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.
Heather Haas’ example of fighting Adultitis is beautiful. She walks her talk. She lives a bright, unapologetically bold life and it’s refreshing and inspiring (and maybe sometimes even a bit challenging – in a good way) for all of those who come near enough to witness her life of awesomeness. It’s all about her perspective and intention, as you’ll read below.
One thing that stands out about Heather is that she takes the necessary time needed to fill her cup and in turn has a generous amount of love and kindness to pour out into those around her. This delicate balance is found with mindfulness, love, a deep connection to nature and an amazingly remarkable awareness of self. She models the importance of “putting the oxygen mask on first” in order to help others in a way that makes you want to follow her example.
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 Heather 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 grandmother always encouraged eating dessert first! I love this memory of her. It reminds me that we don’t have to “earn” or delay the sweetness in our lives. We can take the time to do what makes us happy. We don’t need permission from others to taste the sweetness. We don’t need to suffer through the brussel sprouts of life and delay a little pleasure. Play the music loud, sing in the car when stuck in traffic, do a little jig while folding the laundry, go for a night walk on a starry night.
I keep a small folding chair in the back of my minivan. My family knows that it is my chair. When I have some spare time, I find a quiet spot along the river in my town & soak up the goodness. I take the 10 extra minutes to just be. I listen to the water, scatter seeds from wild flowers, watch the birds, face the sun & recharge. It is one way that I am living the minivan dream!
Who or what has been the greatest influence in your own fight against Adultitis?
I am acutely aware that our time on this earth with those we hold dear is limited. The days are long, but the years are short. This life is not meant to be suffered through. Having an open heart leaves space for the little joys to shine through!
What is something you loved doing as a child that you still do in some form today?
I loved swinging on swings. I would sing to myself, pump my legs hard & go for the big jump at the end. I loved the tingly feeling in my stomach when I would recline back & put my legs out straight. Life is kinda like that too some days. Get on the swing, sing your tune, feel the tingles & leap! I often join my kids on our swing set just to remind myself of those feelings.
What is your strategy for dealing with people who are obviously infected with Adultitis?
I try to bring perspective. For example, people who are on their way on vacation and complain about the middle seat on a flight, or their snack options stand no chance with me! I try to remind them that we have the ability to FLY ACROSS THE COUNTRY in a few hours. A little discomfort for the greater goal is nothing to get worked up about.
What advice do you have for someone who is feeling overwhelmed by Adultitis?
Take the time to connect with your gut & heart. Invest in yourself. It doesn’t have to be expensive or a large time commitment. Take the 10 minutes to feel your own chest rise & fall as you breath. Grab your favorite candy bar in the grocery check out line as you fill up the belt with all the food your family needs. Join your kids as they color or swing on the swing set.
Anything else you’d like to share?
Remember that we need each other in this life. We were not meant to do this life alone. We are meant to take care of each other. Families, marriages, friendships, communities are stronger when we realize that we are connected. Hug those you love longer & often. Text your loved ones a funny meme in the middle of the day. Take your friend up on his/her offer to bring your family dinner. Invite the neighborhood kids to your yard. We don’t stand alone and our souls long for connection.
Congrats to Heather Haas, December 2019 Adultitis Fighter of the Month. Thank you for making the world more awesome!
