How to Seek the Sunshine
You are my sunshine...
Sunshine. We can never get enough of it. Not only does sunshine provide free light during the daytime hours, it also helps lessen our electric bill which makes us giddy with joy!
Sunshine provides Vitamin D, which helps strengthen our bones. Too much sunshine can cause sunburns so always use caution while sunning in the sun. Sunshine helps alleviate depression by increasing our serotonin levels. Those are just some of the special benefits of sunshine.
Recently I came across a group on Facebook called The Sunshine Page. This group has over 35,000 fans. The site is like a breath of fresh air.
Throughout the day members spread cheer and happiness. Whether you are having a good or bad day, you know you can go there to receive a pick me up or to pick someone up (not literally pick them up, but hey you never know).
I'm not sure who started the group, how the group came about or who's in charge ... maybe they'll share that information with us in the comment section. If not, that's fine too.
What I do know about the group is sufficient enough for me...the members bring sunshine into Sunshine's life and I'm thankful for that. Obviously I was drawn to the site because my nickname is Sunshine. My hubby gave me the nickname 15 years ago (when he was my boss...Uh Oh!). On occasion I do ask him if I'm still a "ray of sunshine" and he says "heck yeah!" Each time I give him a quizzical glance, because trust me when I say there are days that I just don't feel like a flippin' ray of sunshine! Love is obviously STILL blind, but I won't complain.
Life has it's ups and owns, highs and lows and in betweens....instead of sulking about it spread good cheer! Did you ever notice how much better you feel when you make someone else smile? It's true ... "Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others, cannot keep it from themselves" which is one of my favorite quotes by James Barrie. Make sunshine a part of your life, you won't regret it.
Here's a challenge for you ... for the next 7 days spread the sunshine no matter what mood you are in. Yep, even if you are in a gloom and doom mood. If you should choose to accept this challenge you'll be known as a Sunshine Seeker. Wear the name proudly.
A few ideas to seek the sunshine:
- Say hello to your neighbor even if you are at war because their dog does his business in your yard.
- Give a stranger a compliment even if they look like they might mug you (just be sure you have a getaway plan).
- Smile at the grouchiest person in the grocery store even if they have 100 coupons and still use a checkbook!
- The driver who's still sitting at the green light because they are texting, don't get all road raged on them smile and nod at them (then say a prayer for other drivers in their path).
Something else I've learned along the path of life is, "if you have nothing nice to say then say nothing at all." Yes, it's that simple, say nothing at all.
You'll notice a difference immediately in this new found seeking behavior. Keep us posted! If you need additional, more realistic pointers see The Sunshine Page.
Godspeed Sunshine Seekers!
Ode To The Sunshine Seekers!
Sunshine can not be found
Under a tree
Nor in the dark but it can be found
Somewhere close to your
Heart when you take a few moments to bask in the rays and appreciate your
Inner self it's then that you realize
Nothing can ever replace the
Ever glowing beams of Sunshine that we cherish so much.
You Are My Sunshine
Bring on the Sunshine!
- 50 Ways To Bring On The Sunshine Smile
Included in this hub are 50 ways that you could help bring on a sunshine smile to a family member, friend or stranger. - Don't Allow Anyone To Steal Your Sunshine!
Fact: Chances are no matter how much you try to avoid drama and conflict it will find you. How you deal with it is your choice.
Do you make it a daily practice to shine on...?
© 2011 Linda Bilyeu
Comments
I love the sunshine.....AS LONG AS it comes along with Mr. COOL Breeze. Now, OUR Sunshine, here at HP, she can come around just as she is......Bright & Beautiful!....Up++++
I agree with Steph Henkle - that one is indeed hard to follow. I have learned, though, that if I try to find something nice about someone with whom I'm having trouble, it does soften my heart a bit. Thanks for the sweet thoughts here, Sunshine!
- AUTHOR
I also have trouble following that too Steph, but I'm getting better at it. Kinda.
Your saying, "If you can't say something nice about a person, don't say anything at all" was a saying my mother repeated often. Good advice, though I sometimes have trouble following it! :)
- AUTHOR
Thank you Mary for your sweet sunshine-filled comment. I wish the same for you:)
All I can say to you SS is “May you always walk in sunshine. May you never want for more. May Irish angels rest their wings right beside your door.”
You always bring sunshine and this hub does too!
Voted up and interesting.
- AUTHOR
Sending some sunshine to Audra ~ Audrey ~ Julie ~ Nithya!:)
Wonderful hub. Spreading sunshine throughout. Loved the sunshine ode. You have expressed a beautiful thought, spreading sunshine into other lives. Voted up.Your hub is like a ray of sunshine.
Ah sunshine, sunshine ....I've forgotten what it looks like! Good job I am getting some virtual sunshine every day :o)
Hi Sunshine! Such a wonderful hub on a subject that is dear to many of us.! Thank you!
I am up to the challenge starting today...great hub!!!
LInda, I'll have to pass. I burn so easily :-)
- AUTHOR
Thank you for your comment KDee! I'm glad you had a chance to enjoy #2, the video stopped working and I had to remove it. Wishing you a sunshine-filled day!
That was so nice. I love #2 song. Takes me way back.my dad playing You are my Sunshine on the old banjo and singing along with him. I love it.
Kay
- AUTHOR
PDX I'm sending you some Florida Sunshine....enjoy:)
- AUTHOR
Hi lyns, I hope you are enjoying The Sunshine Page:)
i live in the great northwest. What is this sun you speak of?
Thanks Sunshine, for I really enjoyed this article and the information about the FB Sunshine page, I will be sure to visit it the sunshine always boast our energy, good job I graded accordingly..
- AUTHOR
Thank you and yes it's fine :))
Hi Sunshine. I love this hub. Such a positive hub. I am going to add you on facebook in a minute if that is okay.x
- AUTHOR
Hello Tina! Sending you some Sunshine :-))
I am glad I found this hub today; the rain is poring down along with a strong wind! So it feels so good to get a sunshine from you instead! That Facebook group sounds like a good idea!
Thanks for this uplifting hub!
Tina
- AUTHOR
Hi manthy! Happy to see you, it's been awhile! :)
I'm on the lookout for sunshine, I hope to see more of her, I mean it
- AUTHOR
Hi Barb....should I be watching for something? :)
Hi Rose....sending you some sunshine as you enter Spring and we embrace Fall...my 2nd favorite season :))
U-WOOOOOOO!!! (wondering...you watching this Hub?? -0 )
A wonderfully happy hub. Its true sunshine always makes me feel good and spring has just arrived here in New Zealand. Its nice to say hello to neighbours and maybe make a new friend. I loved this "Give a stranger a compliment even if they look like they might mug you (just be sure you have a getaway plan)" that made me laugh. So thank you for brightening my day.
- AUTHOR
I'm happy to hear gloom doesn't effect you Reynold Jay! Thank you for stopping by :)
I'm trying rastermermaid. By the way I adore your new avatar! :)
Great hub!
Keep spreading your sunshine,it's contagious!!!
Blessings!
I have no gloom in me, however the Sunshine page sounds like a blessing for many. Nice videos and I thought the Ode to the Sunshine was a nice touch too. Keep up the great HUBS spreading sunshine where ever you are!
- AUTHOR
Hello my Sunshine Seeking friends! I'm glad you all enjoyed the hub! Be sure and check out The Sunshine Page on FB. Thanks for stopping by! Shine On my friends :)
Sunshine, I love this hub! I like the advice in "Eat, Pray, Love" the old man from Bali gave to the lead character about meditation. He said, "When you meditate, smile. Smile from your face, smile from your heart, smile from your liver" or something like that. I've noticed that if you carry that through to every part of your body, you do have a better day. It is contagious.
Great hub, you have my votes. Blessings my friend!
Dear Sunshine, you are such a great person for spreading more sunshine into our lives! Thank you for this awesome hub - voted up :-)
Cloverleaf.
I will check out the Sunshine Page. What great thoughts! Pay it forward.
Sounds like a great group on Facebook...with a great idea that should help many many people survive some tough days that we are all going through.....awesome find Sunshine625...voted up and interesting.
- AUTHOR
@susan ... thank you for sharing your comment and the sunshine :))
@movie master ... Godspeed Sunshine Seeker or Shiner :)
@barbara ... I was thinking of the little princess also...gone but never forgotten!
I had to come back.....I keep thinking of "You Are My Sunshine" the song a well known little girl sang. It was a highlight of the 'show' !!
And, I wanted to vote ^ again!!
"oh happy day! OH HAPPY DAY!"
I clapped today toooooo!! ;-0
I accept the challenge and will do my best to spread some sunshine!
Thank you Sunshine for a lovely sunny hub.
Great theme for a hub, Sunshine! We all need to become more aware of all the sunshine we are privileged to have in our lives. But somehow we must CHOOSE to notice it. I love looking for small touches of sunshine in my day and also spreading it to others. Thanks for sharing this with us.
this hub was worth reading. great work put all together. voted up and useful:)
Hi sunshine great hub!! that sunshine poem is lovely! :))
carrie
- AUTHOR
@mich ... Yay!
@deestew ... Yay! Thank you for the comment and the follow! If you are facebook be sure and join The Sunshine Page ... Barb offers daily sunshine!
I loved this article! I am wanting to spread more cheer and have more cheer in my life too. This is a great reminder and for some reason I'm feeling a little bit happier now! thanks.:-)
I'll try to keep those Sunshine tips in my mind this week...especially when my kiddos are being crazy! :)
- AUTHOR
@barbara ... fantastic idea to spread the sunshine. Way to go with being the conversationalist! I also can strike up a conversation with just about anyone about anything BUT there are also times I regret doing so! OOOOPS!
@lig ... Shine on!!! :)
Great Hub ! I may be Blind, but my days are filled with Sunshine and I hope they always and forever will be ! Sometimes being a Shiner takes a lot of effort, but I will give it a go. Voted up, funny and beautiful just like the author.
I LOVE to give a Shiner!!! I use small post-it notes (I wrote earlier) and put them on mirrors in the ladies room, or I just hand it to someone, I leave w/tip for the waiter/ress, put one on a car's window ~ driver sees when opening door. Even had my GROWN son put one in men's room. I don't get to see their face.....but I KNOW the words might make someones day!
I can find SOMETHING about anyone to start a conversation...pretty eyes, nice shoes, good hair cut, OR how much I LOVE a bald head!!
GREAT HUB! Great how-to, perfect lesson, good thoughts!!
- AUTHOR
@fpherj ... Happy all the time LOL! I love ya and I love that quote also, I do that all the TIME! :)))
@susie ... Sweet mom memory. Thanks for sharing. Florida is the Sunshine State which makes it even a better reason for me to live here! I'm happy you liked my poem.
Come on back anytime for a dose of Sunshine!
When my sisters and I did the dishes after dinner most every night, my mom would turn on the radio over the sink. On would come, "You are My Sunshine" and we would all sing. I love the sunshine, especially the sunny state of FL!!! This is sweet, and I love your poem. (:
It is so true that making someone else smile, makes The smiler happy too. So, YOU must be happy all the time. Another quote I like is "Smile, it makes people wonder what you're up to." Fun hub! Thanks for the Sunshine, SUNSHINE. Up & awesome.
Great idea! I like this Hub.
- AUTHOR
Thank you for sharing Barb! Nice to meet you! Wishing you many more Shiners :)
Greetings Shiners! Lately many of you have been asking who is behind The Sunshine Page, so I thought it was time I officially introduced myself. My name is Barabara Davis. (Barb to you, my friends) I live in Raleigh, NC with the love of my life, Tom, and two little red-headed boys (the 4 legged kind) named Simon and Baxter.
I recently left a high pressure executive lifestyle to begin the novel I have been promising myself I would write for almosot seven years. A month ago, I started The Sunshine page on a whim, because I was inspired by others who were spreading messages I deeply believe in. Thank you to my Shiners from all over the world. You make my daily walk a joy. Peace, Love, and Sunshine to you all. :)
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