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.
Barbara Boustead is a beacon of light. She shines so brightly and intentionally that it is literally impossible not to be affected by her in a positive way. She is the youngest 68-year-old we’ve met! Barbara approaches each day as a gift from God and has a gratitude for life that is radiated through her beautiful and generous smile. She believes she is here on this earth at this time for a reason and a purpose, to serve and uplift others. Her life is a gift to others and her example is one for all of us to emulate.
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 Barbara 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?
Singing in the car and using the steering wheel as an instrument (either drum or keyboard).
Visiting with my nephews and nieces and watching them play with each other. Also enjoy talking with them about their various interests and activities!
Reading and getting so absorbed that I don’t think about the time passing.
Sitting or standing by a lake and watching the clouds overhead. I sometimes imagine what the different shapes could be, an animal or person.
Watching birds that come to our bird feeder (outside the window of my home office). Daydreaming anytime.
I enjoy going to Dane Dances and LaFete in town and love dancing and singing along with whoever is featured.
Who or what has been the greatest influence in your own fight against Adultitis?
I pray that I attain even a small portion of the grace and positivity of Mary, my mom. She is my inspiration every day! Mom passed away in 2014 at the age of 93.
I also love going to my senior cardio class at the Y and working out and singing with the music. I enjoy being silly with this group, one of the oldest is 86 and she can outlast most of us in the class!
When I would work out with my personal trainer, Corey Digman at Digman Fitness, we laugh a LOT. His training equipment was sometimes made of stuff he put together from his family’s farm, and I really enjoyed his frugality and sense of play.
What is something you loved doing as a child that you still do in some form today?
It would definitely be reading, which is my favorite activity. As a kid, I loved comic books, Archie and Jughead, Veronica and Betty…the Riverdale gang. I still enjoy reading comic strips and the “Kim and Jason” comic strip is always fun to read.:-)
I was pretty serious as a child, and frequently called a “bookworm” but have gotten sillier as I’ve grown older… I can’t tell a joke without forgetting the punch line.
I can get so tickled at my own (really bad) jokes. My husband doesn’t see the humor in this, but my kids (who are now adults) do and even gave it a name, mom’s “Hyatte humor” (family name) ☺ My husband says it isn’t that funny, which makes me laugh even harder!
When my mom made cookies and cakes, I loved licking the bowl especially chocolate chip cookie batter (which was not an easy feat since there were 5 of us kids). I don’t bake often but once the batter is in the oven, the bowl is all mine!
I liked watching cartoons and musicals growing up, but don’t do that as much anymore. But I do enjoy watching some comedians and that reminded me that I used to watch Bob Hope and Sammy Davis Jr. “I Love Lucy” was one of my favorite shows, along with Batman and Superman. I loved it when Wonder Woman, Cat Woman and the Bionic Woman were on TV. They were my (s)heroes.
I also like talking on the phone with my friends and family….more than letters or email, I feel a stronger connection when I can connect by phone.
I also liked playing monopoly and handling the money, counting it and putting the bills in neat stacks. I played store with a metal cash register and loved to press the keys and ring up a sale. As a daily money manager, I now get to work with money in a different way.
What is your strategy for dealing with people who are obviously infected with Adultitis?
I listen and really work to hear their struggle. Sometimes it’s because they are younger and don’t realize that “this too shall pass” and sometimes there is a sense of pessimism and anger because of their negative life experiences.
If they are receptive, I share that I have had some challenges in life, but with God’s grace, I’ve been able to experience some amazing rainbows after the storms!
I don’t spend much time with people who choose to remain in stuck places. I like to keep moving and growing and experiencing life. People infected by Adultitis tend to want to maintain the status quo due to fear of the unknown and fear of change.
What advice do you have for someone who is feeling overwhelmed by Adultitis?
In some ways, I can be resistant to change as well, but when that happens, I think about all that I am grateful for and how thankful I am to be alive today.
I have been blessed to have had a professional career that was aligned with my purpose. Now that I’m retired, I have found many opportunities to continue serving others in a variety of ways.
Anything else you’d like to share?
Thanks so much for this award! I give all glory and honor to God for allowing me to see the fun and quirkiness in life in spite of the problems. ☺ I am grateful and thankful for what you both are doing to be a beacon of light(ness) and encouragement to others who struggle to see themselves as the precious and unique beings they are.
Congrats to Barbara Boustead, September 2019 Adultitis Fighter of the Month. Thank you for making the world more awesome!