Mr. Sunshine Smiles

Well, hello!

Another round of Happy Monday wishes to all of you!

The wind is howling, the blanket is wrapped tightly around my legs, and the laughs from an episode of Mid Century Modern are echoing within the walls of Sunshine Studio.

Welcome to a typical after 8pm evening with Mr. Sunshine where the planner book sits blank with no plans.

Well…a typical evening doesn’t always involve the wind.

Anyhoo, let’s get right at it this week.

In 2020, I wrote a post entitled “Noise.”

Well, 5 years later, I’m writing about the same thing.

But I wanted to get EXTRA creative and call in “Noise 2.0.”

I know. Clever, right?!

And let me be clear, I’m not talking about the noise of cars honking horns, people screaming obscenities from their windows of their homes, or cars driving by with their music blaring.

I’m talking about the noise of social media. An entity in my life that I continue to evaluate my relationship with. It feels like more of a love/hate relationship most of the time.

And we know that I don’t like to use the word hate, so I should actually say love/dislike very much relationship.

Honestly, the world of social media is toxic.

And it’s only gotten worse.

Y’all…we are mean people.

Do you realize that??

It isn’t even just a political thing anymore.

Our humanity has forgotten how to be kind to people.

Like basic 101 skills of being nice and kind.

I don’t think anyone—well very few people understand them anymore.

Like…just because I smile at you doesn’t mean that I want to sleep with you. It is actually a kind gesture that all of us should practice more in life.

Can you imagine that?! Like smiling should be a normal thing, but it sometimes is treated like a terrible and bad thing that doesn’t get reciprocated because we live in a world where we shy away from being kind and acknowledging the stranger.

It is too easy now for us to hate on each other and social media is a place where the ugliest of words can spread like wildfire.

It is easy to get caught up in the “noise” of social media that we lose sight of the entities that really matter in life–our family, our friends, our own well-being and mental health.

Sorry not sorry, but I am excited to continue on a journey of self-heatlh and a focus on me…

…without any noise.

And if that means limiting my social media time, muting, blocking, and being intentional about the content I see, so be it.

This week, I encourage you to take a few moments to identify the noise in your life.

And once you identify it, take a few moments to “stop, drop, and roll” yourself to moments of recharge, rejuvenation, and a focus on YOU.

As I close out this week, I share with you one of the quotes from Hoda Kotb’s book, I Really Needed This Today that I’ve been reading this year one day at a time.

“Never assume that loud is strong and quiet is weak.”

Weak, in fact, is a sign of strength and resilience.

Oh, and learn to be kind if you don’t practice it currently.

Be HUMAN with humanity.

That’s all I have for you.

Until next week friends.

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!

Well, hey there folks!

Another Monday has arrived!

And we are just a few days away from Easter!

And just 42 days away from Memorial Day, which is what a lot of us like to denote as the “unofficial” start to Summer!

The time keeps on flying.

And it just ain’t slowing down.

But, while the time isn’t able to slow down, there is one thing that we are able to control.

And that is our ability to take time to smell the slow down.

What do I mean by that?

I mean find those moments in your life where you can take a deep breath and really enjoy the moments that are occurring around you.

Anyone who has known me or followed me over the years knows that I am constantly on the go, go, go.

And I mean…GO, GO, GO!

In all caps.

Between four jobs, trying to stay committed at the gym, and making intentional time with family and friends, it can be a complicated maze of hours jam packed into the paper planner where everything gets written down.

That’s right. You did read that correctly.

I still use a paper planner.

It’s like my Bible.

That means, the times where I have nothing scheduled on my days where the blocks on the planner are empty mean a lot to me.

A LOT.

They are crucial for my well-being.

This past Wednesday, during my weekly video call with Ryan, he could sense something was off kilter with my energy.

So, we took a few minutes to play some calm music in the background, closed our eyes, and involved the body in a breathing exercise of meditation that allowed me to re-center and focus on the breath of the body.

It gave me time to slow down and appreciate the moment and the happenings of life around me.

So, with that moment of re-centering in mind, I tried to take it with me during the rest of the week.

I stopped to smell the slow down by…

1. Reading on the couch wrapped in a blanket with a candle burning.
2. Relishing in the beauty of the Christmas tree. Yes, I still have it up. Judge away. It brings me joy.
3. Crafting a fun Friday cocktail and enjoying a woman heroine Disney movie. That movie was Mulan in case you were wondering.
4. Not setting an alarm for Saturday morning–a day where the block on the planner was EMPTY for the morning hours.
5. Making coffee for myself and relishing in the quietness of my apartment while staring outside the window at the rainy clouds. It was so peaceful.
6. Reminding myself that if I feel off kilter, taking a few minutes to close my eyes and inhale and exhale for a few deep breaths can be life-changing.

So, as we continue on with this Spring season, remind yourself that it doesn’t always have to be about stopping to smell the roses.

Find those moments for yourself where you can stop to smell the slow down.

Inhale.

Exhale.

You’ve got this.

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!

Hi folks.

Happy Monday.

We are officially in April.

We are through the first quarter of 2025.

Before we know it…

You know what I’m going to say…

Christmas is going to be right around the corner.

Yeah, I said it.

Honestly, a Christmas movie sounds great right about now.

Is anyone else having trouble staying optimistic with all the SHIT that is happening in the world currently?

Yeah, I didn’t edit my words.

Sorry not sorry.

Motivation has been lacking.

Finding optimism has been lacking.

Life has been draining.

I was riding the high of post 300 last week and this week I’m feeling a bit deflated.

I can’t be the only one.

With that being said, this week’s post is short and sweet.

Sweet and short.

Ebb and flow.

Here are just a few places where I found some much-needed joy to combat the negative SHIT happening in the world.

1. Attending a Lady Gaga birthday bash celebration at Tellus 360 with some wonderful people.
2. Fresh french fries from McDonald’s after having some adult beverages. They tasted SO good.
3. Some donuts and a walk in the sunshine on the Rail Trail with my friend Abby.
4. My dad sharing a special story about a mug that I bought him many years ago that he has kept on his desk for the past two decades.
5. A church worship service that made me feel uplifted in the soul.
6. A Sunday Funday with my bestie and tequila champagne mimosas, music video watching, lots of laughing, dancing, and pizza.
7. Playing slap jack with Mackenzie during family dinner night.
8. Hiding the fuzzy bunnies with Ellie in the slippers because “that is where they sleep.”
9. Puppy cuddles with Sonny.
10. Watching episodes of Mid Century Modern on Hulu and feeling sadness, hope, laughter—every emotion basically. Highly recommend watching.
11. Video call catch up and therapeutic sessions with my wonderful trainer and friend, Ryan.
12. Flowers, kind words in a card, and a sweet treat from my coworker Sarah to celebrate my 300th post.

Well, folks.

That is all I’ve got for you this week.

Sorry that I couldn’t find more inspirational words.

I hope you take time to find some joy in your life this week.

And keep on keeping on.

The SHIT of this world is definitely not going to be stopping anytime soon.

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!

Hi folks!

It’s here!

Post 300!

And the last day of the month!

WOOOOOOO!

A blogging journey that started back in 2018. And here we are, 300 posts later.

I can’t begin to thank each and every one of YOU for coming back week after week to read my words and share the passion, inspiration, love, and kindness with others around you.

That honestly means so much and I can’t thank you enough.

Thank you for taking this journey with me, growing with me, learning with me, laughing with me, crying with me, and experiencing every emotion with me.

I hope that you will continue to follow along on the journey for years to come (as long as I keep writing). It can be tough some weeks.

How many times did I say thank you already?? I only just started.

Goodness gracious me.

Anyway, let’s get down to business.

Post 300!

Here we are!

WOOOOOOO!

Oh wait. I already said that.

Travel down memory lane with me for a few moments.

Back in 2016, I was selected as part of a running relay team for something called The Hope Express.

During something called “Runner’s Weekend,” the organizers of The Hope Express picked a song for each individual with a little backstory.

The song that was chosen for me was called “Dig A Little Deeper” from the Disney movie, The Princess and The Frog.

Before that weekend, it was both a song and movie I had not heard of, but now, almost 10 years later, I’m obsessed with both.

The movie AND the song.

If you haven’t seen the movie, it is definitely one you should watch some time–it will hit every emotion for you.

And as for the song, I will share the lyrics below, but it will also hit every emotion for you.

The song was literally and I mean LITERALLY (in all caps) written for Mr. Sunshine.

So, where am I going with all of this?

Well, stick with me folks!

You’ve done if for 299 posts before this one.

Time to shift gears and side track for just a few moments.

Since starting my work with Ryan (The Fitness Alchemist) three years ago, the term “dig deep” is one that has come up time and time again, especially since the beginning of 2025.

Ryan has continued to challenge me to look inward at myself and in the first three months of 2025, I’ve done more inward looking at myself than in the last seven years of this blogging journey!

Maybe even more than I’ve ever done in my entire life!

In my digging a little deeper moments, I’ve learned the following about myself:

First, I struggle with feelings of being left out/not getting invites for things. I’ve connected this back to the trauma that I experienced in middle school and high school because I wasn’t popular enough to be invited to what we would describe as the “cool kids” houses and events. Making this realization has helped me to direct this energy to other facets of life–book reading, coloring, and journaling to name a few. This is also where the theory of let them has come in handy. It can still be nice to get the invite because that means people are thinking about you (even if you need to decline). Learning how to take any negative energy inside that comes from these valid feelings of being left out and redirecting it has been crucial.

Second, I have a very real fear of friendships that I share in my life (ones I’ve had for many years), falling apart at the drop of a hat. And with the theme of digging a little deeper, I have been able to circle this back to the experience that I have witnessed with my parents as close friends from their days growing up are no longer (well very little) in their life. They would have card game nights, dinner nights, and chats about life with all the kids and happenings to stay caught up, but now it almost seems like radio silence. At times, it can feel like my being gay is what might have caused this couple to distance themselves from my parents. I love my parents so much, so seeing this happen in real-time pains my heart. I understand friendships can change. No matter how loyal of an individual you might be to others, never forget to guard your own heart. But also, to add to that, never give up hope that forgiveness can go a long way and what might have been lost previously in friendship could be found again.

In another moment of digging a little deeper, I have been able to understand what triggers in life create negative energy and toxic behaviors from my body. Whether it is political content that I don’t agree with or feeling thoughts of not looking good enough when see beautiful looking men with gorgeous bodies posing in their swimsuits, I’ve been able to pinpoint these moments, how they make my brain feel, and have learned how to mitigate it. I have become a lot more in tune with “muting” content on social media that isn’t healthy for me or doesn’t vibe with my energy and learning to be ok with it. LET THEM. I deleted Snap Chat for 30 days because I found myself engaging in behavior that wasn’t necessarily healthy or good for me. And I can say that it really isn’t something I miss. Social media can be an extremely toxic place, so I urge all of you to find your triggers and learn how to mute or eliminate the content to keep your mental health in a good space.

ELIMINATE to ELEVATE.

Digging deep means thinking back to the moments of shame, rejection, and being made of that came with growing up gay. The jocks who laughed in my face, the school classmates who gawked at how I dressed, the people in life who said being gay was not okay and threw Bible verses in my face. Those moments don’t go away. They are played over in my head constantly. It’s like a damn merry-go-round that feels impossible to get off of.

But these constant replay moments of the rejection and shame have allowed me to look inward (and guess what—DIG DEEP) while discovering my inner voice. The inner voice that has made the process of vocalizing thoughts and opinions in a productive way easier than ever before.

Ever since my little meltdown back at the end of October, I have learned how to speak up about things, say no when something doesn’t feel right, and making sure my battery has the time it needs to recharge. Finding my voice and fuel for recharge has been life-changing.

The world is a chaotic place.

We all have triggers and traumas.

And we all have to learn how to dig a little deeper to learn about those triggers and traumas and to keep our mental health, spiritual health, physical health, and self-love health at the top of their game.

Just a few weeks ago, an African Violet that was gifted to me by a coworker last year for my birthday (thank you, Johannah) started to bloom.

It is the first plant I’ve had in Sunshine Studio that I’ve been able to nurse and keep alive with sunshine, hydration, and love. What a combo.

TRUE story. (It honestly is probably the only plant I’ve been able to keep alive. Period.)

And for me, that bloom is a sign and symbol that I see as new life and new growth.

For me.

Mr. Sunshine.

Who has started to dig a little deeper in these last months and looks forward to doing more of it in the coming months.

And who is encouraging YOU to do the same.

Focus on what and who is in front of you.

And don’t forget to give yourself sunshine, hydration, and love.

Dig a little deeper.

Learn about your triggers and learn from your traumas.

Let’s continue this journey together.

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!

Dig A Little Deeper Lyrics:

Don’t matter what you look like
Don’t matter what you wear
How many rings you got on your finger
We don’t care, no, we don’t care

Don’t matter where you come from
Don’t even matter what you are
A dog, a pig, a cow, a goat
Had ’em all in here (we had ’em all in here)

And they all knew what they wanted
What they wanted me to do
I told ’em what they needed
Just like I be telling you

You gotta dig a little deeper
Find out who you are
You gotta dig a little deeper
It really ain’t that far

When you find out who you are
You’ll find out what you need
Blue skies and sun shine
Guaranteed

You gotta dig (dig)
You gotta dig (dig)

Prince Froggy is a rich little boy
You wanna be rich again
That ain’t gonna make you happy now
Did it make you happy then? No

Money ain’t got no soul
Money ain’t got no heart
All you need is some self-control
Make yourself a brand new start

You gotta dig a little deeper
Don’t have far to go
You gotta dig a little deeper
Tell the people mama told you so

Can’t tell you what you’ll find
Maybe love will grant you a peace of mind
Dig a little deeper and you’ll know

Miss Froggy, might I have a word?
You’s a hard one, that’s what I heard

Your daddy was a loving man
Family through and through
You your daddy’s daughter
What he had in him you got in you

You gotta dig a little deeper
For you it’s gonna be tough
You gotta dig a little deeper
You ain’t dug this far enough

Dig down deep inside yourself
You’ll findd out what you need
Blue skies and sunshine
Guaranteed

Open up the window
Let in the light, dearie

Blue skies and sunshine
Blue skies and sunshine
Blue skies and sunshine
Guaranteed

Well, hi there!

A very happy Monday (or whatever day of the week it might be when you decide to read this)!

We are just one week away from the last day of the third month of 2025 and also my 300th blog post!

That definitely deserves a resounding…

SAY WHHHHHATTTTTT?!?!

Anyhoo, a HUGE thank you to each and every one of you for continuing to come with me on this journey–one that I started August 28, 2018.

That is something else that deserves a resounding…

SAY WHHHHHATTTTTT?!?!

To tell you the truth, I had no idea when I started, but I fact checked and went back to my Instagram and first post to confirm.

This has been an almost 7 year journey!

Wow.

Thank you so much for continuing to read, sharing your inspiration, and working together to keep a little love and kindness alive in our world.

And next week, post 300 comes at you!

What will I be writing?!

Well, I guess you will just have to come back and see!

Get ready!

I don’t know if it is just me, but it seems like as I get older, I become more emotional about everything.

I feel like there are moments I have watching movies, TV shows, reading books, or experiencing moments in real-life that get me misty eyed/or full on waterworks.

Just me?

I would like to point out that I did just type into Google:

“Do you cry more often as you get older?”

To which, Google/AI was so kind to confirm with the following:

While there isn’t conclusive research definitively stating that people cry more as they age, some individuals, including men, may report becoming more emotional and sensitive, potentially crying more often, as they age.

Got it, Google.

On brand.

This checks out.

A few things that have made me emotional over the last couple of weeks.

1. Watching Anastasia for the first time. Not sure how I never saw this before, but goodness gracious me…what a good movie! I can’t wait to see this on the stage at the Fulton in a month! The story, the music…everything. Glorious.
2. Sticking with the Disney movie theme…watching Elemental also made me a misty eyed mess. I don’t want to spoil it if you haven’t watched it, so just do yourself a favor and stream it. Honestly, it made me feel every single emotion and was so well done and relevant to every day life.
3. At work, our Team is currently doing a book club and reading Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara. In the opening chapters of the book, Will recounts a story when he was young and growing up and his mom fell down the stairs. And because his dad was working late and he didn’t have the strength to help her up, Will grabbed a few blankets and laid with her to fall asleep. Talk about gut punch. That hit me right in the heart.
4. This past Saturday, during a shift at the pharmacy, I witnessed a woman in her 80’s get emotional because a medication she desperately needed had not been called in for her to pick-up. She had just spent time in the ER due to some health conditions and you could tell she was exhausted. She needed the medication and the doctor’s office was closed. Her voice had fear in it and I thought she was going to start crying. In the moment, there was little we could do, but it just really got to me because she was panicked, tired, and at a loss for something she really needed. It just made me think how many people in our world have to be their own advocate for things and how the medical system in our Country is less than desirable. I’m happy to report that she was able to get the medicine after calling an emergency hotline and I was thrilled to be the one to hand her the medicine at the register. She looked relieved, but witnessing the stress and panic she experienced with the whole ordeal is something that will stick with me for quite some time.
5. Having the realization that getting a text message from my mom asking if I will be coming for Sunday lunch and also for my suggestions on what to eat is truly special. I was with my friend Abby in OCMD the other week and while traveling home, I mentioned receiving this text from my mom and what it said and Abby emphasized how special of a text it was. I never thought about it too deeply before, but Abby was right. Receiving a message about Sunday dinner and what to eat is incredibly special. When you think about it, it means so much more on a deeper level. That text is about love, connection, and special times that are shared on a weekly basis with both my parents and family. Not everyone has parents that will ask them what they want to eat and do will do their best to make that wish come true. I realize now receiving that text is just about as great as the hugs that come from my mom after those dinners take place.

In all of these emotional moments I’ve had over the last couple of weeks, I think the critical part I’ve come to realize is that there are voids that many people around us have to embrace and navigate daily.

Not everyone might have the home, family, and love that Anastasia yearned for as she took the journey to find out about her past.

Not everyone might have the connection and love Ember and Wade share in Elemental.

Not everyone has the opportunity to share in experiences of love and connection with family over a meal around the table.

Not everyone might have the support system to help them navigate tragedy, emergencies, or the medical confusion of life.

The voids that people experience these days are very real.

I hope that if you are experiencing or feeling a void in life, that you find a way to cope with it–something to fill it with. Keep searching and find what is best for you.

And I hope that if you know or witness someone who you think might be experiencing a void, that you show compassion, grace, and kindness to them. Help them navigate it, give them a smile, take a deep breath with them, and share a word of encouragement.

The void of love and compassion that many in our world are facing with experiences day in and day out is a very easy one that we can try to combat with that simple gesture of kindness.

See you next week for post 300!

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!

Hey there, folks!

Happy Monday!

And welcome to post number 298!

That means we are only TWO posts away from number 300!

Say what?!?!

And before I forget, I would LOVE to hear your ideas for what post number 300 should entail!

And honestly, I don’t have many words to write this week for you, so I apologize in advance.

The Warwick community lost a beautiful soul the other week due to mental illness.

A plane crash in our own backyard of Lititz by the Lancaster Airport has left me shaken and incredibly nervous to get on a plane in August to travel to Chicago.

The overall state of the world makes me really sad and anxious.

Which leads me to ask the question…

How is YOUR story?

Is your story full of anxiety and sadness?

Is your story trying to find their way in the world and navigating the constant change and darkness?

Is your story one that needs to a little extra nurturing and love from close friends in your life?

But whatever your story might be, I hope that the following holds true:

1). I hope that you choose kindness in whatever situation comes your way.

2). I hope that you have trust and support in people around you that can help in times of trouble. The power of a listening ear, loving heart, warm hug, or uncontrollable laughter from those we appreciate is not to go unnoticed.

No one in this world should ever feel alone.

We all need each other.

We all need to choose kindness.

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!

Happy Monday!

Happy March!

And March madness has already begun and is in full swing…and I’m not talking sports.

I usually don’t get very political in my blog posts, but I’ve lost words and I’m losing hope.

This week, I need you to do the following.

1. Tell someone in your life that you love them.
2. Do something kind and unexpected for someone else, preferably a stranger.
3. Think about the person who is currently leading this Country and how he and some of his Team treat other humans. They are not kind. And when people see how the person in the highest seat of power acts, it seems that it just makes it ok for others to act like that, which it is not.

Need I remind you that hate crimes were at their highest levels in this Country when this individual in The White House currently was in power previously?

I’m part of a marginalized community in this Country and I have an extreme fear for the future and the rights for what I believe in and work hard for will be sweeped out from under me (and a lot of my friends) in an instant.

I hope those of you who are reading these words and following me will lead with kindness.

Because the current powers that be are making me lose words and hope.

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!

Well, folks.

Here we are.

Another Monday.

And another month of 2025 almost gone.

I’m not sure if it is just me, but 2025 has felt really hellish.

I’m not sure hellish is even a word, but for today’s purpose and post, I’m making it one.

Sorry not sorry.

Anyway, I’m keeping it short and sweet.

Because the world is exhausting.

The world is making me anxious.

The world is broken.

The world is making me sad.

The world is making me upset.

So, this week’s post is simply just the places and moments where I found joy.

1. Rage workouts at the gym. Honestly, there is nothing better than getting out some rage with the weights.
2. A dinner that included hot dog and potato salad with my parents.
3. Pizza with the Monday evening crew at the pharmacy.
4. A beautiful (as per the usual) video call with my fitness trainer, Ryan.
5. Quiet nights of reading on the couch with my blanket.
6. Making a Dr. Pepper margarita (a viral trend from what was probably months ago during the Summer).
7. Taking a cookie decorating class with my 2214 girls at Laura The Cookie Lady in Ephrata.
8. Enjoying some tequila and time with friends at the Inn at Leola.
9. Deleting Snapchat. (Sorry if you have sent me snaps…I found myself engaging in unhealthy behaviors with this app and decided it needed to be taken away from my life).
10. Russell Dickerson’s new song “Happen to Me.”

So, cheers to the week ahead hopefully not being so hellish.

And cheers to you finding some simple moments of joy to bring recharge and rejuvenation to your life.

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!

Hi folks!

Another Monday is here.

And so is post number 295.

And you know what?!

That means not only is March right around the corner, but so is St. Patrick’s Day, Easter, Memorial Day, Summer, Labor Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

I mean the fact that we are almost at the end of February already is insanity.

Like, actual insanity.

You heard it here first.

Or your money back guaranteed.

Also, I was eating peach rings while writing this, but certainly not 295 of them.

Anyhoo, I digress.

So unlike me, right?!

Like, off brand as we would say.

Anyhoo, onward and upward.

How thankful and grateful I am that you all continue to come back week after week to read these words.

I hope that you continue to feel a level of hope, love, kindness, and inspiration.

Especially in the times we are living.

This past Friday, we celebrated what some call “singles awareness day” where posts of significant others were all over the internet.

Did I puke little chocolate hearts?

Maybe a little.

Okay, I’m being dramatic.

I mean, honestly I wouldn’t be opposed to Ryan Reynolds, Jonathan Bailey, Zac Efron, or some other hunky celebrity to swoop in and be my signicant other for the day.

Anyhoo, I digress.

AGAIN.

Among this day of love, I want to re-iterate the most important type of love that we all need to remember.

And that is “self love.”

It is more important now than ever as we continue to live in a society (rather an unrecognizable world) where we can get easily burned out, experience compassion fatigue, and feel the need to shut down.

Oh.

In case you didn’t know…

YOU. ARE. BEAUTIFUL.

YOU. ARE. WORTHY.

YOU. ARE. LOVED.

And if you are struggling personally with these above mantras, I would encourage you to take just a few minutes out of your upcoming days this week to practice the following self love practices:

1. Close your eyes and take deep breaths of inhaling and exhaling for 10 minutes.
2. Take 5 minutes of gratitude journaling.
3. DND your phone at a set time every night where it can just be you without disturbance, ringing, or buzzing.
4. Take a hot shower.
5. Splurge on your favorite dessert. (Yes, have the second piece of cake, extra scoop of ice cream, or handful of gummies).
6. Cuddle with a blanket/pet/Squishmallow.
7. Watch your favorite Disney movie.
8. Enjoy your favorite adult cocktail beverage (or mocktail).
9. Spend time with family/people you love and that bring out the best in you and match your vibe.
10. Spend that extra few dollars on a guilty pleasure.
11. Laugh. Literally laugh.
12. Put your favorite song on full blast and dance around the house.
13. Scream into a pillow.
14. Share kindness with a stranger.
15. Give yourself grace because no one is perfect and self-love is not a one size fits all equation.

Oh, in case you forgot already…

YOU. ARE. BEAUTIFUL.

YOU. ARE. WORTHY.

YOU. ARE. LOVED.

Please make sure that you are taking care of yourselves and sprinkling some extra self care and love into your life.

The above list are just suggestions, but things that I try to practice consistently with myself and my life. Self-love is not a one size fits all equation and will look different for everybody.

But do yourself a favor,

Love yourself first.

Listen to your body.

Listen to your needs.

You. Deserve. It.

And you are beautiful, worthy, and loved.

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!

Hi folks!

Here we are.

The start of another week in this second month of 2025.

And Mother Nature has decided to grace us with some Winter wrath.

And yes.

I decided to title my blog the name of one of my favorite games from The Price is Right.

PLINKO.

Literally, whenever they play that game, I can barely contain my excitement while I watch the TV.

Sometimes, I even jump off the couch and scream.

That is in fact a true story.

And speaking of The Price is Right, I very much have come to appreciate Drew Carey’s sign off at the end of each show about taking care of your mental health.

I’ve become a HUGE proponent of more self-love, keeping our cups full and batteries recharged, and making sure mental health is a top priority.

And to be honest, with the events of 2025 thus far, it is even more crucial (at least for me personally) to keep self-love, finding joy, and mental health at the forefront of my life.

Where and how do I do this?

Here is just a quick list for you.

1. I found joy in the fact that the lady at Sheetz called me a crazy kid and gave me my coffee for free.
2. I found self-love in peaceful nights at the apartment with my blanket and episodes of Schitt’s Creek. I officially finished the series this week and I BAWLED like a baby during the finale.
3. I found joy in putting my feet on the coffee table and munching on some gummy peach hearts.
4. I found mental health moments with doing 25 push-ups and 25 mason twists to pump the blood in my body and reset any negative energy I’m feeling every single day of February.
5. I found joy in the performance of the INSANELY talented young women performers at the Ephrata Performing Arts Center’s production of Six: Teen Edition. Literally, it is not to be missed.
6. I found self-love in the quiet moments of the morning when my alarm goes off and I take an extra 10 minutes to lay in silence under the covers and take some deep breaths.
7. I found mental health moments in the daily reading of Hoda Kotb’s I Really Needed This Today.
8. I found joy in video calls co-working sessions with my Team and the discussions, thoughts, and support we share with each other.
9. I found joy, self-love, and mental health moments in the muting/blocking/unfollowing of people on social media to safeguard my mental health and keep information I find to be toxic or unhealthy for me out of my life.

As we start another week here in February, I hope that moments of self-love, mental health, and joy plinko their way into your life to help the soul feel rejuvenated.

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!