What Your 3 Favorite Things Say About You

As we age, it becomes increasing important to set goals and view them in the right light. To do this, simply think like a child.

Photo by Dan Gold

My daughter was eating macaroni cheese when I asked her the question that changed the way I view my life.

“Baby girl, what are your three most favorite things to do?”

I expected playing with toys to top the charts. Maybe eating macaroni and cheese. Watching her iPad, to be certain.

Instead, she rattled off her responses without the common courtesy to look me in the face.

“Figure skating,” she said.

“School,” she added.

“And dance.” She set her fork down and met my gaze with a challenge. I knew what question was coming. I’d done this to myself. In my defense, I’d underestimated an eight-year-old.

“What are your three favorite things to do?” she asked.

I thought. I thought too long.

“Mommy, just say,” she demanded.

“Reading,” I offered. “And hanging out with friends?”

“Annnd?” she said.

I pressed my lips together, deciding between honesty and 1980s parenting. I chose the former.