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 Scott Lundgren!
In recognition of their efforts, Adultitis Fighters of the Month receive a special limited edition print created by Jason, along with a certificate of honor, a sweet patch, and other Adultitis-Fighting tools. We asked Scott 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 still like to embrace my inner child but with an adult’s eyes. We still need to play and have fun as our adult selves. When I cook, I have my grills, my Instant Pot, and my sous vide machine. They might be tools of Adultitis to some, but to me they are toys. I have fun with it. I’m not working on the farm, I’m riding an ATV and playing with power tools. I’m not coding a project, I’m using code snippets and Lego pieces to build the next epic thing. I guess I use perspective to fight Adultitis.
Who or what has been the greatest influence in your own fight against Adultitis?
This one is easy, my wife Sharon Lundgren. She is always trying to get me out of my shell but in a gentle way. She is knowledgeable about the subject of play and is always teaching me how I can use it to solve the things in life that make me less than joyful. Plus, I can always count on her to encourage me to buy that toy or try that hobby that my personal Adultitis fights me on.
What is something you loved doing as a child that you still do in some form today?
I still like to learn. As a kid I loved Lego and following the instructions to build the thing. Once I saw how it works from the lesson, I was off to the races to modify it or use the lessons learned to make something new. I apply the same strategy today. If I need to learn a new tech skill for work, I take a how-to class that makes something, once I make the thing, I modify it and make new things. I find that very enjoyable. Natural curiosity has led me to learn many things like soap making, earning a Black Belt, beer making, making chainmail armor, smoking meats, and even crocheting (I still need to finish that blanket).
What is your strategy for dealing with people who are obviously infected with Adultitis?
Honestly, this is a question I wish I could answer with some witty and inspiring words, but I really can’t. I typically respond to Adultitis with my own Adultitis, usually in the form of dark sarcasm. But, thanks to this community I’ve learned to pull back on the reins. When I recognize that I need to work on my own Adultitis, it’s easier to forgive others for their Adultitis. I really do hope others can see me for my jovial side and take some inspiration from that.
What advice do you have for someone who is feeling overwhelmed by Adultitis?
Watch that silly movie you love. Dance to the grocery store music as you wait in line. Make up your own silly song lyrics. Don’t just buy a toy, play with it. Make car noises as you push your grocery cart. Remember that cave/submarine/airplane/spaceship/planet that came to life under the bed covers, well it’s still there. We are adults and we do have to take care of business; that’s not a bad thing, just do it with a fun flair. You have to help yourself before you can help others.
Anything else you’d like to share?
If you watch the John Wick movies, the advice Winston always gave was, “Just have fun out there.”
Congrats to Scott, May 2023 Adultitis Fighter of the Month. Thank you for making the world more awesome!
