Norman B. Sanson

If you've ever been up the Sulphur Mountain Gondola in Banff or taken the 5.5km hike to the summit you will be familiar with Sanson's Peak - named after Norman B. Sanson. Norman Sanson was responsible for monitoring the weather from Sanson's Peak every week for thirty years. He was stuck in snowstorms, lightning storms, encountered bears and other wildlife and all before there was any of the technology of today.

I couldn't help but wonder what motivated him to work on the mountain for so long. I imagined being up there alone in a snow storm for days on end, with no form of communication. My conclusion was his passion and love for his work and the mountains must be the driving force behind his continued dedication from 1903-1931.

In addition to Norman, there are many examples of exceptional people who prove to themselves and the world their own passion through their actions. Whether it be for their career, their ideology, their beliefs or anything else, it is inspiring. I, for one, would like to be able to dedicate my life to something that I am passionate about as this will undoubtedly lead to fulfilment and contentment. Therefore, today's lesson is to be like Norman. Find your weather station on a mountain, and take action to pursue those things you are passionate about!

How to be Happy, Alone

In today's world we are often bombarded by questions about our relationship status. On facebook, we are asked to list our relationship status and getting into a relationship is viewed as a victory. One in which we are now part of the upper echelon of society. One of the first things I am asked when I meet someone new is whether or not I have a boyfriend/girlfriend. I can't even turn on the television without being reminded that I am not going to be happy unless I join eHarmony and am matched with my dream man.

Moreover, we constant fall victim to listening to those people in our lives who are in happy fulfilling relationships (or so they say) tell us about how wonderful it is to be in a relationship. Not to mention, no matter where we go it is thrown in our faces. The handholding, the messy couple making out on the subway and at clubs.

Note: This is not to suggest that I do not think relationships are wonderful.

Well friends, I am hear to tell you that this is all a load of crap. Happiness is not centered around whether or not you have a significant other, nor around whether people like you. It is a decision. Like anything else, we choose how to react to our environment and the things that happen in our lives. We can choose to be sad and miserable because we are all alone, or we can embrace it, spend our "alone" time getting to know ourselves better, and learn to love who we are because, after all, the most important relationship we have is with ourselves.

Here are some ways I've learned to enjoy your time alone:

1. Set time aside every week for a date with yourself: I, personally, take every third Friday, and every Sunday to spend time with myself. This can be as simple as going for a walk, reading a book in the bath, or going out to a nice restaurant and having a nice meal.

2. See the beauty in yourself: After all, we are all fabulous and beautiful people, but only once we choose to believe it, does it truly reflect on ourselves.

3. Take a trip by yourself: This is one of my favourite ways to reflect on my life, set goals for myself, and most of all spend time with myself while travelling somewhere exciting. I always keep a journal to remember the things I did and my perspective on things that happened.

4. Do something spontaneous: I find the best way to learn more about myself and grow as an individual is to take myself out of my comfort zone and try something different.

So, next time you think you are alone realize you really aren't. You have your family, your friends, in some cases your pet, but most of all you have yourself!

Life After the Quarter Life Crisis

I've recently overcome what I consider to be my quarter life crisis (not to be confused with the "mid-life crisis").

Note: According to wikipedia, a quarter life crisis refers to the period in time immediately following major changes of adolescence.

Immediately following the completion of my economic degree, I fell into this deep uncertainty regarding my life, the future and most of all my purpose in life. The absence of university, changes in my home and work environments really hit home and made me realize this is it, I'm now an adult and have to fend for myself.

Four months later, I remember a lesson I learned in grade six. We were asked to set goals every week which we would share with the class and at the end of the week report back on whether were were successful. At the time, I didn't fully understand the benefit of setting goals. Now, goal-setting seems to be the answer. The future doesn't matter so much, however, I do need focus in my life. Therefore, I've set the following goals for myself...

1. Live in the Moment - Notice the things and the beauty around myself
2. Love myself
3. Improve my health, by
a. Working out with my personal trainer until at least July 2010
b. Eating well and enough
c. Giving up alcohol
d. Gaining another 20lbs by Summer 2010
4. Get a promotion or another more challenging job by September 2010
5. Volunteer
6. Be less judgemental - see the positives in everyone and everything

If you are feeling down about your life and are unsure about where you are headed, I would encourage you to set some goals for yourself as well.

This blog will follow my life after my quarter life crisis, from this critical moment forward it will document the lessons learned, and my progress towards my goals. I invite you to share in this experience, provide your comments and experiences.

Will