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.

Brian Colgan brings smiles to the faces of all who come in contact with him. He has a powerful outward focus on making people’s lives better. One of the ways Brian stands out is that he makes sure to engage with what people care about and remembers every time he meets them.

While it would be easy to feel negative dealing with a chronic illness, Brian is an example of staying positive in difficult circumstances. An encourager with a helpful heart, Brian is a warrior against Adultitis.

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 Brian some questions about how he fights the Big A and what advice he has for others…

What are some of your favorite ways to fight Adultitis?

I work a lot so I look forward to anything that’s different. I love GOING to movies – not just the movie but the atmosphere brings me joy.  I love running errands. Why, you ask?  Because getting out of the norm of work, home, work home…Something as simple as going to the drug store to get more shaving cream is a treat.  When you treat it that way, you meet people, you become more open to your surroundings instead of a tunnel vision chore.

Who or what has been the greatest influence in your own fight against Adultitis?

When I was 15 I was diagnosed with Epilepsy. This diagnosis caused a period of depression in my life. On top of that, being an empath, seeing the confusion it was also causing my parents and family caused me anxiety.  After learning that anxiety was a trigger for seizures, I just told myself I wasn’t gonna let it bring me down and was going to work hard to stay on top of my medicine. There was no room for depression or anxiety in my life.  I felt better and my family felt better knowing I did.  

What is something you loved doing as a child that you still do in some form today?

I love singing in my church choir. Not only do I love music, but it’s also very social and makes me feel great. It helps me stay on top of my ”no anxiety” rule and I recommend it to anyone.

What is your strategy for dealing with people who are obviously infected with Adultitis?

I’m always dealing with people who are affected by Adultitis.  My first strategy is changing the entire conversation into something simple and fun like movies. If that doesn’t work I find out what they do for fun and go about it the same way.   This usually works and I am a movie master so I can talk and bring up conversations forever on this topic. If not, classic rock discussion works: favorite albums, what concerts have they been to/going to/want to go to? And if that fails, I can joke about anything!!!

What advice do you have for someone who is feeling overwhelmed by Adultitis?

When you help others you help yourself.  Do things for others.  When you see the joy in other’s faces and you’re the one that put it there – that’s the best feeling.

I make a mental note of what makes each person happy and when I see then next I make sure to ask them about it first thing!

Anything else you’d like to share?

I tell everyone this:  There’s good in everything and everyone! Just look for it and the more you look for it the easier it is to see and the better you’ll feel.

Congrats to Brian Colgan, January 2020 Adultitis Fighter of the Month. Thank you for making the world more awesome!