With that in mind, most of us will be busy trying to make some meaningful New Year’s Resolutions which are designed to help us improve our life and motivate us to greater things during the next 12 months. This year however, I ask you to do something a bit different. Instead of coming up with New Year’s Resolutions, I want you to come up with New Year’s Realizations.

I thank Simon Guillet of Guilletville for sending me an article he received over the email from a friend. As you read the following, which is taken from Simon’s submission along with another I already had on file, see if you can make any ‘New Year’s Realizations’ about your own life.

Even though I clutch my blanket and growl when the alarm rings, I realize that I can hear. There are many who are deaf.

Even though I keep my eyes closed against the morning light, I realize I can see. There are many who are blind.

Even though I huddle in my bed and put off rising, I realize that I have the strength to rise. There are many who are bedridden.

Even though the first hour of my day is hectic, when socks are lost, toast is burned, tempers are short and the children are loud, I realize that I have a family. There are many who are lonely.

Even though the breakfast table never looks like the pictures in magazines and the menu is at times unbalanced, I realize that we have food to eat. There are many who are hungry.

Even though the routine of my job is often monotonous, I realize I have the opportunity to work. There are many who have no job.

Even though I have a teenager who is not doing dishes but is watching TV, I realize he/she is at home. There are many who are out on the streets.

Even though I grumble about the taxes I have to pay, I realize it means I have an income. There are many who do not.

Even though I have to clean up after a party, I realize it means I have been surrounded by friends. There are many who have no friends.

Even though my clothes fit a little too snug, I realize it means I have had enough to eat. There are many who go hungry every day.

Even though I complain about my lawn that needs mowing, my windows that need cleaning and my gutters that need fixing, I realize I have a home. There are many who are homeless.

Even though I complain a lot about the government, I realize I have the freedom of speech. There are many in this world who are afraid to express their opinion.

Even though I have a huge heating bill, I realize it means I am warm. There are many who cannot afford heat.

Even though the pile of laundry seems never ending, I realize I have clothes to wear. There are those who have very little clothing.

Even though it seems as if I often take my family members for granted, I realize how fortunate I am to have people around who love me despite my personal failings. There are those who never experience love.

We all have so much to be thankful for, but life is so hectic that we often fail to realize just what we do have. We are always wishing for something better. We are always trying to improve our lot in life. Perhaps if we just took the time to make some ‘New Year’s Realizations’ over the next couple of days, we will stop chasing rainbows for the pot of gold and discover that the real treasure is right here in front of us.