Archives for December 2023

- - - | written by Jason on 12/24/2023 | - - -

The “Must Be Nice” You Might Be Missing

It's the curse of every author. The exact millisecond you finally release a book from your tight grip and allow it to run free in the world, it happens. An anecdote comes your way that would have been perfect for it and you immediately think of seventeen other insights you should have added. When I wrote Must Be Nice, I didn't spend any time addressing the holidays, but boy, does that phrase pop up this time of year. And perhaps the bitter tone that accompanies our "must be nice" is a smidge more resentful. The holiday season looks different to everyone who …

- - - | written by Jason on 12/20/2023 | - - -

Ann Vogl, December 2023 Adultitis Fighter of the Month

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 Ann Vogl! In recognition of their efforts, Adultitis Fighters of the Month receive a special limited edition print created by Jason, along with a …

- - - | written by Jason on 12/17/2023 | - - -

Two Questions to Help You Live a Wonder-Filled Life

A clear night sky is a thing of beauty, with millions of stars blinking silently overhead. It's a pity we rarely notice them. In an episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm, Larry David is speaking with a receptionist at a law firm who has a spectacular view of the city behind her. "Beautiful view here! How long did it take you to take it for granted?" She replies, "Umm, not long I guess." He candidly admits, "It would take me about a day. Maybe less. Maybe half an hour. And I would never look out the window again." How quickly we take wonder for granted. This painting was …

- - - | written by Jason on 12/14/2023 | - - -

Holiday Hijinks | Escape Adulthood LIVE #114

On this month’s show, we’re celebrating the season while talking about an all-time Adultitis Fighting success story and sharing how to keep your childlike sense of wonder alive all year long. Hang out with Kim & Jason Kotecki as they inspire, entertain, and encourage you in your fight against Adultitis. If you attend live, you’ll be able to see and chat with fellow Adultitis Fighters, have the chance to ask questions, and win epic prizes! ☕️ 🍺 🍷 🎥 New episodes every month: https://www.escapeadulthood.me🚨Get notified when new shows go live & replays are available here.🔗 LINKS FROM …

- - - | written by Jason on 12/10/2023 | - - -

Is This Really The Most Wonderful Time of Year?

“Are you making deviled eggs?" he asked the day before Thanksgiving.“I wasn’t planning on it, but I could. Want me to?" I offered.“Well, sure if you have time,” he said graciously.I did. And he appreciated them.And Ben and I ended up having so much fun, as I taught him how to make this family favorite for my Dad.I'm grateful for these memories from last year at this time. This was the beginning of a journal Kim wrote on Thanksgiving, reflecting on how last year was the last time she'd "get to" make her dad deviled eggs. He passed away in January. The "firsts" in our lives get a lot of …

- - - | written by Jason on 12/5/2023 | - - -

Top 12 Adultitis-Free Gifts for Everyone On Your List

"Really?" you might be wondering. "For everyone on my list?" Look, one can never be one hundred percent certain about anything (except that "All I Want for Christmas" by Mariah Carey is always playing somewhere), but we're pretty confident that you'll be able to check the hardest to shop for off your list. At the very least, you'll come away with a handful of unique things you won't be able to find on that one site that starts with an "A" and ends with "mazon." (Yes, we know some of our books are sold there, but let's not start getting technical now.) Below are 12 …

- - - | written by Jason on 12/3/2023 | - - -

The Day I Accidentally Murdered My Bucket List

My Bucket List is dead, and I was the one who killed it. I didn't mean to do it...it just sort of happened. I was reviewing what went well this year and what didn't while on a personal retreat a few days before Thanksgiving. As usual, the inventory of highlights was way longer. It contained projects we completed, trips we took, improvements we made to the house, and accomplishments our kids achieved. Many were planned, but a significant number of the entries were unplanned opportunities and unexpected blessings. If you think about it, that's how much of life is. Many of our biggest …