Those who use the active topics feature should know (at least I hope you know) that there is the standard view which lists all topics from all forums in a single list and the categorized view which categorizes topics by forum. You can now select your preferred default view by editing your profile and selecting your choice next to "Default Active Users View".
When you visit the active topics page you'll be forwarded to your preference. You can always go back to the alternate view by clicking the button in the right top corner of the active topics page that you're currently on.
Breaking free from the thoughts in my mind