New Year's Resolution

I follow the Michael J Fox Foundation feed on Twitter.  A recent tweet has been on my mind...  'Team Foxer's Pat and Carol Hagen saved an art auction and raised money for Parkinson's. What will you do in 2012?'

New Year's resolutions tend to be very self-focused: "I want to make more money. I want to save money. I want to travel to exotic locales. I want to lose weight. I want to exercise more."  Not bad resolutions, but is it not just like the en generation we are to turn it all into me me me.

Which is what got me thinking on the MJF tweet: "What will you do in 2012?"

I recall a comment someone made on marriage: More marriages might last if instead of asking the question : "What can I get out of this marriage?" Ask instead - "What can I offer this marriage?" 

We all want to self improve in our New Year's resolutions ... maybe if we help others, we help ourselves as well... and in turn, we can make the world a better place.

2011 has certainly been a rough year for our family. I have been reminded, however, that there are others out there dealing with more difficult situations than ours.  On New Year's, we wish peace and prosperity to each other for the new year. While it is lovely sentiment, I have come to the realization that life happens and we can't wipe the slate clean and start fresh the next year. We drag our problems, diseases etc. into a fresh new year.  It isn't all doom and gloom, however!  We can make the world a better place by looking out for one another... whether it be charity/volunteer work, meals for someone in need, sparing some time for someone who needs a friend, fundraising... the list goes on.  May 2012 be the year we think of one another and give back!

May you all have a safe and Happy New Year's Eve.