An Adultitis Fighter is someone who rallies against rules that don’t exist and engages in ruthless, senseless acts of silliness that undermine Adultitis and its unadventurous version of adulthood. Once a month, we shine a light upon the most remarkable among us, holding them up as a dazzling example of what we should strive for in this epic battle against a formidable enemy.
Clint Pulver is like a modern, real-life Forrest Gump. Although we have only known him for a short time, he always seems to be in the middle of some epic adventure. He’s an amazingly talented professional drummer and has even directed the Drumline for the NBA’s Utah Jazz. He speaks all over the world. He swam with dolphins, rides elephants, and flies helicopters. He’s been on America’s Got Talent, starred in motion picture movies with actors like Jack Black and Jon Heder (from Napoleon Dynamite), and ran away with the circus.
What’s most amazing to us about Clint is not that he’s done some impressive things, but that he regularly says yes to the opportunities to live an adventurous life. Opportunities not unlike the ones we all encounter on a regular basis.
One of Clint’s favorite quotes comes from Oscar Wilde, who said, “To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all.”
That’s what Adultitis wants us to do: merely exist. Daydreaming is fine, as far as Adultitis is concerned. (As long as you don’t take any action on those dreams.) One of the hashtags Clint uses in his social media posts is #dreammorewhileyoureawake
May we all take Clint’s example to heart and take advantage of the opportunities for adventure that life brings. May we say no to Adultitis, no to existing, and YES to living.
In recognition of their efforts, Adultitis Fighters of the Month receive a special mini-canvas hand-painted by Jason, along with a certificate of honor, a sweet patch, and other Adultitis-Fighting tools. We asked Clint some questions about how he fights the Big A and what advice he has for others…
What are some of your favorite ways to fight Adultitis?
I am a firm believer in the power that can come from a bucket list. I have always believed that it is better to dream more while you’re awake. My bucket list has helped me to do this in ways I never thought possible. My number one rule is that if it goes on the list it has to happen. No maybes or “that would be fun one day I hope.” Its a promise and a commitment that MUST be fullfilled when it gets written on the list.
Who or what has been the greatest influence in your own fight against Adultitis?
For me I think I would have to say the collection of some of my most favorite inspirational movies like Rudy, TopGun, The Legend of Bagger Vance, Forrest Gump and Cool Runnings. A good movie has a way of lighting my soul on fire, inspiring me to think differently and push myself to new heights. Movies have showed me what was possible despite the odds or the what others think or may say.
What is something you loved doing as a child that you still do in some form today?
As a young child I always have had a hard time keeping my feet on the ground. I loved aviation and became a pilot at the age of 17. I still love aviation and enjoy flying as a pilot to this day.
What is your strategy for dealing with people who are obviously infected with Adultitis?
I think the cure to Adultitis is lighting yourself on fire and inviting others to watch you burn. Be the example of what’s possible and don’t be afraid to show the world what living looks like. Its contagious and over time, can have a very positive effect on helping others see and think of life differently.
What advice do you have for someone who is feeling overwhelmed by Adultitis?
I would offer the advice of helping them to know that they have the ability to choose what story they write everyday and with that amazing gift of agency they have the ability to little by little write a meaningful narrative rather than a wandering generality.
Anything else you’d like to share?
Oscar Wilde said, “To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist.” I have loved this quote all my life. It represents what I strive to do and feel everyday. In doing this I have come to understand that its not about being the best in the word. Its about being the best FOR the world. As we learn to that more in our everyday lives I believe we get to take part in the rarest thing in the world…A life fully lived.
Adultitis wants us to believe that being different and weird is wrong. Check out this wonderful story about Clint and a teacher who showed him that it can actually be your superpower.
Congrats to Clint Pulver, February 2018 Adultitis Fighter of the Month. Thank you for making the world more awesome!
How I would loved to have had a Mr Jensen…
Actually when think about it I did have a Mr Jensen (a woman actually) but that was short-lived because the next Mr UnJensen in Maths took that whole will away…That was the early 1960s when I was in high school.But also at a point where my Mother believed that living away at boarding school was a great idea…because my Dad has instilled simple maths in my brain many years before hand. I still count in 5s when I need it…and I use at times odd numbers in my art-making…