Escape Adulthood

Jason

- - - | written by on | - - -

The Best Policy is the One You Make Up After You Read This

If you’ve been following along for a while here, you know that I am a big proponent of breaking rules (particularly the ones that don’t exist.) What might surprise you is that I am equally cool with creating them, too, as long as you’re clear on the reason. I want to share with you one of the most liberating concepts I’ve come across, and believe it or not, it involves making and abiding by strict rules. It’s the idea of creating personal policies. You're well aware of how big companies devise all kinds of policies to protect their interests. You’ve heard it dozens of times: “I’m …

[Read more...] about The Best Policy is the One You Make Up After You Read This

- - - | written by on | - - -

What Good Is A Bag of Fish Heads

I never realized how valuable a simple bag of fish heads could be. As I mentioned last week, our family had the opportunity to spend two weeks in the Pacific Northwest, where we explored Seattle, the Olympic Peninsula, and a little taste of Canada (eh?) We did a lot of fun things, some of which cost money, of course. A surprising gem in Victoria, British Columbia, was Miniature World. (I have always been a sucker for tiny dioramas and hand-crafted doll houses.) One of the bigger splurges was $135 to experience a 30-minute horse drawn carriage ride. It was totally fine. We had a great …

[Read more...] about What Good Is A Bag of Fish Heads

- - - | written by on | - - -

Secrets Kids Know by Allen Klein

I had the great privilege of reading a review copy of Allen Klein's latest book, "Secrets Kids Know That Adults Oughta Learn: Enriching Your Life by Viewing It Through The Eyes of a Child." It's a real gem. If you like what this site is all about, you'll love this book. You know that I am a big proponent of being more like children. Heck, I’ve made a career out of it! Since we grown-ups tend to be out of practice, the best way to relearn is to hang out with children themselves. (It’s one of the best perks of being a parent or grandparent.) The second best way might be to read this …

[Read more...] about Secrets Kids Know by Allen Klein

- - - | written by on | - - -

Do You See the Magic Sitting Right Next to You?

We finally made it to Victoria in British Columbia after hearing about it from so many travelers who spoke of it with stars in their eyes. Kim and I have always had a thing for the Pacific Northwest, but between the mountain views, the ocean air, and the old British charm, it didn't disappoint. When we were preparing to board the ferry to return to the States, the customs officer seemed genuinely shocked to hear from us that people referred to it as a magical place. "Huh," he shrugged. "I don't know about that." I was surprised by his response, and a little saddened. I suppose I …

[Read more...] about Do You See the Magic Sitting Right Next to You?

- - - | written by on | - - -

How To Make Your Marriage Feel Brand New

"Tingly" by Jason Kotecki. Prints available here. I once read a pretty incredible assessment of marriage. It was written by my friend Scott, who was reacting to the habit our culture has of framing marriage as the end of freedom. Acquiring the ball and chain. Hitched. Tied down. Game over. Refreshingly, Scott countered with this: “Marriage is the ultimate form of freedom. Freedom to be our true selves, freedom to let our guards down and be vulnerable, and freedom to fart as loudly as possible without being judged. When I was single and struggling to find someone to share my life with, …

[Read more...] about How To Make Your Marriage Feel Brand New

- - - | written by on | - - -

Debbie Green, May 2018 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. Don’t let her petite frame fool you, Debbie Green is a giant when it comes to JOY. She is filled with it and it shines generously for all to receive. She’s a giver. Her example of joyful living fills those around her …

[Read more...] about Debbie Green, May 2018 Adultitis Fighter of the Month

- - - | written by on | - - -

When Your Life Feels a Little Off, Try This

When I’m working on a painting, I have to step back from time to time. I have to literally stop the activity of painting and be still before the work. You might think it slows down the process. What it really does is help me make better paintings. Otherwise, I can’t see the painting through the brushstrokes. If I don’t step away every so often, I’m liable to get stuck overdoing part of the painting and end up ruining the whole thing. Giving myself some distance helps me notice things I can’t see when I’m up close. I can examine the overall composition, the balance of color, and if the …

[Read more...] about When Your Life Feels a Little Off, Try This

- - - | written by on | - - -

How to Change the World Even if You’re Not an Avenger

"I've Got Sunshine" by Jason Kotecki. Prints available here. I want to change the world. I want to make a dent in the universe. I want my legacy to last for generations after I die. Talk about an oversized ego. I believe that my motives are pure, but the trouble is, I often forget that the best way to change the world is in simple ways, starting today. After all, even if the sun is shining outside, we encounter people every day who are in the middle of a dark time. My wife is great at taking advantage of the small ways she can bring light into the lives of people around her. Her …

[Read more...] about How to Change the World Even if You’re Not an Avenger

- - - | written by on | - - -

Becoming a Professional Giver

"Glorious Purpose" by Jason Kotecki. Prints available here. A professional giver. I’m not sure it's something anyone aspires to when they are a little kid. A professional athlete or musician? Sure. But a professional giver? Is that even a thing? I first heard the term last year from my mentor, Noah, who was challenging Kim and me to take things to the next level. We've had a pretty good run of success with our business, and he invited us to to take a wider view. He encouraged us to begin looking at ourselves as professional givers. The premise is to start thinking of it as your job to …

[Read more...] about Becoming a Professional Giver