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.
The first time we had the opportunity to meet Caryl Dellis in person, we were doubly blessed because we were able to meet her and her mom together. These two women are true “partners-in-crime!” Both donning bright pink streaks in their hair, their wide smiles matched their hearts and soon they were surrounded by people laughing as they told stories of their shenanigans. We were lucky to be among this group! Caryl is a walking gift of joy. She’s a natural-born encourager who cannot help but change the lives of those around her. She exudes love, blesses others with her joy, and lives life enthusiastically and authentically.
Here’s a really cool treat for you to know…she is a High School Teacher! Aren’t her students and colleagues the luckiest of ducks?! Her shining example, the way she presents her gifts to the world, and her generous spirit truly makes Caryl a model Adultitis Fighter.
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 Caryl 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 have to road trip and get near water — a lake feeds my soul and makes me feel like a young teenager (that now possesses confidence and understands the important things in life!) I also love getting out into a fun city, whether it’s the Third Ward in Milwaukee, Chicago, or my most favorite place to go: Madison. It just fills up my soul. The people, the ART!!!, mother nature, and the beautiful breeze–just breathing it in!!
My profile on Facebook is filled with art, uniqueness of colorful people. It absolutely feeds my soul! I “hang out” with a lot of artists who are brilliant in revealing their beauty. I surround myself with fun books, lectures and movies about strong people who are unique individuals not squelching their soul!
Who or what has been the greatest influence in your own fight against Adultitis?
My sweet mom, Nina Radi.
I also love seeing a yard or car that is decked out with crazy fun flowers/plants, painted walls, and stickers. They seem to be in their own little ‘World of Joy,” going to their own beat of their drum and finding their joy and beauty that makes them smile every time they see it. It tickles their soul!!
What is something you loved doing as a child that you still do in some form today?
Blaring fun music and dressing with lots of jewelry.
What is your strategy for dealing with people who are obviously infected with Adultitis?
Honestly, I RUN from them!! I try to avoid them at all costs! The “Danny and Debbie Downers” – OMG get them out of your life. Negativity and conforming to be a drab adult kills me! I have a lot of them working with me in a high school and it drives me CRAZY! That’s why I surround myself with the coolest and most fun students and staff. They join me during their lunch hour or after school; they know my room is always cheerful. I greet them with tenderness and I always have snacks!
I also love bright and beautiful colors, the cool Aveda Chokra essential oils, wearing pink in my hair, and the gentleness of a tender heart towards a young child or an animal. I also feed my soul tenderness by watching positive stories at the end of the news program.
What advice do you have for someone who is feeling overwhelmed by Adultitis?
Just breathe in the beauty that is around us – if you take the time to look for it. Leave fear and rejection and conformity by the wayside. You are far too awesome to conform. Find your “Joy” every single day–and smile with delight and accomplishment!!
Anything else you’d like to share?
My time last year at the Escape Adulthood Summit was a treasure. I shared a lot of the fun activities with my students. The takeaways were abundant!! The camp was an absolute gift to your inner child deep inside that is told every day: “Stay inside – Do Not Come Out!” Well, I’m telling you, “Come out and embrace that creative soul!”
Congrats to Caryl Dellis, May 2019 Adultitis Fighter of the Month. Thank you for making the world more awesome!