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.
We’ve had the privilege of getting to know Joan McGrath through her participation in a number of Escape Adulthood Summits over the years. Joan’s kind heart and sweet smile are jut the tip of the iceberg of what’s in store when you connect with her. If you pay a compliment to her about her necklace, she might just give it to you right then and there. She has a childlike generosity (meaning it’s unmatched). In fact, she even brought a whole bunch of fun jewelry to a recent Summit and invited everyone to pick a favorite!
She loves to give others’ positive experiences, which is what led her to inventing the concept of an Escape Adulthood Party and hosting the first one for her friends. Her creativity and ability to make others feel special are just two of the dozens of traits she bring to the parties and all of her thoughtful shenanigans, which continue to be enjoyed by so many!
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 Joan 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 love doing Random Acts of Kindness, like buying coffee for the next person in line at Dunkin Donuts drive thru. One time I saw a mother eating dinner with her daughter at Olive Garden and I noticed the Mom kept counting her cash so I told the waitress that I wanted to buy their dinner. (I left before I saw the Mom’s reaction.) I sell junk or “Treasures” at the flea market and I love the reaction when I give the buyer a very good deal as the stuff will always look better at their house than it did at mine! Having and planning Escape Adulthood parties! Spending time with family, especially my 3 great nieces and nephews (2, 4, and 7) who live close to me as I earn a lot from them! Also, volunteering at Church.
Who or what has been the greatest influence in your own fight against Adultitis?
Jason and Kim. I love Jason’s creativity and pointing out how to recognize Adultitis and ways to fight Adultitis.
What is something you loved doing as a child that you still do in some form today?
Coming from a family with 7 children, I never had many stuffed animals and today I just love them, especially the ones that sing, talk, and dance! For about three years I went to a nursing home every month and we had HUG parties where I bought teddy bears and other stuffed animals and jewelry for the ladies along with cupcakes. I believe that stuffed animals can provide comfort as they are soft and something you can hold. Stuffed animals always bring a smile to me!
What is your strategy for dealing with people who are obviously infected with Adultitis?
I will try a few times to smile and spend time with them and talk positive things to them and if they don’t want to change then I will avoid them – Sorry, that isn’t very nice but I realize they are different from me.
What advice do you have for someone who is feeling overwhelmed by Adultitis?
Slow Down and Keep Looking Up and remember that a hundred years from now nobody will know the difference of how you handled things! Relax.
Anything else you’d like to share?
I am going to start traveling agin – possibly going to Australia next year!
Congrats to Joan McGrath, October 2018 Adultitis Fighter of the Month. Thank you for making the world more awesome!
