Mr. Sunshine Smiles

Did you know that it is 16 days until Christmas?!

Oh, and happy Monday!

If that crazy statistic didn’t wake you up, I don’t know what will.

Also, can we please go back to Thanksgiving and all the mashed potatoes?

Also, welcome to post number 285!

Well let’s get down to business.

I recently started reading If You Ask Me (And Of Course You Won’t) by Betty White.

And what an enjoyable, fun, and easy read.

10/10 recommend.

And I’m not even fully finished yet.

In the first few pages, Betty writes on the topic of growing old these words stuck out to me:

“But if you are still functioning and not in pain, gratitude should be the name of the game.”

TRUTH.

Gratitude should be the name of the game and quite frankly, it is something that I feel our world needs to focus on more.

And with it being the holiday season, it is even more important to share a few moments of gratitude.

Here are just a few things that I would like to express gratitude for in this week’s 285th post.

1. All of YOU who continue to be supportive and read these words that I write each week.
2. The people of St. Paul Penryn that I get to be with in fellowship every week on Sunday mornings. It feels great to be back after my month off.
3. The cast of Elf Jr and making me smile from ear to ear. (This is playing now at Ephrata Performing Arts Center thru December 22nd!)
4. All the delivery drivers and mail carriers who work extra hard during the holidays to ensure packages and letters to Santa arrive on time.
5. Board games with friends that result in lots of laughs.
6. Dancing with friends at The Village with no cares in the world.
7. Family, friends, and coworkers who love, listen, guide, and support no matter what.
8. Shelter and blankets that keep me warm when the weather gets brisk and cold.

It’s not that hard folks.

Start your day with gratitude.

End your day with gratitude.

And fill in all the gaps throughout days with gratitude.

It’s the name of the game.

And Betty White couldn’t have been more right.

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!

Well, hi there everyone!

HELLLLLOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Hi!

Bonjour!

Mr. Sunshine is back and I’m thankful that you are here.

It has been since October 20th when I had my mini meltdown in front of Pastor Angie that led me to take the month of November off.

It has been since October 28th since I’ve written words for you.

But here we are!

The time away has been…

…rejuvenating

…eye-opening

…life-giving

…all the things.

I have to admit that the results of the election were not ones that I was hoping for and the anxious feelings are definitely at an all-time high.

But I’ll continue to lead with kindness.

And I’ll continue to make sure that my mental health is at the forefront of my mind.

During the month of November while I was on sabbatical, I put myself first and indulged in several self-care entities that I look forward to continuing in the coming months.

1. I completed 25 push ups every single day.
2. I started cooking more and making recipes.
3. I started focusing on lowering/eliminating processed foods from my diet.
4. I stopped putting extra sugar in my coffee! Only creamer now!
5. I journaled every day about where I found the good.
6. I started making Sundays the official grocery day with Stauffers now being the store of choice.
7. I made intentional plans with multiple friends to have quality time.
8. I indulged in a bubble bath, face masks, and eye masks.

Three years ago (almost to the day), I wrote the below words that were published on my blog October 18, 2021..

“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.“

Well, here we are again.

And I write to you almost the same words that I did three years ago.

On October 20th, before anyone from our congregation arrived to church, I screamed “I’m f**king done” in front of Pastor Angie.

Exhausted, burned out, feeling drained.

All the emotions I was feeling.

After the service, I received a text from Pastor Angie telling me that I should take the month of November off from all of my church duties.

Well, I’m listening to that advice and stepping back for the month of November from church duties.

I will also be stepping back from blogging for the month of November as well.

I plan to take the time to do self-reflection, journaling, a bubble bath with cocktail in hand, and maybe a trip or two to the beach in solitude.

This is your reminder to listen to your body.

To give yourself grace.

To give yourself the love and rest it deserves.

Come back for new posts and words on Monday, December 2nd.

And don’t forget to vote on November 5th.

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!

Well, here we are.

Almost another month of 2024 in the books.

Seriously, it doesn’t even feel like October happened.

This whole year in general has been a whirlwind.

And, to be honest, the sunshiny weather (although it is nice to see and experience), it really isn’t something that I want to be experiencing along with summer like temperatures in the season that is supposed to be brisk winds with chillier temperatures.

So, let’s get down to business.

Grab an apple cider and cinnamon stick.

Sometimes life is just blah.

And honestly, I mean BLAH.

Yes, all caps.

Sometimes, when life wants to get difficult, it makes me wish that I could live in the fantasy world of Wisteria Lane with the Desperate Housewives or in the quaint cottage with The Golden Girls in Miami.

But for now, I’ll take the couch of the Sunshine Studio with a blanket while the fresh air comes through the door.

This past week, I had moments again where I didn’t know what I was going to write about.

And honestly, until Saturday, I didn’t have any light bulb moments.

After a busy day at the pharmacy on Saturday, I came home to take a nap.

After about two hours, I woke up and turned on the most recent episode of 911 on ABC.

At the end of the episode, I found myself bawling on the couch like a little baby.

There was a song playing at the end of the episode as there was a montage of dialogue emphasizing how the members of the 118 fire house are more than just a group of individuals.

They are a family, they are each other’s lifelines, they are each other’s one and only through thick and thin.

As the song played, I just thought about my life and where I’m at right now as a 37-year-old.

I share the lyrics with you now…

You gotta find your people
The ones that make you feel alright
The kind you want to stay up with all night
You got to find your people
The ones that make you feel whole
That won’t leave your side when you lose control
The ones that don’t let you lose your soul

You gotta find your people
The ones that get the joke
Who understand what you’re saying before a word is spoke
You gotta find your people
That put the needle in the groove
When you’re together, you got nothing to prove
When you’re together, you got nothing to lose

In a world of strangers, you don’t know who to trust
All you see is danger, tryna find what you lost
You can’t go in alone, everybody needs help
You gotta find your people, then you’ll find yourself

You gotta find your people
That’ll call your bluff
Who’ll ride along when the road is rough
You gotta find your people
The ones that you feel equal
They pick you up and don’t put you down
Help you find your way in the lost and found

In a world of strangers, you don’t know who to trust
All you see is danger, tryna find what you lost
You can’t go in alone, everybody needs help
You gotta find your people, then you’ll find yourself

The ones that understand you
The ones that lend a hand to you
The ones that don’t demand anything from you

You got to find your people
The ones that make you feel alright
That tell you the truth then wish you well
You gotta find your people, then you’ll find yourself
You gotta find your people, then you’ll find yourself

These lyrics spoke to me.

And will continue to speak to me.

To be continued…

More to come next week.

Yes, a cliffhanger.

Just like a TV show.

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!

Well, hey there folks!

Welcome to October 14th!

Welcome to post number 281!

I know that I’ve said this before, but there are weeks where I have the light bulb moment of what to write about for y’all…and then there are weeks where I have absolutely no idea at all.

Well, welcome to one of the weeks where I have NO idea.

Yep, that’s right.

The mind has been racing trying to figure this out.

And it is currently still racing.

WHERE IS MY LIGHT BULB MOMENT?!

Yes, that was all caps.

This past Friday, the world recognized National Coming Out Day.

Coming out of the closet was something that I did back in 2005 during my junior year of high school.

Almost 2 decades ago.

But what is sad with that statement is that in almost those two decades, some of the prejudice still feels the exact same.

In fact, it might even feel worse.

The thought of safety is one that crosses my mind on the daily.

Every.

Single.

Day.

And the state of the world right now is one that scares me even more so than it did 19 years ago when I was in high school.

And yes, I’m still looking for that light bulb moment.

But, here is where I landed.

This week, I’m going to share 10 very real facts about me that you probably didn’t already know.

Well, I’m hoping you don’t already know.

So, grab your pumpkin spice whatever (or peppermint mocha since that is out and about now) and let’s get fact sharing.

1. One of my biggest pet peeves right now is when people do not thank you or make some kind of kind gesture after you let them either go in traffic or the crosswalk. LIKE REALLY?!
2. I 100% can’t wait…and I mean CAN’T WAIT to see the Wicked movie. Like…Jonathan Bailey…sing to me EVERY. SINGLE. NIGHT.
3. Back in elementary school, I had a huge crush on a girl (imagine that) and I drew her a picture of Pocahontas. (Apparently that was my go to Disney Princess back in the day). And one day at recess, I gave her the picture and she took it and walked across the macadam spaces where hopscotch squares were painted and threw it in the trash. I was devastated and clearly it is a moment that I will never forget.
4. Before my actual taping episode of Wheel of Fortune this Summer, I was sitting in the audience and sweating so badly that I could smell some body odor coming from my armpits and I was so embarrassed. I remember asking the contestant coordinator, Alex, if I could be excused to go to my gym bag in the hallways to re-apply deodorant because I did not want to be distracted by smelling bad while trying to spin the wheel and solve puzzles.
5. Another pet peeve of mine is when I have to use the restroom (AKA a urinal) and someone comes in and stands in the urinal directly beside me even where there are like 5 empty ones for use. Like, no. DON’T DO THAT. Ugh. Annoying.
6. I am terrible…and I mean TERRIBLE at using gift cards. Often times, I will have them for months or even years before I utilize them. (This doesn’t mean that I don’t love getting them as gifts though, so please don’t stop doing that).
7. I was devastated when I found out Santa Claus wasn’t real. I was on my parent’s computer and found “To and From” gift tags saved in a word document and my heart was crushed. As a 37-year-old though, I still have moments where I believe in the magic.
8. I don’t like how cotton balls feel to the touch. Makes me gag, cringe, everything.
9. The famous person who inspires me most is the late Betty White.
10. If there is anyone in this world who is struggling with their sexuality/or coming out, I am a safe space that can be trusted to talk with if you need a listening ear, loving heart, kindness, or three.

Well, folks.

I guess you could say my light bulb moment happened.

My apologies if this was a boring post for you this week.

And if it was, I’m so sorry.

I’ll hope to do better next week.

Oh, and make sure you’re registered to vote.

That’s all.

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!

Well, here we are again.

Another Monday.

And another post from yours truly.

Post number 280 to be exact.

That means only 20 more posts until we hit 300!

Another milestone in the making!

WOO!

Also, I just started watching Desperate Housewives on Hulu randomly over the weekend and I can’t stop.

I could have another binge moment on my hands just like I did with 911.

We shall see.

It’s like a primetime soap opera.

Speaking of soap operas, back in my high school days, I was OBSESSED with Passions on NBC.

It was a guilty pleasure.

And Desperate Housewives is definitely looking to be like a very fulfilling guilty pleasure.

And so are sugar cookies with icing and rainbow sprinkles from Dutch Way.

And you know what?

Sometimes we need those guilty pleasures.

Sometimes we need to blow off some steam and have the additional episode of trash TV.

Sometimes we need the additional glass of adult beverage.

Sometimes we need to have the whoopie pie.

Last Tuesday, I got to enjoy the P!nk concert at Hersheypark Stadium.

It was a great way of blowing off some steam and having fun.

Singing and dancing with my bestie in ponchos among the energy of the crowd was such a blast.

It felt good.

I got to blow off steam.

At the moment, something isn’t aligning properly in my life.

And on Saturday, I got to have an in-person session and chat with my fitness coach, Ryan and it was quite evident that my emotions were running high because of this misalignment I was feeling.

So, he made me close my eyes, take some deep breaths, and figure out where the tension in my body was being stored.

And after the breathing exercise, I felt more centered with my body, my emotions, and was able to articulate several things that I was experiencing.

The wonders that breathing can do.

And the wonders that working with someone who has so much knowledge, love, and support is incredible.

So, what am I trying to say this week in my short post?

Indulge in the guilty pleasures.

Take the moments to breathe and center yourself.

And have that whoopie pie.

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!

Here we are.

The very last day of September.

That means…

October is right around the corner.

I feel like I’ve said this before, but it feels like it was just turning 2024 yesterday.

And yet, here we are, starting the 10th month of the year.

Which means…the big question is:

What are you having for Thanksgiving dinner?

Are mashed potatoes on your menu?

Actually, better yet…what kind of candy or treat are you giving out for Halloween?

Are you a trick?

Or a treat?

That could be the name of a fun game show…or reality show, right?

TRICK OR TREAT?

Here I go again…on my little tangents.

Getting side tracked.

So typical of me.

Also, I just watched the season premiere of 911 and…

OH.

M.

GOODNESS.

Sooooo good.

And like Angela Bassett…she is just so bad ass.

Literally can’t wait for next week.

Anyhoo, in the true JP fashion, I have sidetracked from this week’s theme once again.

So, let’s get down to business.

Woo.

A few weeks ago, I met with a colleague via Teams who I hadn’t seen in about a year.

And she mentioned to me that I looked and just felt so much lighter. It was the energy I was giving off during our call.

HIGH PRAISE.

Like, honestly.

It felt so good to hear that.

Because, I indeed feel a lot lighter.

And the fact that people are noticing it is even more huge.

It has been a process with hard work, soul listening, and personal evolution.

So, how did I do it?

How do I keep doing it?

First and foremost, I have to attribute a lot of this to the work that I have had the opportunity to do with Ryan Chalfant–The Fitness Alchemist since starting with him in February of 2023.

The wellness of the body–mental, spiritual, and physical–have all been raised to new levels with his guidance, support, and love.

Secondly, I was able to realize after 7 years of living in Lancaster, that the home life was just not for me anymore.

So, I took matters into my own hands and decided to sell the Sunshine Cottage and move back to the apartment life in Lititz.

And that is a life decision that I’m still incredibly happy with a year and a half later.

These were BIG life decisions that I had to look inside myself to make and act on them.

Honestly, there are little things that I try to do constantly in my life to keep that “lightness” feeling alive, so let’s bullet point some of them now for you.

-While it might not always be a lot of time with each encounter, I try to live in the moment of enjoying time with my family when I have the opportunity. Family dinners on a weekly basis have an important impact on the comfort of tradition and routine.

-I leave work at work. I used to be terrible at this, but it is one thing that I have evolved greatly at and now know how to keep any weight of the workday in the space of the cubicle walls when the laptop gets shut.

-I put my phone on DND every night at a specific time so that I can curtail the craving of scrolling and wasting time with social media stuff.

-I always take short walks throughout the day by leaving my computer and giving my mind a brain break.

-I give myself time each night to decompress whether it be with a hot shower, scented candle burning, English muffin pizzas, an adult beverage, favorite TV show/movie, or cuddles with Rocky. Whatever the thing, I always, ALWAYS make sure that there is some type of JP time every single night no matter what the duration and length.

-I play songs in the car that I sing to loudly even if they are ones that I’ve heard 194025 times. Nothing like belting to a ballad or high-energy jam when you’re in the driver’s seat.

-While I usually have a packed schedule and don’t always get to see friends super often, I try to enjoy the moments when I do have the opportunity to enjoy their company fully without distraction.

-I may work several jobs, but I find different joys and fulfilling energies with each one that keep the soul burning brightly. If one starts to go off kilter or is giving me more stress than I need, it is either call it quits or share my opinions about what isn’t working.

-I know when my mental energy tank is running low and how to articulate that verbally to others in life, which was something I used to not always have courage to do.

-I take time to write these posts and make videos to help others become inspired or just to give those who need it most the laugh and joy that could make their whole day…week…month…or even year.

There’s heavy stuff in the world around us and it isn’t going away anytime soon.

We all have the ability and deserve the chance to feel lighter.

Step back.

Take a deep breath.

Find the entities in your life to help make those lighter feelings a reality.

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!

Well, hey there folks!

Here we are!

Another Monday!

Another September day!

Another day closer to Christmas!

Another day where I still have yet to experience a pumpkin spice latte (PSL) for the 2024 season.

This is so unlike me.

What. Is. Happening?!

Also, I titled this blog post “Mamma Mia!” but I’m honestly not really sure why I wrote that.

Oh well.

Blog post titles are hit or miss.

And honestly, I like when it has nothing to do with what I’m actually writing.

I’ currently eating Cheez Its.

I’m currently on the couch watching Supermarket Sweep.

I have the windows open in Sunshine Studio, which is a nice reprieve from having the AC blasting at my toasty 77 degrees.

Yes, I do keep my AC at 77 degrees.

I’m currently drinking Sunkist orange soda.

I’m currently thinking about what type of video I will make for what I’m going to call my “I’m JP And I’m JUST PLAYING” series.

YAHSSSSSSSS.

Also, I have to mention that I have now moved on from Supermarket Sweep to watching The Proposal.

Which is such a good movie by the way.

Actually, not good.

GREAT.

Also, I just looked at my workout app and tomorrow is a day where I get to do pull ups.

YAHSSSSS.

That is also GREAT.

And no, not sarcasm.

Truth.

Sooo…I honestly forgot what I came here to write about.

The fresh air that is coming in from the windows is distracting me.

And so is Ryan Reynolds.

This past week, life was insanely crazy busy.

Like…

Busy.

With a capital B.

Actually, scratch that.

BUSY.

All caps.

And that means, there were days in the evening after an 8 hour or 10 hour work day, my tank was empty.

That’s right.

Empty.

With a capital e.

Actually…

EMPTY.

This past week, I experienced a few moments where I got irritated and bogged down by the some of the “norms” that I think society pressures us into thinking we need to tackle.

This past week, there was a lot of excitement in the office about a engagement of a coworker that happened recently.

And while I am very excited for that person, I would be lying if I said I wasn’t irritated by the fact that I think the people of or society sometimes make us feel like we need to be married, have children, own a house, have the picket white fence.

Well, I call bullshit.

NORMALIZE the fact that some people in life want to stay single.

NORMALIZE the fact that some people just want to have fun and might not want to settle down.

NORMALIZE the fact that some people do want to buy a house.

NORMALIZE the fact that not everyone needs to have the white picket fence.

Anyhoo, that’s my story.

I’m sticking to it.

And also, I side tracked during this last paragraph by watching the opening monologue of Betty White on SNL, which is AMAZING and never ceases to bring a huge smile to my face.

NORMALIZE kindness like Betty White showed every single individual in the world.

That’s all.

Until next week.

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!

Well, hey folks!

And happy September 16th!

Did we all survive Friday the 13th?!

Did we all watch our favorite Halloween/horror movies to celebrate?!

Or did we all make a list of every single Christmas movie that we want to start enjoying?

Because we all know that out there in the aisles of the grocery stores and Target, that Christmas decorations are just a few moments away from being placed on the shelves.

I mean…I honestly am one to talk because I’ve been listening to Christmas music samples for our Christmas Eve church service this year.

And I still haven’t landed on much quite yet…the light bulb moment is still out there waiting to hit me on the top of my head.

But I’m sure it will. Probably at like 3am.

When the vivid dreams during my sleep seem to kick in.

Also, while I’m side noting with my words, if you are interested in participating in our Christmas Eve service (whether it be with your voice or an instrument), please reach out to me and let me know!

And if you don’t want to participate musically, showing up and being present in the pews would also be beautiful.

So, thank you in advance.

Mark your calendars.

Tuesday, December 24th at 6:30pm: a musical prelude, your favorite Christmas hymns, candlelight, an inspiring message, and Holy Communion.

A traditional service worth checking out.

I promise.

Well, I guess I should stop getting sidetracked and distracted.

But that is part of my blogging charm.

Or at least I think it is.

Speaking of getting sidetracked and distracted, where do we all stand on the entity of pumpkin cold brew?

Is it worth the hype?

Or should I just stick to my hot coffee with vanilla flavoring, sugar, and cream?

I’ll anxiously listen to any and all thoughts that you might have.

And while you are at it, I will also take any and all thoughts you might have about pumpkin spice butter.

Basically, what I’m saying is that I will take your thoughts on pumpkin spice anything.

Also, before I forget…BREAKING NEWS…this just in…I’ve just been informed that there is pumpkin pie spaghetti sauce.

So, if you’ve had that, let me know your thoughts.

Anyhoo, I probably should actually start writing what I actually came here to write.

I’ve already forgotten.

What is the title of this blog?

Oh…that’s right…real love 277.

What does that mean?

Well, I’m SO glad you asked.

Do you have your pumpkin flavored drink in your hand ready to go?

You don’t?!

Well, what are you waiting for?!

Sidetracked once again…my goodness gracious.

What is with me tonight?!

I’m so sorry.

Real love 277.

What does that mean?

Well, this is post number 277.

And REAL LOVE is the campaign that I would run on if I was trying to take office of The President of the United States.

And while I don’t like to talk politics or become political at all, after watching the debate on Tuesday, I just have to say that the state of this Country and what I fear could happen in November makes me incredibly nervous.

Politics has become more about whose team you are on and not about listening, not about figuring out solutions.

It has become so divided that it is sad, disappointing, and frightening.

And that is all I will say about that.

Anyway, real love.

I recently read a book while in Wildwood titled Single on Purpose by John Kim.

And one of the most important quotes that I took away from the entire book (which is an excellent read by the way that I would highly recommend for anyone) were these words:

“Real love holds up a mirror.”

Read.

That.

Again.

“Real love holds up a mirror.”

If we can’t love ourselves first with real love, well then, we will never be able to give real love to others in the world around us.

Real love is something that I have worked tirelessly on in the past couple of years (post pandemic) and it is something that I’m still evolving with…and always will be. Because no one is perfect.

I’m not perfect.

You are not perfect.

But I have come a LONG way with real love.

Breaking down what I need, what makes me thrive, what stories I tell myself that aren’t real, dealing with jealousy feelings or negativity—it’s all part of the process to figure out who we are as a person.

I need real love.

You need real love.

The world needs REAL LOVE.

Hold up a mirror and figure out what real love you need and start the process.

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!

Hi all!

Happy second week of September!

Fall is almost officially here and I’ve already seen pumpkins galore, Halloween costumes, and trick or treat candy.

Good golly, miss Molly!

Anyhoo, I’ve taken two vacations almost back-to-back, which means I don’t have an official blog post for you this week.

I’m so sorry…forgive me.

But, I promise to come back next week with some new words of wisdom after I enter reality once again this week.

For now, be kind to others and tell your family and friends you love them.

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!