Welcoming the New Year....Sharing your Talents as a New Year Resolution

Ringing in the New Year takes on a different meaning as I grow older.  No longer are my New Year resolutions outlandish and far-reaching.  The wisdom that comes with age has now allowed me to recreate my resolutions into ones that are more realistic.  Gone are the zany resolutions of weight loss to a size two and making a six figure income by the time I reach retirement age. At the same time,  I am also inclined to be more forgiving of myself when I stumble at trying to keep the reasonable resolutions throughout the year.  Life experiences have a way of shaping your ambitions into ones that are more grounded and prioritized.

So instead of dusting off the crinkled list of on-going resolutions that I had from year to year for the last 30-40 years, I now write a new list; one with the realization that it is far more encouraging to develop a list of another kind......one of countless blessings and ways to share them with others in a variety of ways in my every day living.

If you are at all familiar with the musical, White Christmas, with Bing Crosby, as Bob, and Danny Kay, when Bing Cosby sings to Rosemary Clooney as Betty, the song, Counting My Blessings.  The following lyrics, although rather short, gives a message to think about.

When I'm worried and I can't sleep

 I count my blessings instead of sheep and I fall asleep counting my blessings
when my bankroll is getting small I think of when I had none at all
and I fall asleep counting my blessings.

I think about a nursery,
and I picture curly heads,
and one by one I count them
as they slumber in their beds.

If you're worried and you cant sleep,
just count your blessings instead of sheep
and you'll fall asleep counting your blessings.

Betty:
if I'm worried an I cant sleep I count my blessings instead of sheep
and I fall asleep counting my bless-

BOB:
-if your worried and you can't sleep,

Bob & Betty:
Just count your blessings instead of sheep
and you'll fall asleep counting your blessings

So what are some of the blessings and how can they be used as gifts for helping others?  Once again reality resurfaces.  If you are like me, someone who is not one of the wealthy philanthropists who donate huge sums of money to charitable causes, helping others takes on a different meaning.   When financial contributions are limited, it is time to look at sharing one of the blessings, that of one's talent.

Before the creation of the internet and when the opportunity presented itself, I was often amazed at learning of the many wonderful talents of family, friends, colleagues and new acquaintances.  Among these bright and gifted people were some whose capabilities may have been hidden for years or who may not  have even fully realized that they possessed unique creativity themselves.  With the new world of the internet and blogging, and as a blog viewer and participant,  I am absolutely elated to witness the outstanding skills  and knowledge of so many more accomplished artists/authors like you, who share your expertise through your blog articles.  I,  personally, have been enriched by your friendship and learned so much in many subject areas including your variety of passions and willingness to write about it.  This very situation has made me cognizant of the many ways that I, too, can, hopefully, give of my talents and know-how to others through my blog.   Perhaps, this thought can give light, inspiration and encouragement to your resolution list for this year too. 

So with the coming of the new year, why not join me in gratitude in remaking that resolution list to include more of sharing with others the unique gifts God has blessed us with.  It just may be one of the resolutions you may find to be the most realistic and rewarding to keep.  Best wishes, Happy New Year and hugs to you all.

 God's Blessings,
****Marsha ****