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.
Jason had the opportunity to meet Bronwyn Roberts a few years ago at a conference for the Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor. Bron had traveled VERY far from home to be a part of the event (Victoria, Australia!). One quick word to summarize Bron is…YES. She is living life so eagerly that the yes’ just make sense. Here’s a quick example she shared recently in the Escape Adulthood League: While attending a festival, she decided she would join the parade and ended up high-fiving over 4,000 people, as a simple way to connect with the people there. Initially, she only intended on high-fiving a few but shared that everyone she came upon enjoyed putting up their hands so they wouldn’t miss out – organizers, police and dignitaries alike! Bron’s example of embracing “yes” everyday is a gift to us all.
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 Bronwyn 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?
My favourite weapons against Adultitis are surprise, delight and awe. I live in a world filled with all 3 and happily, my partner is the same. I’ve learned to never take anything for granted, to seek out surprise, to look for the delight in the tiniest of things and to view the world through the lens of awe. I will always dance if the music takes me, wherever the music is, play if the tiniest opportunity arises, and I will always stop what I’m doing to watch with awe as birds dart around the sky, the sun shines through the clouds, or a tiny bug as it crawls across my table, and I’m always happy to have my face painted!
Who or what has been the greatest influence in your own fight against Adultitis?
First is my upbringing, my parents suffered from very serious Adultitis so my rebellion was to seek out moments of joy. Then there’s my partner. If I get too serious. he reminds me that life is a whole lot more enjoyable if we look for the fun. Third are Jason and Kim and the community they’ve created. I first saw them present at a conference a few years ago, they were so inspirational and this community, brilliant! And then there are all those people affected by Adultitis, they serve to remind me that while grown up and serious has its place, fun is more productive and creative and just more…fun!
What is something you loved doing as a child that you still do in some form today?
I loved dressing up when I was a kid. I lived in a world of make or make do so I learned to sew and make craft, and to this day I make and wear big flowy jackets or scarves (that are secretly my wings). I make my own jewelry from toys, and mould beads that look like sweets that become earrings and necklaces, and if I need to ‘look adult,’ well, people know that I have a different view on how adults should look. I LOVE dressing up!
What is your strategy for dealing with people who are obviously infected with Adultitis?
I embrace them, literally, if they’ll let me. Some people just need a hug. And if hugging isn’t appropriate I engage them in a conversation about what makes them really happy, their hobby, sport, how they played when they were a child. I always carry a few smiley finger puppets and smiley badges in my bag for just these moments and I offer them as a reminder of our conversation and to remind them that it is actually OK to play.
What advice do you have for someone who is feeling overwhelmed by Adultitis?
Breathe, smile, shoulders back, remember where you find your fun and know that it’s OK, actually it’s important, to spend time with our inner child, even if it’s just a few seconds.
Anything else you’d like to share?
No final comments, except that one day I will get to another one of your events, but for now I will continue escaping adulthood from my tiny patch half a world away!
Congrats to Bronwyn Roberts, July 2019 Adultitis Fighter of the Month. Thank you for making the world more awesome!