Escape Adulthood https://escapeadulthood.com/blog Tue, 21 Aug 2018 23:38:59 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.5 Is Kitchen Dancing a Good Idea? https://escapeadulthood.com/blog/2018-08-26/is-kitchen-dancing-a-good-idea.html Sun, 26 Aug 2018 11:00:29 +0000 https://escapeadulthood.com/blog/?p=32793

“In This Kitchen We Dance” by Jason Kotecki. 20 x 20 Oil on canvas.
Original is SOLD. Prints and canvas reproductions available here.

I painted this for my wife’s 40th birthday. It’s one of her favorite quotes, and it perfectly captures the spirit that fills our kitchen.

As kids, we danced all the time. We danced when we were excited. We danced when we were happy. We even danced when we were bored. Why did we ever stop?

Maybe we started worrying about looking foolish.

Maybe we’ve discovered that the world isn’t as carefree as thought it was.

Maybe we are afraid of pulling something.

The kitchen often serves as the primary gathering place in a home. From time to time, our kitchen hosts spontaneous dance parties. If a favorite song comes on, we crank the volume, and our family of five casts our cares to the wind and shakes our booties to the music. Mind you, these dance parties are mostly devoid of any talent (although my son Ben has some sweet moves), but they are always bursting with joy and enthusiasm.

You see, kitchen dancing doesn’t require sweet moves.

It does require you to move, however. Even a little booty shake can make your body feel better.

It also requires the willingness to be vulnerable by looking a little silly, which is one of the most intimate ways to bond with another person.

And it requires the ability to take oneself lightly, which helps lighten the heavy loads that weigh us down.

That’s why, in our kitchen, we dance.

Do you in yours?

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The Power of Bam https://escapeadulthood.com/blog/2013-05-03/the-power-of-bam.html https://escapeadulthood.com/blog/2013-05-03/the-power-of-bam.html#comments Fri, 03 May 2013 12:23:02 +0000 http://kimandjason.com/blog/?p=20166

Yep, it’s official. We need more “Bams” in the world.

I don’t care whether you work at Wal-Mart or on Wall Street, you are viral. More than ever, little things are big deals.

In the fight against Adultitis, you can either be part of the problem or part of the solution.

Which do you choose?

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The Phone Call No One Wants To Get https://escapeadulthood.com/blog/2013-04-05/the-phone-call-no-one-wants-to-get.html Fri, 05 Apr 2013 13:00:52 +0000 http://kimandjason.com/blog/?p=19992 its-cooties

Cooties is pretty devastating.

But Adultitis is probably more so, because at least you can grow out of Cooties.

Awareness is the first step. Better get yourself tested.

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Snapshots From Our First Marathon https://escapeadulthood.com/blog/2013-02-03/snapshots-from-our-first-marathon.html https://escapeadulthood.com/blog/2013-02-03/snapshots-from-our-first-marathon.html#comments Sun, 03 Feb 2013 14:49:13 +0000 http://kimandjason.com/blog/?p=19577 kim-run-free

Training began about a month ago. Perhaps that wasn’t enough time to prepare, especially if you have a hard time jogging around the block without feeling like you have to hurl. But Kim and I had each other to hold ourselves accountable and, as you can see from the photo above, Kim was all business.

She had some help from Lucy, who provided moral support and coaching.

lucy-massaging-kim

Ben, on the other hand, seemed content to play the role of little devil on the shoulder. Here he his tempting Kim to take a little break.

ben-tempting

I chose a more unorthodox race day preparation routine.

jason-peanut-butter

Perhaps you have heard of the Iron Man Triathlon? Well, I am convinced that it’s a race for wimps, particularly compared to the Run Free Race, which we ran in temps that felt like -4º. It may not have been the best choice for a first marathon.

jason-running

Despite Ben’s best attempts, Kim was well-prepared and ran a strong race. Here she is at around mile number 18:

kim-running

Afterward, she admitted that her best tip was staying hydrated.

kim-snowcone

Kim ended up finishing in an impressive 3:13, good enough to qualify her for the Boston Marathon, if she wanted to run it. I will admit that I had a more difficult go of it. But I did finish. Here is me trying not to overheat.

jason-snowcone

All in all, this recent addition to our Bucket Lists ended up being a great experience. Would I do it again?

Possibly.

But I’d probably need two jars of pre-race peanut butter next time.

Oh, as you may have figured out by now, the Run Free Race (and much of this post) was almost entirely fake. It truly was “the greatest race that never was.” But it begs the question: can anything really be called “fake” if thousands of people are doing it too?

One thing’s for sure. It definitely was ridiculo.us.

jason-snowy-beard

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The Skipper https://escapeadulthood.com/blog/2013-01-08/the-skipper.html Tue, 08 Jan 2013 16:00:46 +0000 http://kimandjason.com/blog/?p=19189
I’m not sure how I feel about this guy. This video is three decades old, but I know one thing for sure: he has no Adultitis whatsoever, as far as I can tell. His secret? Skipping.

“That sensation is absolutely one of the most extraordinarily joyous sensations that a person will ever experience.” –Bill Martinelli, The Skipper (now known as Skip Martin)

I gotta be honest, even though it’s been a while since I’ve been skipping, it’s probably in the top five, for sure. It IS hard not to feel joyous when you are skipping! And I love how he made a business out of skipping. But this is the quote I related to most:

“We started running, and I hated it immediately, like I always did.”

Skipping. The alternative holiday weight-melting activity for Adultitis-fighting anti-runners.

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The Seasons of Life and a Stress-Reducing Secret https://escapeadulthood.com/blog/2012-12-27/the-seasons-of-life-and-a-stress-reducing-secret.html Thu, 27 Dec 2012 15:00:10 +0000 http://kimandjason.com/blog/?p=19090

I became a father a little over four years ago. Before that, my wife and I had been married for eight years and worked together on our small business. We were used to working long days, coming and going as we pleased, and eating out at nice, quiet restaurants. We used to have a Cheerio-free backseat in our car. But now we have two kids, which practically makes me an expert at parenting.

An expert at knowing how little I actually know about it, that is.

Not having our first child until well into our marriage came with advantages and disadvantages. On the plus side, we developed strong communication skills and had lots of time to discuss our hopes and strategies for parenthood. On the downside, we were pretty well set in our ways.

Eating out at nice, quiet restaurants is easy to get used to, after all.

Our first four years of parenthood were a challenging transition, as we learned how to juggle babies and the business on much less sleep than we were used to. I think we’re doing ok, but I still struggle from time to time with the new season I find myself in.

Seasons. Just as the year is divided into spring, summer, fall, and winter, our lives are divided into different seasons. Our life at fifty looks a lot different than our life at twenty.

My problem is that even though I am in the new season of early fatherhood, I still act like I should be doing the same things I did in my previous season, pre-kids. How can I work the same hours and accomplish the same number of things as I did before I had kids? It’s as frustrating as it is impossible. On the flip side, it often feels like the season I’m currently in will last forever. (Any other new parents out there feeling like you’ll be changing diapers FOREVER?!)

In the decade before kids, my job was to help people feeling rushed, stressed and overwhelmed. I worked long hours, did a lot of networking, made a lot of mistakes and learned a lot about business and marketing. With a lot of outside help, I was able to create a solid business that provides for my family. Now that the business is more stable than it was in the early days, I have the opportunity to put more focus on my role as a father and husband. It’s not that I’m supposed to neglect the business, it’s just that this season requires me to allocate my time a bit differently.

Because no matter who you are, or where you live, or how much money you have or don’t have, the one thing we all have in common is that we only get 24 hours per day.

And when we try to pack our day like a family of five heading out on a cross-country trip in a Mini Cooper, stress is sure to follow.

Stress happens when we forget what season we are in and try to do too much.

Are you in a state of near-constant overwhelm? Are you always feeling rushed, wishing you could find a way to add a few more hours to your day? Perhaps you are trying to do things that aren’t required of you during this particular season.

It would be easy if there were some obvious things you could sweep off your plate. Bad stuff. Useless stuff. Unimportant stuff. But it’s not a matter of doing things that aren’t worthwhile. My guess is that everything on your plate is good.

It’s awfully hard to let go of something that’s good.

Wanna know a secret?

Just because something is good doesn’t mean you have to do it.

Sometimes we have to say no to the good to say yes to the best.

Maybe some of those good things can be let go of now that you find yourself in a new season. And maybe some good things need to be put on the shelf until the next season. For instance, if you are seriously ill, maybe you need to give yourself permission to let go of some of your responsibilities so you can focus on getting well. If you are a parent, perhaps your career ambitions need to be downsized a bit in order to become the parent you want to be. Or maybe some of your social activities or volunteer efforts can be resumed when your kids are a little older.

Is it easy? Of course not. But neither is a life spiraling out of control, burdened by busyness and stress.

Slowly but surely, I’m learning to let go of the guilt of not working as much as I used to. I’m making a point to notice, appreciate, and savor the exciting blessings that are new to this season I now find myself in. I’m enjoying the breathing room that has been created by cleaning a few things off my plate, allowing more time for my kids, and more time for God.

And I’m realizing that as great as a quiet meal at a nice restaurant can be, it’s nothing compared to a quiet evening spent with a one-year-old eating Cheerios out of my hand.

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Hey Congress. Legislate This. https://escapeadulthood.com/blog/2012-12-05/hey-congress-legislate-this.html Wed, 05 Dec 2012 15:45:17 +0000 http://kimandjason.com/blog/?p=19076

I couldn’t agree more.

Imagine these being installed in airports.

Imagine these being installed in the offices of all law firms and insurance companies.

Imagine these being installed in every single government building, especially the ones in Washington, D.C.

I dare say that these could bring peace to the Middle East.

Get on it, Congress.

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Emergency Compliments https://escapeadulthood.com/blog/2012-11-09/emergency-compliments.html Fri, 09 Nov 2012 15:07:05 +0000 http://kimandjason.com/blog/?p=18720

Just being aware of Adultitis doesn’t mean it never beats you once in a while. Some days, it’s all over you like leaves on a wet sucker. On days like that, a well-timed compliment can give you a little perspective and the energy you need to fight on.

In emergency situations, this website will work in a pinch.

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Unnecessary Whimsy https://escapeadulthood.com/blog/2012-10-05/unnecessary-whimsy.html https://escapeadulthood.com/blog/2012-10-05/unnecessary-whimsy.html#comments Fri, 05 Oct 2012 12:00:18 +0000 http://kimandjason.com/blog/?p=18494

Kim and I are big fans of unnecessary whimsy.

The Carmichael Collective is an ongoing project grounded in unnecessary whimsy. Carmichael Lynch, a creative company based in Minneapolis Minnesota, is behind the project, which is an exercise in creativity for creativity’s sake. They created things like the Urban Plant Tags above. As well as these Bug Memorials:

And this Censorship Towel:

While whimsy is defined as “playfully quaint or fanciful behavior or humor,” unnecessary whimsy might be defined as a bit of whimsy that is not particularly needed. Take these hot sauce packets from Taco Bell, for instance.

The message is whimsical, and yet it has no impact whatsoever on the contents of the hot sauce within. The message does’t make the packets easier to open or change the basic function of them in any way. The Urban Plant Tags, the Bug Memorials, and the Censorship Towel are similar examples of unnecessary whimsy.

And yet whimsy gives our life a much-needed respite from the seriousness of the day-to-day. It brings humanity, humor and levity to an otherwise cold world that often takes itself way too seriously. In fact, whimsy is one of the leading antidotes to Adultitis.

So really, when it comes to unnecessary whimsy, there really is no such thing.

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10 Ideas for Having Fun During Long Hospital Stays https://escapeadulthood.com/blog/2012-07-23/10-ideas-for-having-fun-during-long-hospital-stays.html https://escapeadulthood.com/blog/2012-07-23/10-ideas-for-having-fun-during-long-hospital-stays.html#comments Mon, 23 Jul 2012 16:40:49 +0000 http://kimandjason.com/blog/?p=18163
Nobody typically thinks about having fun at the hospital. In fact, hospitals are a favorite a breeding ground for Adultitis. Which is a bit of a problem, because humor and laughter have been proven to significantly impact the healing process and lift the spirits of patients and their families. Not surprisingly, Adultitis and boredom really set in when hospital stays extend to days, weeks or even months. Blech.

What can be done to pass the time, keep spirits up, and have fun during these long hospital days?

That’s the question we asked Kim & Jason Nation via our newsletter and our Facebook page, and they responded with HUNDREDS of awesome ideas. Seriously, they were really, really good, and most came from real life experiences. Here are 10 of our favorites:

  1. Get a journal and have visitors write a FAKE story about how they met the patient, but have them sign their real name.
  2. Speak in a different accent every day. If a nurse comments about it, pretend to not know what she’s talking about.
  3. Create sock puppets that look like the hospital staff and put on a show for visitors, nurses, or fellow patients.
  4. Learn a new medical term each day and see how many times you can use it in conversation.
  5. Get to know your nurses and doctors. Ask them a different question every time you see them. Find out their favorite food. Movie. Quote. Vacation spot. Childhood hero?
  6. Decorate the face masks in the room. Put lips, crazy noses and other things on them with marker or lipstick.
  7. Make GIANT get well cards for other people in the hospital. Or make congratulations cards for people in the maternity ward.
  8. Scavenger hunt! Some starter ideas: A ceramic mug with coffee, used flowers, a doctor in tennis shoes, nurse on the job less than one year (or more than 20), someone who will come sing happy birthday to the patient…
  9. Bring in funny wigs, hats, or fake mustaches for the patient or visitors to wear.
  10. Make up silly stories about people who walk by the room.

Pretty good, huh? We decided to assemble the best 52 ideas we received from our fans and readers into a Kim & Jason Fun Capsule that features Adultitis-busting prescriptions for making hospital stays more fun. Reminiscent of homemade memory jars, this Fun Capsule is stuffed with 52 individually folded slips of paper, each printed with a unique idea that will brighten the day of patients of all ages, as well as their families and visitors. A super neat gift idea that looks great on the shelf, recipients can pull out a random slip whenever they are in need of a fun power up. It’s a surefire Adultitis antidote and a great way to lift spirits and bond families during difficult times and long days at the hospital.

Available only at the Kim & Jason Lemonade Stand!

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The Most Awesome Sound in the World https://escapeadulthood.com/blog/2012-06-22/the-most-awesome-sound-in-the-world.html Fri, 22 Jun 2012 17:18:30 +0000 http://kimandjason.com/blog/?p=17946
One of the greatest things ever is hearing my kids laugh. Whether it’s a silly little giggle or unbridled belly laughter, there’s no better sound in the world.

It recently occurred to me that God probably feels the same way about his children.

When we laugh, we are happy and free. During that moment of laughter, we are not worried, anxious, or stressed. And so it must give God great joy to see his children buckled over in laughter, just as it does me with my kids.

What’s weird is that laughter is a universally loved activity, and yet, adulthood often finds us treating it as a non-renewable resource, something to be reserved for when after our work is done. We leave it out of serious and challenging situations, and grow suspicious of people who do too much of it.

I’ve always believed in the power of laughter, but this little insight — that God loves to hear us laugh as much I love hearing my kids laugh — well, it just takes the importance of laugher to a whole new level.

And reminds me just how much Adultitis must hate it.

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A Simple and “Delicious” Way to Ambush Adultitis https://escapeadulthood.com/blog/2012-01-29/a-simple-and-delicious-way-to-ambush-adultitis.html Sun, 29 Jan 2012 14:00:26 +0000 http://kimandjason.com/blog/?p=15082 “I enjoy sleep like a good steak.”

Bill Cosby said this, and I couldn’t agree more.

With two young kids in tow, I’ll take my sleep whenever I can get it, but I’ve always been a big fan of naps. I even have several EPIC naps I’ve taken and remember well. Like the time one spring on the Capitol lawn after a farmer’s market. Or in the hammock in Key West while celebrating my 10 year wedding anniversary. Or the other day while watching football with Ben asleep on my chest.

Yum.

I don’t know anyone who dislikes sleep, and yet according to the National Sleep Foundation, 47 million Americans don’t get the minimum amount of sleep they say they need to be alert the next day.

I don’t think it takes a rocket scientist to figure out that it’s mostly because our days are just too packed. With all of the obligations and activities we’re involved in, sleep moves to the bottom of our priority list.

But the people who drive me crazy are the ones who complain (or is it brag?) about how little sleep they get in order to prove just how busy (and by extension, apparently how important) they are.

Meanwhile, others pride themselves in telling you how little sleep they actually need, as if they are some sort of superhuman Energizer bunny.

And some people are such go-getters, they boast, “I’ll sleep when I’m dead.” To which I always think, “Well it sounds like that day will be coming sooner than you might like.”

Because all the experts tend to agree that adults typically need 7-9 hours of sleep a day. Getting too little for too long can lead to numerous health problems, including obesity, high blood pressure and cardiovascular problems, and diabetes. Not too mention a decreased lack in productivity and an increased level of Adultitis.

Sometimes, the simplest solutions are the most powerful. I know that when I am low on sleep, I am way more irritable and susceptible to a nasty case of Adultitis. That’s why if you ask me what thing from childhood I most would like to have carried over to adulthood, my vote is likely to be the regular afternoon naps.

Adultitis Fighting Tip: Ready for this? Sleep more. Go to bed a half-hour early (which is easy to do if you quit watching the news!) Schedule in a juicy, hour-long nap this weekend. Even spending 15-20 minutes with closed eyes and a clear head in the middle of a work day can do wonders! If you don’t have time for sleep, here’s a life balance clue: You’re trying to do too much. Period. Remember this harrowing fact: you’re going to die with stuff on your to-do list. And keep in mind that sometimes we have to say no to the good in order to say yes to the best. Good health is so valuable, and yet so easy to take for granted. If you’re not getting at least seven hours of sleep a night, you’re setting yourself up for big problems down the road and making it infinitely easier for Adultitis to make its way in to your day-to-day. Thwart its plans with a delicious, mouth-watering nap!

Like this post? Sign up to receive our free weekly newsletter to get regular reminders and tips for stressing less and having more fun. It’s a well-deserved jolt of happiness for your inbox.

[ Naps Rule. 10.5 x 12 inches. Acrylic and Sharpie marker on newsprint. ]

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I Just Want A Haircut https://escapeadulthood.com/blog/2011-12-11/i-just-want-a-haircut.html Sun, 11 Dec 2011 17:05:53 +0000 http://kimandjason.com/blog/?p=14825 July 3, 2009: Okay, we’re a few days shy of seven months as parents. I feel guilty even typing this, because I love Lucy so very much, but I am a bit overwhelmed right now with the 24-7 aspect of parenthood. During pregnancy we got A LOT of advice from people warning us to have fun, take naps, and go to movies before the baby came. Their tone indicated that our life would be over once the bundle of busyness arrived. Upon hearing these remarks I remember being a bit confused, thinking, “We will still make the time for fun things, even with a baby.”

Now, I believe that both sides have truth. The reality of 24-7 hits you fast; and by the time you know it, it’s been two months since you had a free moment just for yourself – and I’m not counting going to the bathroom. I play peek-a-boo out the shower door, to keep Lucy entertained long enough to rinse the conditioner out of my long locks. Even as I type this, I am pumping milk for her; and she is sitting next to me grabbing at the keys and the tubes of my mommy cow machine. Yikes.

The days of bubble baths and reading in the evenings seem like a distant memory. Right now, as silly as it sounds, the thing I long for the most is a haircut. So, what do you do about it? Well, you have to have some hard, honest conversations with your parenting partner about giving each other what you need. It doesn’t do baby any good if you’re resenting her because you are a month overdue on a haircut. Whether it’s hiring a babysitter for a night out or sneaking away for a Saturday-morning massage, treating yourself to some “me-time” every once in a while is just as important as food and water.

* * * * *

This post is an excerpt from our new book, Just You Wait, a collection of insightful, humorous, and totally unvarnished journal entries detailing our adventures in fighting Adultitis as first-time parents. Parents of all sorts – and especially first-timers – will enjoy the honest look at the roller coaster ride that is parenting. Buy it now!

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How to Feel More Alive https://escapeadulthood.com/blog/2011-10-12/how-to-feel-more-alive.html https://escapeadulthood.com/blog/2011-10-12/how-to-feel-more-alive.html#comments Wed, 12 Oct 2011 14:30:47 +0000 http://kimandjason.com/blog/?p=14584 As the belly bump gets bigger and bigger (who am I kidding, it’s no “bump” — at 32 weeks it’s more like I’m hiding a pumpkin under my shirt), I’ve had a couple of people recently ask me why I am choosing (for the seconds time) to have a natural childbirth. There are so many “amazing” drugs out there — why wouldn’t I choose to make my experience less painful?

In discussing this with our midwife, she had a really cool take on it. I’m paraphrasing, but in essence she shared… People want to FEEL their lives. Why do we run marathons? Climb mountains? Learn how to paint? Because we have the desire to FEEL alive.

It’s so true. These big hurdles are not accomplished with a simple amount of effort or desire. They force us to come alive in a new way, to dig deeper than we thought was possible within ourselves, to go far beyond the day-to-day breathing and existing.

So, how do you break out of your rut to start this journey towards FEELING your life (short of getting pregnant — ha!)?

Do something today that FREAKS the hell out of you.

At the start, make it something trivial — something that doesn’t effect your life at all — other than it makes you jump, or scream or almost pee your pants a little. This will help you break out of “existing mode.”

Need some inspiration? Here’s a video of me looking like QUITE the fool, as I muster up the courage to feed a freakin’ crazy-looking Scottish Highland Steer out of my hand. It was the most alive I had felt in days — what an AWESOME feeling!!

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Four Magic Words For Helping Those You Love De-stress https://escapeadulthood.com/blog/2011-09-14/four-magic-words-for-helping-those-you-love-de-stress.html https://escapeadulthood.com/blog/2011-09-14/four-magic-words-for-helping-those-you-love-de-stress.html#comments Wed, 14 Sep 2011 15:27:18 +0000 http://kimandjason.com/blog/?p=14129
For our prenatal care with Lucy’s pregnancy and now with baby #2, Jason and I have had the good fortune of being under midwifery care. It’s truly been a gift that I am humbled by because of the attention, level of care, and love we receive from our midwives. All of our appointments are at least an hour — typically 75-90 minutes — and they come to our home (SUPER awesome with a 2-year-old).

Most couples not working with a midwife say, “What are you talking about all of that time? Our appointments are usually only 20 minutes.” Well, it usually comes down to four simple words they ask, spoken very sincerely, with patience and love:

“What’s on your mind?”

Have you ever asked this of anyone?

This is how a 20-minute appointment turns into a 75-minute appointment.

Our midwife will ask me this very simple yet powerful question at least 3 or 4 times. “What else is on your mind?… What else?”

REALLY? Do you REALLY want to know? Sometimes it’s scary what comes out! (Being pregnant, there have definitely been tears — ha!)

The midwives are dedicated to treating the woman and her family not only physically, but also socially and emotionally. It’s all tied in together, and it’s a pretty amazing thing to experience.

After all, preparing for birth and welcoming a new person into your life is NOT just a physical experience.

So, the other day Jason was at the start of a busy run of being gone for the whole week. Lucy and I had just been through a rough half-hour (a potty accident escalated into act of defiance and a time-out…oh, the terrific 2’s!), and Jason happened to call right when I was ready for a break-down. We were on Facetime (love our iPhones!), so we were video chatting and he knew I was upset.

Then he did it; he asked me that simple four sentence question: “What’s on your mind?” and I lost it. It’s truly a gift to have someone express so lovingly that they WANT to hear what you are thinking about — especially in this fast-paced in-and-out society. I did have “stuff” bothering me, and I was able to share it with him right then, instantly releasing me from the stress. (Thanks, J.)

Try it out for yourself. Ask someone you love whom you know is stressed-out this loving phrase and then shut up until they tell you.

You will not only help them unburden their stress, but you’ll create an openness that will be “good stuff” for both of you.

Photo Credit: Demi-Brooke

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5 Steps To Overcome Overwhelm https://escapeadulthood.com/blog/2011-08-24/5-steps-to-overcome-overwhelm.html https://escapeadulthood.com/blog/2011-08-24/5-steps-to-overcome-overwhelm.html#comments Wed, 24 Aug 2011 16:08:29 +0000 http://kimandjason.com/blog/?p=14032
Overwhelm sucks. It’s crippling and riddles your life with Adultitis. Here are my 5 steps to overcoming overwhelm.

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7 Ways to Defeat Adultitis Amidst Chronic Pain https://escapeadulthood.com/blog/2011-02-23/7-ways-to-defeat-adultitis-amidst-chronic-pain.html https://escapeadulthood.com/blog/2011-02-23/7-ways-to-defeat-adultitis-amidst-chronic-pain.html#comments Wed, 23 Feb 2011 16:34:27 +0000 http://kimandjason.com/blog/?p=11761
One of our most frequently asked questions is this: “Living an Adultitis-free life is great in theory, but what about people who live with pain? How are you to stay young when health issues prevent you from enjoying life and having normal fun?”

I got a chance to receive expert advice on this very topic from a man that has endured pain for the last 40 years, living with severe Rheumatoid Arthritis. I may be biased, but I would argue that he is as Adultitis-free as they come and he has played a hugenormous role in making me into the Adultitis-fighting agent I am today. He is… my dad!

Inspired by our conversation, here are 7 ways to defeat Adultitis amidst chronic pain…

1. Surround yourself with silliness. Fill your life with reasons to laugh. My dad’s favorites are Abbott and Costello, The Three Stooges, and The Carol Burnett Show, but you can find your own sources easily by thinking about what makes you laugh out loud. We all know the healing power of laughter and even if your pain is not lessened physically, distracting your mind will help your spirit immensely.

2. Hone in on a hobby. Recalling a close friend who dealt with back pain for years, my dad shared that he found relief from the stress of pain by focussing on projects, in his case making rosaries for a mission and getting good deals on the home shopping network. Find a distraction from the pain, something you enjoy that will help you keep your mind from focussing on your pain.

3. Count your blessings. “It could always be worse.” This being said from my dad, a man who has had a much more challenging deck to play with most of his life. “If you look around you can see how blessed you really are. There is always someone worse off than yourself. You could be a starving kid in a third-world country.” Enough said.

4. Look ahead with excitement. Set a goal of something to look forward to, especially in times of recovery. Maybe it’s a trip to a destination you’ve been wanting to visit or a special visit from a relative. If it’s on the calendar, then it’s a focal point for anticipation, which is a very joyful way to spend the time in your head… dreaming, wishing, and looking forward to something awesome.

5. Pamper yourself daily. My dad spoke of guy at a former job site who had quit smoking. He decided to join his friends during their smoke break with a full-sized Snicker bar in hand — everyday. If you can find joy and a temporary relief from a guilty pleasure like a not-so-small Snicker bar, a bubble bath, or maybe even a favorite TV show, then make it happen. No guilt. It’s a small gift to yourself each day.

6. Grin and bear it. When it all comes down to it you just have to try, with every ounce of your being, to do the best you can amidst your circumstances. It’s up to you whether you choose to sulk and become depressed, or if you try to make the best of your reality. It’s easier said than done, for sure… but your attitude is a major player in the game of Adultitis-free living.

7. Pray. A simple concept, yet it yields the most powerful results. In all honesty, this was my dad’s first and most important tip.

What about you? Feel free to share any ideas you may have for defeating Adultitis amidst chronic pain in the comments.

Photo credit: Frank Jacoby

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56 Ways To Exercise That Are Actually Fun https://escapeadulthood.com/blog/2011-01-05/56-ways-to-exercise-that-are-actually-fun.html https://escapeadulthood.com/blog/2011-01-05/56-ways-to-exercise-that-are-actually-fun.html#comments Wed, 05 Jan 2011 17:38:52 +0000 http://kimandjason.com/blog/?p=11219 We all know the importance of staying active, and of course, burning a few extra calories is never a bad thing for the ‘ol waistline. In fact, more than 120 million Americans, or 64.5% of the adult population, are overweight, and almost 59 million, or 31%, are obese. If you’re like me, however, exercise can sometimes feel like a chore, inducing Adultitis.

When I was little I had no problem being active. In fact, I distinctly remember my mom shaking her head at me and saying, “I wish I had your energy!” My secret? I was having fun! Running around playing tag sure didn’t feel like exercise, and it certainly wasn’t as boring as running on a treadmill. Play is a child’s work. So, if you’re looking at the scale and wondering how you’re going to manage to lose those pounds this year without losing your sanity, check out these ideas from years past. This list is the 9-5 of childhood. Be inspired to add a few of these ideas to your 5-9.

1. Go on a bike ride.
2. Build a snowman.
3. Have a dance party in your living room.
4. Play hopscotch.
5. Walk around a museum.
6. Enjoy a rousing game of flashlight tag.
7. Climb a mountain or hill.
8. Play kickball.
9. Go swimming.
10. Have a water fight.
11. Plant a garden.
12. Build a sand castle.
13. Play musical chairs.
14. Take a factory tour.
15. Decorate your driveway with sidewalk chalk.
16. Go horseback riding.
17. Play catch.
18. Try archery.
19. Learn to juggle.
20. Fly a kite.
21. Play home run derby.
22. Go ice skating.
23. Join a team for a sport you love.
24. Take a walk with your camera.
25. Play dodge ball.
26. Run through an obstacle course.
27. Go fishing.
28. Take a sunrise walk.
29. Play tag.
30. Enjoy some mini golf.
31. Go bowling.
32. Work on a home improvement project.
33. Learn to play an instrument.
34. Go on a walk with your binoculars.
35. Play with a Wii.
36. Jump rope.
37. Take a dance class.
38. Go to a zoo.
39. Try skiing.
40. Roller skate or roller blade.
41. Play Red Rover.
42. Go Christmas caroling.
43. Have a snowball fight.
44. Learn martial arts.
45. Take a nighttime hike.
46. Play H.O.R.S.E.
47. Skip rocks.
48. Play frisbee golf.
49. Have fun with a pitch back.
50. Go sledding.
51. Paddle a canoe.
52. Ride a scooter.
53. Play pickle.
54. Run through the sprinkler.
55. Toss water balloons.
56. Play capture the flag.

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The Best Fun You Can Have Indoors Without Breaking Stuff https://escapeadulthood.com/blog/2011-01-02/the-best-fun-you-can-have-indoors-without-breaking-stuff.html https://escapeadulthood.com/blog/2011-01-02/the-best-fun-you-can-have-indoors-without-breaking-stuff.html#comments Sun, 02 Jan 2011 16:30:13 +0000 http://kimandjason.com/blog/?p=11208 Kim and I love going on walks. The sub zero temperatures here in Wisconsin have temporarily put the kabosh on that exercise routine. Maybe you’re also feeling a little cooped up and are looking for an activity to make you feel sort of like you’re exercising. How about some balloon volleyball?

It’s safe to play indoors and you can get the whole family involved — even Grandma. There’s something addictive about trying to keep a balloon in the air, don’t you think? Even most hard-hearted, cross-armed, Adultitis carriers have a hard time resiting a little playful punch when the balloon invades their space.

All you need is string or yarn and a balloon. Hang the yarn across the room (tied to something immovable and safe at each end.) Separate into two teams and hit the balloon back and forth over the yarn. The goal is to volley the balloon as many times as possible, rather than trying to get the other side out. The only rule is that you can’t catch the balloon and then hit it over. You can keep track of the number of minutes you’re able to keep the balloon in the air or how many times it’s hit over the yarn, and then try to break your record!

Here are some little wrinkles you can throw in for a even crazier time:

• Add more balloons for a bigger challenge.

• Require that the balloon must be hit by everyone or by everyone in a specific order.

• Make players twirl around once either before or after they hit the balloon.

• Allow players to only hit the balloon with their non-dominant hand.

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A Free Ticket to Better Health & Happiness https://escapeadulthood.com/blog/2010-06-30/a-free-ticket-to-better-health-happiness.html https://escapeadulthood.com/blog/2010-06-30/a-free-ticket-to-better-health-happiness.html#comments Wed, 30 Jun 2010 14:51:21 +0000 http://kimandjason.com/blog/?p=9499

If I told you that your life would be better and that you would be healthier and happier if you did something very specific for one hour each day, would you be curious to hear what that one thing is?

It’s free and relatively easy to obtain…

SLEEP.

Getting just one more hour each night can dramatically change your health and attitude.

Just ONE more hour.

“Research suggests that getting just one extra hour of sleep each night could dramatically affect your health. In fact, researchers from the University of Chicago found that those who bumped up their hours of sleep, from 6 to 7 hours had a 33 percent decreased chance of having clogged arteries.”
(Source: ABC News)

I have always been a fan of a solid night of sleep. Of course, ever since Lucy came along, my definition of a “solid night” has changed dramatically.

“People who say they sleep like a baby usually don’t have one.”
– Leo J. Burke

So, it’s time to be honest. On an average weeknight, how many hours of shut-eye do you get? Now, don’t fudge your answer because you know what you “should” say. If you are over 18 and you’re getting less than seven hours a night, it’s time to enforce an earlier bedtime. Lately, six solid hours is a good night for me. (I’m pointing the finger at myself here, too!)

I know, I know, bedtimes are a real bummer (says every kid in the world). Late night TV, reading, or tinkering around the house -– these are all things that we enjoy and don’t mind missing some sleep for.

BUT it’s time to be honest about your alternatives. If you’re not getting enough sleep you will be:

Slow to react, easy to distract, sick more often, lacking energy, forgetful, lacking the ability to think innovatively, tired (duh, right?), irritable, inpatient, unable to make sound decisions, inflexible, unmotivated, quick to fly off the handle, anxious, sad for no reason. In summary…You will have full-blown Adultitis.

According to the Cure Adultitis Foundation, there is a direct correlation between heart disease and Adultitis. Simply put, the higher your level of Adultitis, the greater chance your ticker will go out prematurely — also known as a Cardiac Event –- not the type of event you would like to attend.

If you don’t know what stage of Adultitis you have, please be sure to GET TESTED NOW!

As counterintuitive as it sounds, in order to stress less and have more fun, sometimes you have to resurrect some of the junky things from childhood –- like enforced bedtimes (and eating veggies) — in order to be the stress-free, healthy, and fun adult you’d like to be.

You’re not alone in your journey towards that one additional hour of Z’s. Heck, there’s even a Facebook group for people who agree with the statement, “I want to sleep one more hour.”

So, start taking action on this right away. It’s the simplest answer that will be ignored by far too many Adultitis-ridden people. In an effort to live a longer, healthier, more fulfilling and joyful life, buckle down and get to bed an hour earlier TONIGHT.

Sorry Leno and Letterman, sleep is king of late-night in our house.

Sign up to receive our free newsletter to get regular reminders and tips for stressing less and having more fun. Consider it a well-deserved jolt of happiness for your inbox.

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