Our current perception of time, cut up into segments that start over after each cycle, let's us take stock and reboot to begin fresh. 2016 is winding down with the passing of two big stars, Carrie Fisher and George Michael. Neither of them was very old. But a wise soul said to me once not to judge a life by its length but by its meaning.

Here, then, are two messages to take away as this year wanes. Take stock and look back. What significance did this year have for you? What did you learn? What did you accomplish? What influence have you had on those around you? Did you give? Did you take? Have you gained depth? Compassion? What were the big moments this year for you personally? How do they fit into the bigger scheme of the you-theme? My biggest accomplishment this year was the completion of my book - finally. It will be out this winter.

The message that goes hand in hand with the first one is to live big, to live life to its fullest - my mother-in-law called it taking a big bite out of life. You can't go back and fix things in the past. But you can shift your mindset right now and make the next moment, and the next day or month or year, significant. Take a big bite out of life today, and this coming year. Make it meaningful, for yourself and others, through your actions.