https://youtu.be/aED0OOy7Rqg Who knew one of the most annoying traits of a toddler could actually be a superpower for us grown-ups? …
You & Improved
How to Do Life Balance Right
Welcome to the new year! I love a fresh start. A blank slate. A chance to get things right. (At least for a few days. ;) Here’s a question for you. If this were your last year on Earth, how would you spend it? In my speaking programs, I spend a lot of time talking about “life balance,” which is a term I despise more than wet socks, mostly because no one can agree on what it means. Does it exist? Is it attainable? And if it is, what does it look like? Ultimately, deep down, when it comes to the concept of "life balance” (whatever it is), most people fear they’re not doing it quite …
Don’t Stay Sober
https://youtu.be/cTgUoA9zt0E When the last thing you'd expect your dad to say on New Year's Eve turns out to be pretty epic advice for fighting Adultitis. …
12 Tips from This Year’s Adultitis Fighters of the Month
This year, we decided to shine a light upon some of the most remarkable Adultitis Fighters we've encountered, holding them up as dazzling examples of what we should strive for in this epic battle against a formidable enemy. They don't possess any special superpowers, other than the rare ability to embrace and act on simple ways to have fun, spread joy, and not take themselves too seriously. We've culled some of the best Adultitis-Fighting tips from our twelve award winners from 2016. For some everyday wisdom that can help transform your life today while making Adultitis run for the hills, …
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Let’s Shine Together
This year has been a tough one for many people. It’s not hard to find reasons to despair. Every time you turn around, there's a news alert announcing another terrible event that has happened. And that's to say nothing of the jerky, divisive behavior that populates our social media timelines. I know I can't shield my kids from reality forever, but the conversations that arise when our lives are invaded by the world's darkness and violence are hard. I made this art as a reminder that there is also light, and it is stronger than the darkness. It’s easy to feel powerless and paralyzed in the …
Talking About Tinkering on the Mere Mortals Unite Podcast
I recently had the privilege of appearing on the Mere Mortal Unite podcast, hosted by Julie Ann Sullivan, who is a tremendous Adultitis Fighter. The focus of the episode was to give you permission to tinker, and in fact remind you that you used to do it all the time — when you were kid. We talked about what tinkering is, why you should do it, and how you can use it to transform your life or get out of a place of "stuckness." I also shared the magical benefits of a Tinker Project and how you can start your own to achieve breakthrough levels of creativity and uncover hidden opportunities. I …
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The Problem with Doughnuts
I love painting doughnuts. They are sweet and nostalgic and whimsical, which is how one might describe my artwork. I’d probably be content to paint nothing more than doughnuts for the rest of my life. Only one problem. Every time I paint doughnuts, I want to eat them. Which is not sustainable. Unless I add "getting cut out of my home and removed via crane" to my bucket list, which I'd rather not. You know what is sustainable? Optimism. Deciding to look on the bright side and find the good in every person and every situation. It sustains us in the good times and the bad times, with no …
Time For Some High Fives
The United States presidential election is over. Hallelujah!! Half of the country thinks the world is about to end. The other half believes the end of the world was just prevented. Isn’t it funny how much power we give to one person doing one job? Granted, "Leader of the Free World" is kind of a big one, but as important a role as our political leaders play, the true greatness of any nation comes from its citizens. The best thing about the election being over is the opportunity to return our focus to the small things we can control. And for those who are disappointed about the outcome, …
The Secret To Staying Motivated
I got an email the other day from a reader who wished she could stay motivated. "I'm extremely motivated at work," she wrote, "and then I completely lose it when I get home." I get it. Some nights I want to work on art after the kids go to bed. And frankly, there are times when Kim and I just end up sinking into the couch to watch the latest episode of Gotham. First of all, a disclaimer: It’s important to be kind to yourself. Some days are harder than others, and we end them feeling pretty beat up. On those days, it’s totally ok to cut yourself some slack. The problem is that it’s …
100% Chance of Awesome
A few years ago, our basement sprung a leak. A small one, but enough to soak part of the carpet anytime a hard rain came. We bought a dehumidifier and tried to keep the gutters clear, but the battle raged on for several years. Meanwhile, little Adultitis-ridden fear gremlins took up residence in my head. What if mold was growing behind the paneling? What if it caused my kids to get sick? What if the repair to fix it was $25,000? What if it kept us from ever selling this house? Every time it rained, the pit in my stomach reappeared. And then this year, something remarkable happened. With …