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.
This month’s worthy recipient of this prestigious honor is Melissa LeFever!
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 Melissa 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 do like to plan ahead to avoid stress and also increase the chances of fun. Adultitis can’t strike when all of its fears and concerns are null and void – like keeping a stocked bag of extra clothes in the car in case there is an opportunity to have messy fun when out and about. My in-the-moment “go-to” solutions at home are spontaneous kitchen dance parties, playing fun music, going outside and looking for something new to see, and watching short funny videos. Those small acts tend to get me off the path of Adultitis-ridden thinking.
Who or what has been the greatest influence in your own fight against Adultitis?
My husband and children. We try and keep up the laughs and share them with others.
What is something you loved doing as a child that you still do in some form today?
Dance. It used to be in a studio, now it’s in a kitchen.
What is your strategy for dealing with people who are obviously infected with Adultitis?
I listen, acknowledge, and try to understand where they are coming from. Meeting someone where they are at does not require that I agree, only that I listen and accept their thoughts and feelings as valid.
What advice do you have for someone who is feeling overwhelmed by Adultitis?
Baby steps. Not every day is going to be all sunshine and pancakes. It’s a little bit of work to carve a space where there are still smiles and silliness among all the messages that adult life is supposed to be filled with stress and negativity about routine things.
Anything else you’d like to share?
If all else fails right now, watch Frozen 2. Two Disney songs have been a staple in the pandemic for me. “When I’m Older” with the key phrase there being “This will all make sense when I am older” and that thought alone just makes me LOL. The other song is “The Next Right Thing,” with the focus being when things get difficult just take the next right step. Some days that is all we can do during these very strange times.
Congrats to Melissa, September 2021 Adultitis Fighter of the Month. Thank you for making the world more awesome!