Take the sabbatical.

Fill the tank.

Be love.

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!

The month of October has been insanely busy and really made me realize how exhausted my body is with all that is happening and what I’ve involved with.

With that being said, I’m waving the white flag and giving up blogging for the next four weeks.

Come back November 15th when new posts of words for your eyes will begin again!

In the meantime, be kind to others, listen to your body, and continue learning to love yourself and the people around you.

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!

Hello, readers! Today, I officially welcome you to my 142nd post that I’ve written since starting this endeavor back in 2018! Can you believe that we are in the third year of sunshine and smiles with this site? I guess they aren’t wrong when they say that time flies when you are having fun!

On a side note, time also flies if the year is 2021 because how in the heck is it already the second week of October?! Official countdown tells me that it is 45 days until Thanksgiving and 75 days until Christmas.

Say it isn’t so! That is just INSANE.

Once again, I thank you for both following on this journey and supporting me with your reading eyes, immense love, and undying support. It truly does mean the world to me and words in weekly posts can’t express the true amount of gratitude that I have in my heart, especially since I’ve been doing this now for three years!

Anyhoo, let’s get on to this week’s post.

In case you didn’t know, today is National Coming Out Day. It is a day that is extremely important to me in many respects and one that I hope that others in this world will start to educate themselves about and appreciate as we move forward in the 21st century.

My name is JP Welliver.

I am gay.

I am proud.

I am love.

And even when life isn’t a rainbow, I’m a proud one.

As an openly gay man living in this world, nothing saddens me more than knowing that we are still struggling for rights and continue to be viewed as “different” or “unfit” by a society that feeds upon hate and judgment.

It is 2021.

We are living in the 21st century. What gives? How can it be that we are still living in a world where we would rather hate with our words than love with our hearts? It is the million dollar question that I continue to try and answer each and every day as I live out life.

I’m 34 years old. I’m a openly gay single man living in the town of Lancaster where I work full time as an Account Manager at The Webstaurantstore, part time as a Customer Service Auditor for The Loomis Company, and music director of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Penryn, PA. And while I keep myself busy with these careers, I also find time to participate in theater productions at the Ephrata Performing Arts Center, personal train twice a week, run about 3-4 miles a day in my Miles 4 Smiles fundraising campaign, and also watch The Golden Girls. However, amongst the crazy schedule, the miles run, the weights lifted, and the large amounts of caffeine consumed, there is one thing that is always in the back of my mind constantly even with being in the 21st century.

And that is my sexuality. Even in 2021, there are still moments where I feel judged and stared at.

In Spring of 2005, my junior year of high school, I made the decision to come out to a few of my friends. And while it was a decision that weighed heavily on me day in and day out, it is one that I look back on with no regrets. And 14 year later, after being bullied, called inappropriate names including the term ‘faggot’, and struggling with thoughts of hurting myself and trying to figure out what I’m on this Earth for, I stand even stronger and prouder of who I am.

Today, I want to share a few reflections that I hope you will all take to heart and ponder as you go about your daily lives today, tomorrow, and each day after.

I want to thank my parents. While I know it was a struggle in the beginning to accept and we fought with differences, I couldn’t be more thankful for all of the unwavering support and true love you have continuously showed me throughout my life. You have raised me to fight for what I believe in, to never give up, and to show love and kindness to all. For that, I can’t repay you and having you by my side is the greatest gift I could ask for.

I want to thank my incredible and amazing friends who have been there through thick and thin since day one. I can’t even begin to imagine life without you all. You make the smiles, laughs, tears, hugs, and memories of each passing day extraordinary and worth living. Having a supportive team of individuals around me does wonders for the soul and it is something that I try to never take for granted. Each and every one of you is appreciated and loved so much. Each and every one of you has had some kind of impact in the evolution of Mr. Sunshine up to this point in my life. And for those who will continue to evolve with me in the future, I look forward to the days ahead with an unwavering optimistic energy.

I want to take a moment to share reflections with those out there struggling with their identity and sexuality. Always be true to yourself and never sacrifice anything for what you feel in your heart. Know that you are not alone and that there will always be people around to wrap you in love and warmth when the world seems cold and closes in with darkness. Find your support system. They are out there and are ready to love and support you in life’s toughest moment of weakness.

I want to take a moment to share some reflections to those who view me and my fellow gay community as different. I hope that you will one day be able to look past the walls of judgement that you have built up and realize that we are no different than you. And while we may identify with feelings for those of the same sex, we are still human beings full of love and pride.

I encourage all of you to celebrate the rainbow and the gay community and to extend a hand to all in this world by spreading love and kindness. Not just this month, but every month of the year. Do it today, tomorrow, and each day after.

There may be days in my life left on this Earth that I get bullied, called faggot, or struggle with the thoughts of hurting myself. In fact, some of you might remember earlier this year that I wrote a post about the April Sunday afternoon where I was called by a faggot while running on the back country roads of Lititz. It was a moment that made me shed tears and brought to the forefront that hate, prejudice, and bigotry are still very much alive.

If, as you are reading this, think that hate, prejudice, and bigotry do not exist in our world, I ask you to look out your window.

Seriously.

Take a moment right now as you read this to pause and look out the window…wherever that might be in your current habitat.

Or at least take a moment later in your day to look out the window, but please make sure to take a moment to do so.

And as you gaze out that window, I ask you to look at the world around and realize that it is not perfect and far from it.

And after looking out the window and at the world, go look at yourself in the mirror.

And as you look at yourself in the mirror, take a moment to ask yourself this question:

“Am I enabling the problem or helping to end it.”

While I realize that some of you have never experienced a moment of bigotry, prejudice, or hate (and might never experience one), I need you to understand that it still exists.

Very much so.

For so many people from all different walks of life…not just gay men.

And it is a reality that I have lived in these 34 years of life more than once. More times that can be count on your fingers and toes combined.

Do you ever walk out of your house in fear that you might get hurt because of the person you are and people you love?

Do you ever think that you will be discriminated against because of the people you love?

Do you ever think that you will be made fun or bullied because of who you are?

These are all questions that I have (and continue to) answer ‘yes’ to on the daily.

And while I hope and pray that we will eventually live in a world where these entities do not exist, I sincerely hope and pray that you will do your best to show love and kindness to everyone you meet and to help bring an end to discrimination and all the elements of hatred that come along with it.

But I do know this. I am a believer in sharing love and kindness to everyone regardless of social status, ethnicity, religion, skin color, or sexual orientation.

I look for the good in others and work hard in finding ways to make those around me happier. I believe in happily every after and will not sacrifice my morals or values to find whatever that might be for me in life.

I fight for what I believe in.

I am happy.

I am positive.

I am spiritual.

I am joyful.

I am silly.

I am reactive.

I am emotional.

I am proud.

I am colorful.

I am Mr. Sunshine.

I am JP.

I am gay.

I stand before you in this very moment with great pride in my true colors and can’t wait to continue sharing with the world who I am and what I’m about.

We need to stop the hating, the judgments, the bullying, and work together as one to break down the walls of hate that have paralyzed our society with the belief that the gay community is different. This world needs more love.

The events that have unfolded and continue to unfold in the world around us are clear examples that we are in need of so much more love and kindness.

Where are the opens arms of love that we should be extending to ALL humans regardless of the gender of the humans they love?

When will the hating stop?

When will the violence end?

When are we going to wake up as a human race and realize that people who love the same sex are no different than anyone else?

When is the world going to realize that love is love is love?

My name is JP Welliver.

I am gay.

I am proud.

I am love.

And even when life isn’t a rainbow, I’m a proud one.

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!

Well, folks.

I guess it is time for me to wish you a happy Monday yet again.

We have officially hit the Fall season, tenth month of the year, and sweater weather.

Oh…and pumpkin everything in case you forgot or haven’t experienced the basic PSL that everyone these days seems to be obsessed with and can’t get enough of.

Well, enough about pumpkin.

Should we talk about Christmas instead?

Because in case you haven’t noticed, Christmas decorations (specifically trees) have started to make their appearance in local stores everywhere.

Does that make anyone anxious?

Or is that just me?

Joy to the world, everyone!

Anyhoo, we are not talking about pumpkin or Christmas this week.

Sorry not sorry.

But what I am going to talk about is something that is super critical during ALL seasons, ALL holidays, ALL days of our lives.

It seems impossible anymore these days to not experience a moment of hatred or rudeness as we go about living out life.

Whether it is opening a website to read a news article, experiencing the wrath of a customer over the phone yelling and screaming, or witnessing humans belittling each other in some public space, it just seems like the entity of kindness has become forgotten in more ways than one.

There are days when I become drained just because I see how far gone our world, our Country, and our communities really are.

Political differences have deepened wounds among us.

Topics such as masks and vaccines result in exchanges of intense debate and negativity.

And violence seems to erupt too easily more often than not.

People feel entitled to everything and think because of that, they can yell, scream, and assume everyone not at “their level” is beneath them and deserves to be treated as such.

It’s sad.

It’s scary.

It’s draining.

It’s disheartening.

But it’s something we can change.

Kindness is defined as the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate. It is also defined as performing a kind act.

So, where’s the kindness?

Where’s the friendly, generous, and considerate attitude that we should be using throughout all moments of our lives?

Where in your life can you incorporate more kindness?

Can you let that friend in your life you haven’t talked to you in awhile know that you miss them and really appreciate them?

Can you pay for the person behind you the next time you are in a drive-thru?

Can you greet someone with a smile that you only just met in passing?

Can you help that older individual carry their groceries from cart to their car?

No matter who we are, each day presents an opportunity for us to be kind to someone else.

Being kind is something that continues to be overshadowed in our world by all the negative news, violence, and hatred that bears its ugly face constantly and consistently.

Being kind is ALWAYS in fashion and it is something that be displayed to everyone regardless of their color, sexual orientation, religion, social status, ethnicity—or whatever the case might be.

Period.

No exceptions.

Regardless of your political affiliation…BE KIND.

Regardless of your opinion on masks…BE KIND.

Regardless on your opinion about vaccines…BE KIND.

Regardless of whether or not you approve of me being a gay man…BE KIND.

The world seems to be going to shit. (I know…not very Mr. Sunshiney.)

But we can stop that.

It starts with you.

It starts with me.

Stop judging the book by its cover.

Stop yelling and automatically disagreeing without opening your hearts first to listen.

Stop creating judgment about someone without leading with love.

And above all else, be kind.

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!

Well, hey there folks!

It looks like we have reached yet another Monday in the month of September!

And what beautiful Fall weather Mother Nature decided to throw our way recently.

I hope all of you had the opportunity to enjoy some of it.

Or at least had the opportunity to enjoy a pumpkin spice latte.

Because…you know…basic.

Or anything pumpkin.

Because pumpkin is EVERYWHERE.

Also, while we are on the subject of pumpkin, Christmas is 90 days away.

No joke.

I just Googled that.

It’s true.

Which means I needed to start shopping like yesterday.

Anyhoo, I digress.

Let’s get to this week’s post!

Something that I hope all of you will say yes to reading.

See what I did there?!

I know. I know. I’m so clever.

And that segues perfectly into this week’s topic.

Anyone out there have as much trouble as I do with the following phrase.

“No.”

I can’t be the only one who struggles with this.

Please, please, please…raise your hands with me.

I feel like this is always something that I’ve struggled with–quite honestly, probably since coming out of my mother’s womb.

And quite honestly, it is something that I continue to struggle with.

This whole weekend I thought about it.

Well to be 78950% honest, I’ve been thinking about how bad I am at saying no and where in life that I need to learn how to say it.

And in addition to this, I also want to figure out things I need to say yes to as well.

But let’s focus on the no for now.

In the next week, here are 10 things that I want to say “no” to!

1. Going to bed after midnight.

2. Eating junk food after 10pm.

3. Drinking caffeinated soda after 10pm.

4. Cursing when I get frustrated and letting negative emotions get the best of me.

5. Going more than 10mph over the speed limit.

6. Not feeling guilty for wanting to say no to something or someone.

7. Getting addicted to social media and continuously scrolling right before sleepy time.

8. Spending money on things that are not necessary in life.

9. Staying off my phone when I’m in the presence of hanging out with friends.

10. Alcohol on weeknights.

On the flip side, here are 10 things I want to say “yes” to in the coming week!

1. Setting aside time for Christmas Eve planning.

2. Inviting friends and family to get tickets for Something Rotten at EPAC.

3. Paying for the person behind me in the drive-thru.

4. Sharing a positive comment with at least 3 people in my life on the daily.

5. More self-love and appreciation.

6. Scheduling some additional PTO before end of year.

7. More sleepovers at my childhood home with my parents.

8. More Disney movie watching.

9. More reading before bed.

10. Writing letters to encourage donations toward my fundraising efforts.

Well, folks.

There you have it.

Two simple words that can have lots of meaning in our lives.

Take a moment.

Breathe in.

Exhale.

Start figuring out where in your lfie you need to say “no” and what in you life can continue to still get the “yes.”

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!

Well, here we are experiencing yet another Monday in the ninth month of 2021.

And while it doesn’t feel like it, the first day of Fall is officially on Wednesday! That means time for Pumpkin Spice everything.

And by everything…I actually mean…EVERYTHING.

Yes. I pulled out the all caps for that word. To give it the extra emphasis it needed to make my point.

And now that I said Pumpkin Spice and wrote the words, all that I want right now is a PSL in my hand…

So if you want to make me happy and earn extra points with Mr. Sunshine, bring me a PSL…

Please.

Kthanks.

Okies.

Time to officially move on to writing about this week’s blog topic.

Do you have your PSL? Your coffee? Your warm morning beverage and sweatshirt to cuddle with as the brisk breeze comes through the open windows?

Well good! Because, here we go!

And short disclaimer…the windows are open currently, I’m laying on the couch, and it is 12:12am…just hours before I need to have this post finalized for your eyes to read it!

The term silver lining is defined as the following:

-A sign of hope in an unfortunate or gloomy situation; a bright prospect.

Shootings.

Wildfires.

Natural disasters.

Violence.

Hatred.

Covid.

The list goes on and on.

There are so many things in this world around us that cause incredible fear, darkness, and uncertainty–entities that would definitely fall under the “unfortunate or gloomy situation” portion of the silver lining definition listen above that you just read.

I’m not sure how all of you feel, but I know for me there are days when it feels like a silver lining is out of reach–or frankly doesn’t even exist.

And for Mr. Sunshine, that is a heavy statement to write.

This past couple of month, I have had the extreme pleasure to be surrounded by many incredibly talented individuals who are working to put a production of Something Rotten at the Ephrata Performing Arts Center.

It has been a silver lining for me.

The silver lining that has restored some shine in my soul, light in my life, and energy to keep going on those days when it just feels like the dark clouds are looming over our heads.

This show is the perfect production for those who need a silver lining in their life.

It is a show that provides an escape from the world around us for two hours and it is sure to make you laugh hysterically and humming along to the catchy tunes that intertwine throughout the scenes.

And not to mention the fabulous costumes, sets, and lights.

Truly, it is an awesome production to welcome back the community for the arts of LIVE theater.

This production and theater could be the silver lining YOU need.

Or the silver lining that someone else in your life needs.

The show opens October 7th and runs through October 23rd, so please head over to ephrataperformingartscenter.com to get more information on tickets.

I promise you won’t be disappointed.

And seeing your smiling faces in the seats as I try to fake my way through tap dancing will make my heart aflutter.

And you may or may not get to see me play some other fun characters too; however, no details on that because I can’t give it all away.

This is one silver lining I hope that some of you will participate in.

But it doesn’t end there.

After that production closes, I will be involved with stage manager a special two-night Halloween production of Hedwig and The Angry Itch to take place on Friday, October 29th and Saturday, October 30th. There will be three performances only and I promise that like Something Rotten, this is a production not to be missed.

But the silver lining opportunities don’t stop there.

Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve struggled with the fact that I have to start planning details and music for this year’s Christmas Eve service.

It is something that I normally start planning at the beginning of Summer and I’m still waiting for that moment where the inspiration will hit me and the light bulb will go off in my head in regards to a theme and music.

I have yet to have that moment.

After last year’s service that ended up being virtual due to Covid, I’m excited to say that we are moving forward with being optimistic and planning for an in-person service with a Zoom option for those who might not feel comfortable gathering in person.

The Christmas Eve service is always one of my favorites to plan and participate in.

It presents a silver lining opportunity to get the creative juices flowing to making a meaningful worship experience for the entire community to enjoy on Christmas Eve.

How can you be a part of this silver lining?

Over the next couple of weeks, I will be looking for individuals who are willing to be a part of the service in regards to special music whether it be via an instrument or voice.

Want to be a part of this experience? Please, please, PLEASE reach out to me and let me know. There are also plenty of opportunities to get involved even if you are not musical.

Our faith community has an opportunity to create a silver lining with our Christmas Eve traditions this year for a world that is in great need of hope and light.

It’s time to embrace the fall phrase of “turning over a new leaf.”

Join our theater community during the month of October for two productions that are sure to bring you the silver lining that could be responsible for getting you out of the funk of doom and gloom that overtakes our daily lives.

Join our faith community in helping to produce a silver lining with our Christmas Eve service to those in our surrounding communities who need it most.

It’s time to say hello to that silver lining sunshine.

Sprinkle sunshine always,

Well, hello there!

And welcome to another post from yours truly, Mr. Sunshine.

As promised since I took the week off last Monday for vacation, I have plenty of sunshine and tan lines for you this week!

And let me tell you…the tan lines are quite extreme.

I’m currently in the peeling stage, so there is just a bit of itching happening.

Worth. It.

Anyway, I guess we should get down to business.

I mean…you did come here this morning with your reading eyes ready, right?!

Go grab your morning beverage sidekick of choice and cuddle up for some words straight from the soul of the sunshine!

I don’t know about you, but something about being at the beach always gets my mind thinking.

It’s like the atmosphere of sand, water, waves, and sunshine create the perfect storm for the brain to think deeply and have epiphanies.

It happens year after year without fail.

Anyone else have this experience or feeling?

I can’t be the only one in the minority on this.

Also, anyone else experience post-vacation depression? That is also a very real feeling, but a digression on my actual topic for this week.

And with the events of the world around us and all the “noise” happening in all aspects—COVID, gun violence, political strain, differing opinions—it makes the events of beach-time epiphanies even greater…an escape from the shit happening around us.

Anyhoo, stay with me.

Whilst enjoying sand, water, waves, and sunshine this past week, I had the pleasure of reading a book entitled, You Deserve Better by Tyler Cameron.

I didn’t know anything about Tyler’s background and happened to stumble across his Instagram and immediately felt a good energy about him.

Don’t you just love it when people you meet (or don’t meet if it is just a social media relationship), give off a beautiful energy that just makes you smile and while also making everything just instantly feel better?!

Anyway, Tyler Cameron was a contestant on The Bacherlorette during season 15 and fell in love with Hannah. Ultimately, in short, he was not picked in the end and ended up being broken up with on National TV for all to see. In his book, he discusses a lot about the experience and what he learned about himself, relationships, and communication.

Google him. He is an interesting, beautiful human that deserves all the love the world has to offer.

Anyhoo, I digress.

There were several elements and themes I took away from his book that really resonated with me during this week at the beach.

And I share them with you this week.

Read on!

1. Through love, serve one another.

-This one is literally like a Mr. Sunshine mantra, so if you have not realized yet, I love to help others and serve in love. It is what I was created for on this Earth. It is what gives me the most joy. You will always find a smile on my face if I’m helping others and sharing kindness in some way, shape, or form. Period. Tyler writes, “Whenever I’m feeling down or having trouble connecting to my purpose, I find that looking outside myself is often the answer. When you get up in your own mind, you can spiral. You can easily lose touch with reality and what’s really important. But when you do something to help someone else, it lifts your spirit like nothing else.” Go try it.

2. Keep friends around who want to see you grow.

-Are the friends in your circle motivating you? Are they encouraging you to follow your dreams? Do they support you in anything you undertake? Do they hold you accountable? Do they make everything all about them? Are you friends people who take, take, take and never give back? Just like plants need elements to keep going and growing, so do we as humans. In addition, we need to weed out those in our life that kill our vibe, don’t jive with our morals, and politely let them go. Weeds kill the plants they engulf as do the weeds that we keep around in our circle of friends. There is a quote that I happened to come across while writing these words for you that says, “At some point, you have to realize that some people belong in your heart, but not in your life.”

3. Be with people who give off great energy which ends up making you feel great.

-Tyler talks in the book about how organizations have a Board of Directors and that we should always our very own “Board of Directors” with our friends. We want to surround ourselves with people who make us better. Tyler writes, “Your people are what make you.” Have you looked at those in your life recently? Are they positive people who bring light and energy to your daily or life or whenever you have the opportunity to see/hang out with that individual? Friendships can make or break us. As Tyler says, “They either inspire you to greatness or pull you down in the gutter. Iron sharpens iron–you can do so much when you have good people around you.” Do you have those good people around you?

4. Embrace the tough skin rejection gives you.

-This is a hard one for me because I do not like rejection. In fact, I would be so bold to say that I have a fear of it. But Tyler gives it a new, fresh perspective. He experienced his greatest rejection on national TV and because of that, he has grown thicker skin and have been given even greater opportunities through this rejection. For me, the scars that come from rejection are something that I’ve grown up constantly feeling. And now, as a 34 year-old, it is hard for me to shift the mindset from the fact that rejection is not a bad entity. Rejection for a job promotion might lead to an opportunity that is even bigger and better. Rejection in the dating world just might mean that the person for you (if it is meant to be), might still be out there. We need to rejuvenate and reconstruct our brains with how we view the definition of rejection and spinning it into something positive.

Well, folks. That is all I have for you this week.

Which means that I hope your morning beverage sidekick was able to last through all the words.

I highly encourage you to check out Tyler Cameron’s You Deserve Better because it is a read that gets two thumbs up from Mr. Sunshine.

And I highly encourage you to use aloe if you ever get sunburn.

And finally, I highly encourage you to come back next week for another new post.

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!

Hi, folks!

Happy Labor Day!

I’m out of office, which means I’m taking the week off from blogging.

Enjoy the sunshine. Enjoy life.

Come back next week!

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!