Your calling...

I've been thinking a lot about happiness. I am currently reading The Art of Happiness by the Dalai Lama and it has me assessing what the source, for me, would be.

Much of it is composed of the basics: love, understanding, trust, safety, etc., all needed for the foundation of happiness, as well as the perception of belonging.

That said, I began to make a list of things I would like to accomplish in life and/or experience. I consider these activities as life enhancers, likely to cultivate happiness as they help to compose true meaning for me.

ALEAH'S ULTIMATE 'TO DO' LIST

• Become more aware and involved in my surroundings (greater Toronto area), including its history, terrain, wildlife, etc. (We are so clueless when it comes to our own backyard! I want to change this.)
  
• Volunteer more
  
• Become more politically involved, and perhaps even run for office
  
• Be an aware, loving, committed parent (doesn't mean I will be perfect or have my own biological kids, but I feel being a teacher to someone is vital - even if it's being a mentor.)
  
• Keep practicing and practicing (doesn't matter what in particular)
  
• Keep laughter alive
  
• Make more, buy less
  
• Have a garden
  
• Publish * Publish * Publish
  
• Travel as much and as cheaply as possible
  
• Learn a martial art
  
• In love, be solid, honest, forgiving, and wise
  
• Lead by example
  
• Spend more time being outdoors every day
  
• Be a part of the community; actually know my neighbors
  
• Learn another language
  
• Keep moving: dancing, walking, playing
  
• Stop eating processed foods
  
• Finish damn novel
  
• Take care of the small and defenceless
  
• Take time for solitude
  
• Start an annual family/friends reunion (we just don't make time for these anymore, and they are so important)
  
• Know the past but stop dwelling on it
  
• Camp at least once every summer
  
• Spend time in the desert
  
• Make time for friends
  

Quite a lot to tackle but I wanted a written trail for future reference...I will add more as ideas come to me.

What are some of your life goals?