With the end of 2009 looming near, all holiday hoopla fades away and we’re left with an opportunity to reexamine our accomplishments and goals. Some people panic when they realize so much time has passed, and resolve to stop doing this or stop doing that. Fortunately, it isn’t all or nothing when it comes to your health and happiness, so forget about shaky resolutions. The beginning of a new year is just another opportunity to get in touch with what really matters.

Conduct a personal inventory of the year. Ask yourself where you didn’t quite rise to the occasion and determine what you need to do better or differently in the year to come.

Pat yourself on the back. Recognize where and how you’ve grown and take stock of the person you have become. Undoubtedly, it hasn’t always been easy, so allow yourself a moment of pride.

Try the mini-meditation. Haven’t tried meditation? Begin by simply taking 10 breaths with your eyes closed every day. (I call this a mini-meditation.) Inhale on the words “I am,” and exhale on an affirmation such as “peace” or “healing.” If you are already meditating, sit with someone else and help her get started.

Join in the holiday fun without destroying your health. Instead of indulging in cookies and cakes at office or holiday parties, bring treats to share that are sweetened with agave nectar or brown rice syrup. Your friends will love the idea of indulging without feeling guilty.

Share the love. Every time you snuggle your animal companion, look into his or her eyes and say, “May you hold the place for all animals to be loved and cherished like you. May all animals enjoy the comfort and peace that you know.”

Upgrade your eating. If you still eat dairy, consider trying vegan cheese and soy creamer. If you overeat processed foods, lean into more whole foods such as beans and grains. Eat vegetables only occasionally? Try tossing frozen organic broccoli or spinach into a smoothie. You won’t even taste them! (And you’ll get a good dose of greens.)

Think positively. Sit in a holy place (a church, temple, or special spot in the woods), close your eyes, and ask that a miracle take place for less fortunate people and animals. Then offer yourself to be used in the service of that miracle’s unfolding.

Lighten up. Get to know what Jung called your “shadow,” or the parts of yourself that have been shamed or disowned. As you come to accept and heal yourself, that healing will ripple out into the world and create a more peaceful planet.

Break bread. Invite an omnivorous friend over for a festive vegan meal with no strings or expectations attached. Your generosity and spirit will infuse the food with love, allowing him to take in the message of kindness.

Let go and celebrate. Feel in your heart that something truly monumental is on the way. And so it is!