As we move into 2012, I am reminded of a song I learned many years ago. “When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed, When you are discouraged thinking all is lost, Count your many blessings — name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord has done.”

For nearly all of us, 2011 was a challenging year in some way. Could be financial hardships brought on by the continuing slow economy, or physical illness, or maybe the death of a loved one. Whatever the challenge, each of us has a choice of how we respond. We can choose to focus on the difficulties: become angry, bitter, lash out, looking for someone to blame for the problems. This road inevitably ends in unhappiness, disappointment and discouragement. On the other hand, we can choose to focus on the good things in life: to look for what is upright and positive, and, while not ignoring the problems, commit to face life with a smile.

I have always liked what has become known as the Serenity Prayer: “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and the wisdom to know the difference.” This is good advice, and will keep us on the positive side of life.

There are many blessings to count. We are blessed to live in a wonderful city with wonderful people. Did you know that more than 1,400 people volunteered to help rake up and brush up Nampa this past year? And because of the donations of food, money and hours of labor, several thousand people were fed and provided with food for the home and toys for the kids under the leadership of the Salvation Army and the Boise Rescue Mission and Lighthouse Mission during the holiday season. We are blessed by the generosity of so many.

And did you know that by nearly every measure our economy has improved since the worst of the recession in 2009? Did you know more than 1,000 jobs have returned to Nampa since the low point of 2009? Did you know that last year many local industries expanded their operations, including Vantron Manufacturing, Drill Pro, Sorrento, U.S. Bakery and Amalgamated Sugar? We are blessed with a solid, stable infrastructure upon which industry can build, and we are blessed with progressive-thinking employers, and employees with a strong work ethic.

I could go on and on, and given the chance, I do. I love this city and its people: so many good things to brag about. What would you like to brag about? Start the new year by counting the blessings in your life, and let the exercise fill you with joy and hope for 2012.

Tom Dale is mayor of Nampa.