Back from Canada

And no...I haven't been gone for weeks. This past Thursday over a spicy plate of Thai food on the first snowy day in Toronto I had an interesting discussion with my sister about happiness. The conversation was sparked by my visit with some old friends from high school. I had spent the evening prior catching up on how each of us have spent the last 14 years. While listening to each story I had wondered, "are we happy." I know…slippery slope…ancient question…what defines happy…yada yada yada. I was curious not because any of us seemed unhappy but because I remembered us being happy back then. Perhaps it is hindsight that made the past just seem better. My sister suggested I figure out what I mean by "happy" and go from there.

This is my second visit back home this fall and yet again I have returned with a few nagging thoughts...1) I have tried to change a lot over the past 14 years, 2)Since I have joined the working force I have left behind various activities that brought a lot of joy to my life when "I had more time." Today I want to concentrate on those little things...I know we are always going to be busy and I need to make time for what has made me happy in the past so that I can be happier today. I invite anyone out there to let me know what they used to do that they miss in their lives…maybe it will give me more ideas .

Top 5 (plus one bonus) things that make me happy…and I need to do more often

1. Exercise…specifically swimming. I don’t know what it is about the pool but life for me is peaceful when I'm in the water. I need to get back in the pool! How many times have I said that to myself?

2. Reading. I remember a time when even though I was laden down with school reading I found time almost every day to read for pleasure. These days I’m lucky if I read one book ever other month. I read a book this week, and while it was not the best book I have ever read, it was by my favorite author and I enjoyed every page.

3. Dancing. I took 4 ballroom classes in University and they were such a joy. My favorites were the Waltz, Samba, and Foxtrot. I haven’t really been dancing since. I do actually have a panic like fear of “going to a dance” but I really like the classes. I would love to learn the Tango.

4. Pottery, photography or painting…arts I have always dabbled in but wish I could really do well. I want to take a class in one or all this year.

5. Travel. This year I have not gone anywhere except home to Toronto. It has been 5 years since I have seen my friends in Utah and aside from that I really want to see the world. This year I am going to plan a real vacation which will include a full day of travel.

Bonus: Last but not least...I need to teach again. Since I was a teenager I have been teaching something from swimming lessons to English classes...while teaching helps others it brings so much happiness into my life.

Tell me...what would be on your list?