We continue to shine a light upon some of the most remarkable Adultitis Fighters we’ve encountered, holding them up as dazzling examples of what we should strive for in this epic battle against a formidable enemy. They don’t possess any special superpowers, other than the rare ability to embrace and act on simple ways to have fun, spread joy, and not take themselves too seriously.
We’ve culled some of the best Adultitis-Fighting tips from our twelve award winners from 2017. For some everyday wisdom that can help transform your life today while making Adultitis run for the hills, read on. (And to learn more about each person and why there were chosen, click their name!)
What is your strategy for dealing with people who are obviously infected with Adultitis?
“I’ve learned over time that there are people who bring joy when they enter a room and others who bring joy when they leave. And you cannot change other people. Rather than spend lots of energy trying to convince those who do not want to be convinced, I look for those likeminded souls who wish to join in the fun.”
— Karyn Buxman, October 2017 Adultitis Fighter of the Month
“My strategy for dealing with adults who are obviously infected with Adultitis is, to run away. Okay, not every time. I’m getting braver as I get older. I try to make them smile…or at least scrunch up their nose at me in a way that shows me that they’re discombobulated a bit. Discombobulation is a great antidote for Adultitis. The wife of a friend of mine has a serious case of Adultitis and when I told her I was writing a book for adults about fairies, she scrunched up her nose and said, “You mean, like boats?” and I said, “No, like wings.” She was thoroughly discombobulated. Score one against Adultitis!”
— Christine Fader, August 2017 Adultitis Fighter of the Month
“To first picture a blue bubble around me to protect me from getting infected myself, and then listen, validate and help them find a funner, more loving way to look at the situation, and then offer a hug. It almost always helps!”
— Cheri Neal, April 2017 Adultitis Fighter of the Month
“Kindness and a big smile. I’ve learned that you cannot and should not force someone out of their Adultitis. Smile. Be kind. If they ask “why are you so happy” then tell them because if they asked, they are open to hearing a solution. ”
— Rob Thiry, March 2017 Adultitis Fighter of the Month
“My main strategy for dealing with people infected with Adultitis is to be overwhelmingly kind. For years, my husband had a terrible case of it so I have had a lot of practice in this area. My sub-strategies include being happy all the time, even when I have a headache, telling them funny jokes and stories, showing them photos of my dog smiling, telling them about my younger brother who kept a newt in his locker in high school, etc. You get the idea. Eventually, they will either manage a small smile or avoid you completely.”
— Mary Eickemeyer, January 2017 Adultitis Fighter of the Month
What advice do you have for someone who is feeling overwhelmed by Adultitis?
“If you want to change the people around you, change the people around you.
If you are having a tough time with someone, place their name in your shoe and stomp around all day. This may find you feeling free from a perception that you have owned and it doesn’t belong to you.”
— Jackie Ward, December 2017 Adultitis Fighter of the Month
“Do something you enjoy. Maybe you like drawing or taking a walk or taking pictures or swimming or jumping on a trampoline or making snow angels on the beach where there’s no snow. Sometimes you need to be creative, but there’s usually something you can do to brighten your day.”
— Steven Sauke, November 2017 Adultitis Fighter of the Month
“I would remind them that if they are breathing (which they are), that there is more right with them than wrong. Hugs are nice too!”
— Jim Kramer, September 2017 Adultitis Fighter of the Month
“This question is hard. At times, I become overwhelmed with what is happening day to day and my long list of injuries and surgeries. I dig my way out by making lists and creating plans. I remove the things that are weighing me down from my brain, to make room for what will bring me smiles. Also, a trip to an arcade has always worked for me!”
— Sarah Stone Weber, 2017 Adultitis Fighter of the Month
“Sometimes you have to force yourself to play and have fun. So many times I heard that people weren’t going to participate in a fun activity and when they forced themselves, it not only got them out of a funk, it was the most fun they had all year. Also, making a difference for someone else with Adultitis will make both of your days better.”
— Danny Donuts, 2017 Adultitis Fighter of the Month
“Smile when you don’t feel like it, it changes your whole mood. Think back to a time when you were happy and think about what you were doing. Now do it again! Maybe reconnect with a childhood friend who you loved to laugh with as a kid.”
— Jill Fleming, May 2017 Adultitis Fighter of the Month
“Buy a kite and keep it in your car. You would be surprised how 10 minutes of kite flying will make you feel. Letting someone go ahead of you in line at the coffee shop is super fun to do! Just tell them “I’m not in a hurry, you go first.” They look at you with this amazing look. You’d think I offered them a $20 dollar bill.”
— Kim Stanfill-McMillan, February 2017 Adultitis Fighter of the Month
Do you know someone who should be recognized as an Adultitis Fighter of the Month? Fill out this quick form to tell us about them and why they deserve to be nominated!