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 Dr. George Bullard!
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 Dr. George 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 love to laugh and spend time with my family. We are serious about having fun! Sometimes it’s as simple as starting a sock war when the house gets too serious. Imagine a surprise attack with balled-up pairs of socks like indoor snowballs and aching from laughter. Our kids keep me young at heart.
Other Adultitis-busters:
- Golf. Golf. and Golf.
- Time on and around water with family.
- Setting and achieving exercise goals like the Iron Man (feel like a superhero)
- Hanging out with interesting people like my brother-in-law, who juggles fire (not kidding)
- Comedy—it’s like Cheetos for the brain
Who or what has been the greatest influence in your own fight against Adultitis?
My mom, Sue, and my wife, Shannon, are both role models in fighting Adultitis.
My 82-year-old Mom has always been young at heart, enormously social, and physically active. These are qualities I emulate. A retired physician, she believes laughter and silliness are sometimes the best medicine. One of my fondest traditions with her is repurposing rotten tomatoes and old, smelly eggs, and then having us throw them at the trees in the woods behind our house. My mom was a rockstar to us and now she is a rockstar to her grandchildren.
Shannon, my wife… where do I begin?! She has me dress up in an over-the-top costume every Halloween and deliver treats to our fellow dental offices. She wrote a song about my baldness and it’s now my theme song on our office website. She is over-the-top positive and balances my hyper-organized tendencies with her “creative chaos.” She inspires me to break out of my dental mold.
What is something you loved doing as a child that you still do in some form today?
I grew up sailing with my parents on Lake Michigan. Today, our favorite time spent is with family on or near the water. We make a list of the “25 crazy things of summer” so there is never a reason to be bored. Bragging rights go to the first fish caught, the first person to dive into the water and the last one to leave. The water brings us together for family reunions and inspires many of our favorite memories.
What is your strategy for dealing with people who are obviously infected with Adultitis?
First, don’t take their “grown-up” attitude personally. Adultitis is contagious. Don’t allow it to infect you.
Second, stun them with kindness! One of my strategies to disarm an Adultitis-stricken individual is to make a connection by asking open-ended questions about their interests. People relax and brighten up when talking about themselves, especially if it is to someone who is present and listening. Smiles, laughter, and genuine kindness go a long way.
What advice do you have for someone who is feeling overwhelmed by Adultitis?
Start small. Dance in the living room; have a sock war; watch funny shows; avoid watching the news. Our family does not have the news on in the house because it can overwhelm our senses with sad and bad. Briefly reading to stay current is less overwhelming. Change a watching habit into a reading habit and keep overall media intake small.
Anything else you’d like to share before the orchestra begins playing?
Yes! I feel a true connection to Escape Adulthood’s (EA) philosophy of living life to the fullest and funnest (not a typo… it’s a fun word). We operate with this same philosophy in our dental practice. We strive to have a business where people enjoy coming to work and feel valued. The goal is to make patients to both receive excellent care and feel warm and fuzzy because they are part of the fun. Thank you to Jason and Kim at Escape Adulthood for spreading joy, creating beauty, bringing people together, and trumpeting the urgency of having fun every day. You inspire all of us to enjoy life.
Congrats to Dr. George, November 2023 Adultitis Fighter of the Month. Thank you for making the world more awesome!
