Skip to content
  • Home
  • About Me
  • Contact Mr. Sunshine!

Find Mr. Sunshine on Facebook!

Find Mr. Sunshine on Facebook!
Follow Mr. Sunshine Smiles on WordPress.com

Social Media Sunshine!

  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Home
  • About Me
  • Contact Mr. Sunshine!
Mr. Sunshine Smiles

Mr. Sunshine Smiles

Just a rainbow proud single guy trying to get through life with a few sprinkles of sunshine, smiles, and sugar.

  • Home
  • About Me
  • Contact Mr. Sunshine!
  • Uncategorized

Keeping The Sunshine Alive…

Mr. Sunshine September 10, 2018

Well, good heavens to Betsy! Here we are already in week 3 of my blog! Where is the time going? Since last week’s writing, I’ve received a few more wrinkles in my forehead, gained several grey hairs on the top of my head, and earned tan lines to my tan lines. Sorry, no picture evidence for that…just take my word for it. TRUST in the sunshine.

It’s amazing what a week at the beach can do for you. While we dub these trips of relaxation and rejuvenation “vacations,” it seems that our minds still have much to process, especially when we are bombarded with news stories about the world we live in.

For me, deciding what this blog post would be about came from thoughts I had during my runs along the beach as I watched the seagulls fly, waves crash, and sweat drip down into my eyeballs causing me to go blind for literally a hot second. And I mean a HOT second. Like…98 degrees hot. And no, I’m not referring to the boy band although I do find the men who compromise that musical group quite attractive.

But that is neither here nor there. Well, it’s here because I just wrote it…but like…I digress.

IMG_8874

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been asked by others “how do you stay happy?” or “how do you remain so positive?” or “what is your secret to being Mr. Sunshine?” The answer my friends is blowing in the wind…well, actually there’s nothing blowing in the wind although I do wish there would be pretty, colored leaves blowing in the wind much like that during the montage of “Colors of the Wind” in Pocahontas. Am I right or am I right?! Oh…and don’t forget to follow me on Instagram…@mrsunshine827. Shameless plug…sorry not sorry.

Okay let’s get to the meat and potatoes of this post…seriously, wish I had meat and potatoes right now, especially garlic mashed potatoes with butter…like rumbly in my tumbly. AHHHH. Diversion…again! Keep me on track!

Here are just a few simple things I do in life to keep myself happy, smiling, and spreading sprinkles of sunshine.

1. Listening to my favorite song at least twice a day.

Yes, that’s right. Jam. It. Out. Singing at the top of my lungs whether in tune or not is something that I make sure I give myself time to do every single day…at least twice. Whether it’s in the shower, in my car ride to work or home from work, or in the privacy of my own room, this is one of my simplest secrets to keeping positive energy going. And the jam I listen to? Well, it should come as no surprise that this song for me is Katy Perry’s “Firework.” OBVI. Like…do you even know me??

2. Exercising and sticking with it. 

These days, a lot of people have specific workout regimens that they adhere to on the daily. Working out gives me an adrenaline rush unlike any other because it is something that I can put energy into, especially negative energy if I’m feeling pessimistic or cynical about something. I see a personal trainer twice a week (shout out to the INCREDIBLE Zach Musser at Z Fitness–check him out here http://zfitnessllc.com) and also run about three times a week. Running is like a cleansing for me because it is one on one time with myself and nature (if I’m outside) that is such a revival of the soul. Working out just makes me feel good about my body because I know that I’m strengthening it to make it better.

3. Taking time each night to laugh. 

They say that laughter is the best medicine and what truth that is. This is a HUGE rule of thumb for me and I carve out time each night before going to bed to laugh. How you ask? Well, if you don’t know the answer to this, I will literally go and throw a pie tin filled with Cool Whip in my face. I make sure to watch an episode (or two…or seven) of The Golden Girls each night before I hit the hay on the couch. It doesn’t matter how many times I’ve seen the episodes, they still crack me up…a lot…to tears. Obviously, you don’t have to watch The Golden Girls; however, I would highly encourage you to find laughter in something each night because it will make you feel so good inside. It will keep you young too…and might reduce some wrinkles on your forehead. And who doesn’t love a little wrinkle reduction action?!

IMG_8894.JPG

4. Spending quality time with good people. 

This one is pretty self-explanatory. Surround yourself with good humans. Get around those in life who will encourage you, make you laugh, give you warm hugs, lend a listening ear, offer a shoulder to cry on, and give all the love in the world until the end of time. You will know exactly who these people are because of the energy that bubbles out from their soul when in their presence. Genuine goodness can’t be faked. As the saying goes, “your vibe attracts your tribe.”

5. Performing a random act of kindness at least once a day. 

This is probably one of my favorites and comes with the mantra that I try to live out as Mr. Sunshine in being kind to one another. Something so simple can change the entire world. If we all just took a moment in our lives to share an act of kindness with someone, what a difference we could make. Paying for the person behind you in the drive-thru, sharing a warm smile on the street with a stranger, offering to help a coworker with a big project, volunteering at a local food bank or shelter…the possibilites are endless and you can be incredibly creative. Trust me when I say that performing a random act of kindness will give you the GREATEST fufillment in your heart. Nothing is more rewarding. And if you need some inspiration, might I suggest Chicken Soup for the Soul Random Acts of Kindness. 

IMG_8893.JPG

Well, there you have it folks. My top 5 biggest secrets on how I keep Mr. Sunshine alive. I hope that you will try some of these tactics in your own personal life in hopes of keeping that positive flame burning inside, especially in the moments when it’s ready to go out. And if you do, I would love to hear about it! And, if you have other suggestions on how you keep smiling on the daily, let me know!

“‘Cause baby you’re a firework, come on show ’em what your worth, make ’em go “oh, oh, oh!” as you shoot across the sky-y-y!”

Now, go keep the sunshine alive!

Follow me on Instagram @mrsunshine827!

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!

  • Uncategorized

Would You Like To…

Mr. Sunshine September 3, 2018

Well, grab me a box of Skittles and pinch my cheeks! You are back for my second week! (And that rhymed…what are the chances?! I didn’t even try that!) I’m super stoked that you’ve decided to come along for the ride and follow my writings as I continue to expand this blog.

This week? Well, you are in luck! We are going to talk about those two words that we all know and love…SO much. And…no, it’s NOT ice cream or hot dogs!

ONLINE DATING. (And cue dramatic horror music in the background as my jaw drops to the floor much like the image of Kevin as he looks in the mirror after putting on after shave in Home Alone).

This is something that has always given me anxiety, and quite frankly, I’ve never been a fan of it. Why, you ask? Well, with being a gay man in Lancaster County, we’ve got slim pickings to begin with, so like BYEEEEEEE.

There seem to be a million different dating sites and apps these days–OKCupid, EHarmony, Match.com, Plenty of Fish, Tinder, bacon and eggs–oh wait…that’s just some of my favorite breakfast foods. Hey now! Oh, and before I move on…make sure you follow me on Instagram @mrsunshine827 if you aren’t already. Kthanks.

EA8B0255.jpg

One of the many lessons that I’ve learned in my 31 years on this Earth is to take chances, go for it, and literally not give two hoots about what people think. Well…there are sometimes when you should give a hoot about what other people think, but not in this case that I’m about to describe.

Wait…what’s that now? You want an illustration about how I took a chance and didn’t give a hoot about what someone else thought? Well, goodness gracious! I thought you would never ask!

Flashback to my college sophomore year when I was taking ECON02 during my Spring semester. Class took place in the Forum Building, which was a huge room of stadium seating that sat approximately 350 people. I was never a huge fan of this class, but one day I happened to spot a boy from across the way that I found to be quite cute. I could barely pay attention to what I was learning because I felt like my eyes were always glancing over to where he sat. But like, can you say creeper much?! Listen…don’t judge me…yet.

One day, I left class and made it a priority to find out who this guy was. So, I took to one of the computer labs and began to start searching Facebook. And what do you know? Low and behold, after about 30 minutes of searching, I found him! DING! DING! For the win!

Yeah, I was feeling pretty confident.

The next step? Remember when I said earlier about taking chances and not giving a hoot about what others think? Yeah, well, here we go. Buckle up and get ready to judge me…BIG time.

I took to Facebook messenger (obvi) and messaged the boy introducing myself and mentioning that I saw him sitting in the back of my ECON02 class. Pretty straight forward and normal. Fast forward when the boy replied and we exchanged a few other messages about the class and how much we disliked it. Things are going pretty well, right? You would think so until Mr. Sunshine decides to be REAL BOLD and go in the for the kill with the below line…

“If you want to sometime, I would really like to get to know you in a comfortable, relaxed setting.”

EA8B0214.jpg

Are you kidding me? Who even says anything like that? Not only does it sound dirty, but it’s like…like…I don’t even know what it is. EMBARRASSING. Insert face planting emoji from your Iphone times a million right here.

Needless to say, the boy happened to know the roommate I was living with at the time and politely asked her for advice on how to tell me that he wasn’t gay.

I mean…I guess it could’ve been worse.

To this day, that line I used still cracks me up because I can’t believe that I would EVER use such a phrase with anyone regardless of how well I know them. Looking back, that was literally 0 to 60 in like 5 seconds. CRAY.

Always be true to yourself and go with your gut. Just maybe try to steer away from phrases that use “comfortable, relaxed setting” unless you happen to be describing the furniture in the new living room as part of a prize you could win on The Price is Right.

EA8B0208.jpg

So yeah…Mr. Sunshine and online dating…not my strong suit, but here are a few things that I’ve learned from the experience:

1). Always be true to yourself no matter what.

2). Go with your GUT.

3). Don’t give a hoot about what others think.

4). Try not to use the phrase “comfortable, relaxed setting” unless absolutely necessary.

Follow me on Instagram @mrshine827

To collab with me, questions, or feedback email mrsunshine827@gmail.com!

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!

  • Lifestyle
  • Uncategorized

This Is It…The First Post!

Mr. Sunshine August 28, 2018

For as long as I can remember, I’ve always been labeled as the “eternal optimist.” The one who tries to see the positive in any situation no matter what.

Oh, and I’m gay. Yes, I like men.

I am loud, proud, and always ready to show off my true colors to the world. And even though we are living in the 21st century, the year 2018, there are still people that are bothered by the fact that individuals can have feelings for those of the same sex.

Of course, being a homosexual is not the only thing that defines me…by any means. I love Disney princess movies and romantic comedies that can make me cry. I have seen every episode of The Golden Girls at least 10 times and can recite almost every single line. I’ve been playing the piano since the first grade and still hate playing chopsticks as much as I did 20 years ago. I have a mom, dad, and older brother who have always taught me to put others first and to be kind to all. I love to color, wear tanning lotion when I go running outside in the sun, and can listen to Katy Perry’s Firework on repeat for hours on end.

edit4.jpg

Cause’ baby you’re a firework, come on let your colors burst…YAHS…sing it with me. Sorry…I just love that song. I digress.

Let me tell you how I let my colors burst.

I came out of the closet in the spring of my junior year of high school in 2005. At that time, it was not something socially accepted, especially in a community that was very conservative. I remember telling several of my friends who were extremely supportive, but not surprised in the least–they were just waiting for me to express my true colors. I also remember coming out to the boy in show choir/concert choir/the school musicals that I had a huge crush on. He was playing the piano in the school hallway before rehearsal one afternoon and I went to sit with him on the bench. I told him that I was gay and that I had a huge crush on him. He gave me the biggest hug and literally pulled me up off the piano bench. I’ll never forget that moment. Needless to say, that never turned into anything and I have not heard from that individual in more than 10 years.

edit3.jpg

I wanted to keep my sexuality a secret from my family until college because I just wasn’t sure how they would react. They ended up finding out in a way that I never dreamed would occur (an email communication I had with a fellow classmate) and it presented me with some very difficult struggles during my senior year and final summer before moving to college.

I remember Freshman year of college being a bit rough at first because of the dis-connect that I had with my parents before leaving that summer; however, I will always be forever grateful to The Singing Lions show choir group that allowed me to be myself and fully supported and loved me through all 4 years.

Ultimately, my parents and I had a sit down conversation the summer after my first year of college that involved watching a documentary called, For The Bible Tells Me So. This was an eye opening exploration of the intersection between religion and homosexuality in the U.S. and how the religious right has used its interpretation of the Bible to stigmatize the gay community. After watching it, my parents and I had a mini Q&A session to understand each other’s perspectives and feelings.

Today, my parents are fully supportive and I couldn’t love them more. They have provided me with such guidance, support, and love that I try to pass along to others I meet in community.

There are still days that I get stared at, judged, or called faggot. Through it all, I come out even more loud and proud than before.

IMG_3785

It pains me to think how many individuals in this world are afraid to be themselves because of the social stigmas that are present in society. One thing I learned is that you are NEVER alone and that your true tribe of friends, family, and supporters will love you through it all.

Follow me on Instagram @mrsunshine827

Check back every Monday for new blog posts!

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!

Posts navigation

Previous 1 … 20 21
Blog at WordPress.com.
  • Follow Following
    • Mr. Sunshine Smiles
    • Join 112 other followers
    • Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
    • Mr. Sunshine Smiles
    • Customize
    • Follow Following
    • Sign up
    • Log in
    • Report this content
    • View site in Reader
    • Manage subscriptions
    • Collapse this bar
 

Loading Comments...