It is kind of a tough time for a lot of people right now. The well-publicized economic concerns are compounded by steadily-rising fuel costs and that ever-dreaded “T” word. Yep. Taxes.

This week, even Boone Newspapers had to make some slight adjustments to some policies in order to tighten the purse strings and preserve the jobs of countless people. None of it was major.

But some of the adjustments will have a tangible impact on some of us newspaper people.

After looking over each of the revised policies, I had no beef with the alterations.

I did, however, have a beef with the fact that I was looking over the policies. It was one of those out-of-body experience moments of early adulthood.

I remember well the joys of childhood. It seems like only weeks ago I was sleeping through algebra class while dreaming about how I could solve for “x” at homecoming with the tall brunette from my English class.

I remember vividly the rigors of balancing freshman comp papers with a collegiate social life.

But in this moment, I was processing a different kind of arithmetic.

This was the kind I never wanted anything to do with. It was an odd feeling. It was as if I could look over my shoulder to find my inner child with a quizzical look that screamed “Dude! What gives?”

So, after that uncomfortable — and possibly alarming — episode, I came to this realization. Adulthood is a lot easier if you can find some way to occasionally nurture your inner child.

That process is probably a lot easier than it sounds. My mom likes Scooby Doo.

My dad is almost 50 and has the largest collection of replica aircraft I have ever seen.

He also finds some way to laugh just about every day.

Me, I turn to music. Gas prices are creeping up. Oh well, I’m still singing in the car.

The economy is in the toilet. Eh. Whatever. I’m still singing in the shower.

Besides, it’s tough to be concerned about rising costs and sinking incomes when you’re listening to Joe Walsh, a man who had a mansion and forgot the price.

Maybe nurturing my inner child can’t help me solve my financial concerns. But so far, it is helping me to be a little less concerned.

Jeremy D. Smith is sports editor for the Demopolis Times.