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.

Julie Ann Sullivan used to be a CPA and spent decades in the financial services industry. It’s a profession few people would consider to be a hotbed for Adultitis Fighters. But Julie Ann breaks the mold! She’s now a full-time speaker, and a member of the World Laughter Tour, Inc. and the Association of Applied and Therapeutic Humor. Oh, and she also has a Certification as an Expert Level Practitioner as a Certified Laughter Leader. In her spare time, Julie Ann helps others discover their superpowers through her podcast, Mere Mortals Unite. (She even interviewed me on an episode back in 2016.)

Indeed, Julie Ann takes laughter seriously, and is passionate about helping people from all walks of life realize that something as simple as laughter can make a positive impact when dealing with all sorts of difficult or stressful situations.

Like all good Adultitis Fighters, Julie Ann draws a lot of inspiration from children:

“I am thankful that this world is filled with children. The ability to watch a child enjoy life gives me the chance to see life through their perspective. Their sense of play reminds me how important it is to continue to ‘play’ until my last breath.” –Julie Ann Sullivan

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 Julie Ann some questions about how she fights the Big A and what advice she has for others…

What are some of your favorite ways to fight Adultitis?

I like to walk in the rain and stick my tongue out to eat snowflakes.

Who or what has been the greatest influence in your own fight against Adultitis?

Being involved with the World Laughter Tour, becoming a Certified Laughter Leader (CLL) and trainer for new CLL’s.

What is something you loved doing as a child that you still do in some form today?

I make a snow angel every year. This year I did it in a random neighbor’s yard!

What is your strategy for dealing with people who are obviously infected with Adultitis?

Asking a simple question, like how did you have fun today?

What advice do you have for someone who is feeling overwhelmed by Adultitis?

Unplug and really see and listen to your surroundings.

Anything else you’d like to share?

Staving off Adultitis is a choice we make each moment. We have the power to bring fun, joy and laughter into our lives. Let’s use it.

Congrats to Julie Ann Sullivan, April 2018 Adultitis Fighter of the Month. Thank you for making the world more awesome!