In case we need reminded -- and many of us do -- starting a new year makes us stop and think about the fact that we all, on a daily basis, make choices about how we will live our lives and see the world around us.

With all the emphasis on resolutions right now, we can't help but think about what we'd like to change in our lives. It's really not so much about being successful in attaining your particular resolution, but just the fact that you recognize that you possess the power and ability to make changes in your life.

In the past few months, especially, I have seen people who are suffering tremendously. They have experienced financial devastation because of lost jobs, suffered the loss of a loved one or watched as family members, or themselves, have struggled to overcome a host of physical, emotional, spiritual and financial challenges.

Some of us never bother to see those people. We stay confined in our own personal situation, perhaps feeling sorry for ourselves as we are consumed by our own challenges.

It's okay to feel sorry for yourself every now and then. I've had a couple of those moments as I spent a significant portion of the last few months fairly immobile after that pesky "extreme dog-walking" accident.

Perhaps because of that, and the incredible kindness I have been shown, I want now to do what I can for others, even if sometimes all I can do is say a prayer.

I hope you all will join me in the coming year to choose to see the people around us in the best possible light, and reach out to them in their times of challenge. Let's walk that mile in another person's shoes, and really focus on understanding their way of thinking and responding to circumstances that often are far beyond their control.

Which is not to say that we should not hold people accountable for the choices that they make. Those choices often send out ripples that widen to engulf the truly innocent. But it doesn't help anyone or anything if we view the world around us through the distortion of our own pain or bitterness.

I hope that the new year brings each of you the opportunity for health, happiness and prosperity.