Sunshine and Energy!

The Power of Positive Energy…

Karen and Jay share thoughts on the power of sunshine in lighting up our lives from the inside out

At the Sunshine Report, we like to spread ‘sunshine and positivity.’ It’s in our nature. We love to see possibilities where there is gloom, to share optimism when there is doubt, and to unleash the power of the human spirit wherever hope can be found.

Today, in our Report, we focus on the good that can be done when rays of sunshine can be brought into our own lives and shared with those around us. Whether it is the revitalization of a community or simply sharing the stories of our lives – people coming together in an uplifting spirit of optimism, so very much good can be accomplished.

The truth is that we all go through struggles and face problems that at times can seem overwhelming. Perhaps even ‘box us in’ – where we feel there are few options and very little reason for hope. These are the moments when fear can sometimes overcome us. Yet, if we simply take deep breath, feel a sense of gratitude and see if we can find a moment of calm, then everything can change. This is especially true if can go find some sunshine. Get out into the beauty of the day. Have the sun’s rays warm our souls and light up our spirit. This is when things turn around. We begin to feel ourselves in control. We begin to see the possibilities once again. Our strength returns.

Moreover, our positive vibes connect with others who may be around us. They feel the positive energy. Good things start to happen. Have you ever felt this kind of momentum? I’ll bet that you have. And so much of it comes as a result of taking that breath, finding the gratitude, soaking in the positive energy of the sun and sharing it with other people. Often almost a miraculous sense of growth and well-being.

So, as you approach this week as we go into the deeper part of the summer, please enjoy the warmth, the sun, your family, a vacation and more – while knowing that the Sunshine Report is here to help give a positive boost and set things on a joyful course. Onwards and upwards! Enjoy!

Main Street Momentum: The Downtown Wheeling Revitalization Project

In the heart of Wheeling, West Virginia, energy and renewal is unfolding. The historic downtown, once quiet and fading, is now alive with possibility thanks to the efforts of local businesses, community leaders, and everyday residents. Through strategic public-private partnerships and grassroots determination, Wheeling has sparked a renaissance that celebrates its past while building a future. This energy is truly human, driven by people who believe in their town’s promise.

The Wheeling Heritage group has played a central role in leading the revitalization efforts. By focusing on small business investment, historic preservation, and creative development, they’ve inspired a wave of entrepreneurial activity and civic pride. Restaurants, boutiques, and cultural spaces have returned to Main Street, drawing locals and tourists alike. These changes create jobs, foster creativity, and serve as a blueprint for other small towns seeking a revival. It’s a reminder that meaningful change starts locally, powered by community energy.

What makes Wheeling’s success so powerful is that it’s people-driven. Residents who once watched buildings fall into disrepair are now restoring facades, opening shops, and planning festivals. The synergy between old and new generates excitement that feeds itself. Optimism, once in short supply, now infuses the streets with new life.

This revival isn’t without its challenges. Rebuilding after years of economic hardship requires perseverance and collective will. Yet Wheeling demonstrates that momentum builds when people work together and believe in their shared future. Energy multiplies when neighbors invest not just money, but their time and hearts into their town’s recovery. Their story serves as encouragement for small communities everywhere - what was once lost can be reclaimed through unity and effort.

Momentum Makers: StoryCorps

At its core, StoryCorps is built on a simple yet profound idea: listening is an act of love. Founded in 2003, StoryCorps collects and shares the personal stories of everyday people to foster understanding, empathy, and connection across communities. Their work radiates human energy, proving that sharing our voices generates positivity and bonds that transcend differences. StoryCorps shows that every story matters and every voice holds the power to uplift others.

StoryCorps uses mobile recording booths, permanent studios, and even a smartphone app to collect personal interviews. These conversations, often between family members or close friends, become part of the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress. Select stories are featured in podcasts and National Public Radio broadcasts, amplifying voices that might otherwise go unheard. Each shared memory or reflection becomes a spark that ignites understanding and bridges divides.

The beauty of StoryCorps is its accessibility. People from small towns, big cities, and rural backroads are equally welcomed. The organization’s work fosters a culture of listening - a rare and precious energy in today’s fast-paced world. Their mission isn’t to sensationalize, but to humanize. StoryCorps reminds us that empathy is built one story at a time, and that listening itself is a positive force capable of transforming relationships and communities.

In a world often divided by noise and disagreement, StoryCorps demonstrates that positive human energy can be cultivated through understanding. Each recording session is an act of honoring another person’s life experience. When shared publicly, these stories help dismantle stereotypes and foster a sense of shared humanity. They teach us that while our stories are unique, our hopes and struggles connect us all. By amplifying personal stories, StoryCorps spreads the sunshine of connection and compassion nationwide.

From Burnout to Bravery: The Positivity Project

Across America, educators are discovering that positivity isn’t just a personal trait - it’s a teachable skill. The Positivity Project, a nonprofit organization working with schools nationwide, is proving that character education focused on positive psychology can transform classrooms. Their simple belief that “other people matter” serves as the foundation for an educational movement that empowers students to build strong relationships and resilient minds.

Through daily character lessons and interactive activities, The Positivity Project helps teachers instill 24 character strengths like gratitude, kindness, and perseverance. Their programs counteract the effects of burnout, stress, and disconnection often felt by students and teachers alike. Classrooms energized by mutual respect and understanding become healthier learning environments. Children who learn to value their strengths and those of others grow into confident, compassionate adults.

What makes The Positivity Project unique is its emphasis on community. Lessons are designed to be practiced not just in the classroom, but at home and within the broader community. Schools implementing the program report higher levels of student engagement and improved emotional wellbeing. Teachers describe students who encourage each other, celebrate each other’s successes, and support one another through challenges. It’s a ripple effect of positivity.

By focusing on character development, The Positivity Project addresses the root causes of many educational challenges. Instead of responding only to academic deficits, schools using the program build foundations of empathy and resilience. Students become active contributors to a positive school culture. This energy spreads to their families and communities, creating a cycle of encouragement and care. The positivity taught in classrooms today fuels the communities of tomorrow.

Running on Hope: Girls on the Run

Every stride tells a story with Girls on the Run, a nonprofit that combines physical activity and mentorship to build confidence in young girls. Across the United States, girls in grades 3 through 8 participate in after-school running programs that go far beyond laps and finish lines. The organization’s goal is simple yet transformative: unleash the energy of girls to empower their bodies, minds, and spirits.

Girls on the Run weaves character education into every run, teaching life skills like teamwork, goal setting, and resilience. Trained volunteer coaches serve as mentors, guiding girls through both physical challenges and personal growth. Each program culminates in a celebratory 5K event, a tangible victory that reinforces inner strength. Participants learn that the energy they invest in themselves can inspire others.

What sets Girls on the Run apart is its emphasis on positivity and community connection. Sessions are designed to encourage empathy, inclusion, and mutual support among participants. Girls learn that success isn’t about speed - it’s about showing up for yourself and your team. This program harnesses youthful energy and channels it into lifelong confidence, teaching that even small acts of encouragement can ripple outward. The Sunshine team can attest to this on a personal level - Jen Hubbell and the Girls on the Run team in Exeter, NH are some of the most positive people we’ve ever met!

With councils operating in local communities nationwide, Girls on the Run serves as a beacon of positive energy that transforms individual lives and strengthens neighborhoods. Girls often return as junior coaches, mentoring the next generation and continuing the cycle of empowerment. In every mile run and every goal set, energy and sunshine are magnified.

Profile in Sunshine: Jessie Diggins

We are thrilled to highlight as our ‘Positive Profile of the Week,’ an incredible role model in persistence and positivity - Jessie Diggins.

Jessie is more than a world-class athlete; she’s a force of positivity and resilience who uses her platform to inspire change. As the most decorated U.S. cross-country skier in history, Diggins channels her physical energy into athletic excellence. But beyond the medals and podiums, she’s become a leading advocate for mental health awareness and eating disorder recovery, turning her personal struggles into public advocacy. Her story is one of strength, vulnerability, and purpose.

Growing up in Minnesota, Diggins discovered the power of movement and community through skiing. Her journey to the Olympics was fueled by relentless determination and the supportive network around her. Yet behind the victories, Diggins battled an eating disorder in her teens. By openly sharing her recovery, she’s helped countless young athletes understand that true strength includes asking for help. Her energy, once solely focused on winning races, now fuels conversations that save lives.

Diggins actively partners with organizations like The Emily Program to raise awareness about eating disorders and promote mental wellbeing. Her advocacy work reaches schools, sports clubs, and media outlets, where she emphasizes that mental health matters as much as physical training. She shows that resilience is not just about enduring pain but about fostering hope and seeking support. Her story empowers others to prioritize their well-being without shame.

As a role model, Diggins embodies the values of hard work, optimism, and community. She encourages young people to view setbacks as stepping-stones and to measure success by inner growth, not just external achievement. Her commitment to service makes her a shining example of using personal energy to uplift others. Through her blog, public speaking, and nonprofit partnerships, she continuously spreads positivity to future generations.

Jessie Diggins reminds us that energy is a gift to be shared. Her legacy will extend far beyond ski trails, inspiring communities to embrace strength, vulnerability, and kindness.

Quote of the Week: Positive Energy and Sunshine

“Keep your face always toward the sunshine—and shadows will fall behind you.”

– Walt Whitman