Another year brings the excitement of the unknown. You may have regrets. Did you meet last year's goals? Did you experience life changes and loss? You can take charge and use this year to hone your skills all of the activities that you neglected last year.

Everyone has a unique wish list that was put on the back burner, and can now be simmered into a life stew. Make time in your busy day to fit in an extra ten minutes to improve your life.

Ten minutes each day adds up, and will boost your health, mind and spirit.

Here is a list of 20 possible activities for this year:

1. Thank God each morning for the gift of life, and ask Him to use the talents you've been given to help and love others. You can do this as you prepare for the day.

2. See the good in other people. Be patient, kind and humble. Let the other person win sometimes.

3. Read as often as possible—during commercials, doctor's office visits, and, before sleep—and carry a book or magazine with you.

4. Write each day. Keep a small notebook and jot down your thoughts and observations.

5. Take a class at a Technical School or Community College to advance your knowledge of technology, or develop your talents and increase job skills.

6. Go to your doctor, get a yearly check-up and follow his or her orders. Designate a specific month for all of your medical tests and exams. This can save your life.

7. Stretch and bend in the morning, after getting out of bed, and when you feel tight, walk as much as possible. Take the stairs, walk around the corner a few times, and hike briskly on a trail or up a mountain.

8. Take a kayaking class during the winter and enjoy the river and lakes next season.

9. Eat less junk food, soda, sugar, salt, and alcohol, and try to add fiber and whole grains in your diet. Once in a while will not hurt you. Everything in moderation is the trick.

10. Breathe deeply. Deep breaths relieve anxiety and your body needs oxygen in order to feel good.

11. Complete puzzles. Your brain could also use a workout. Do some high school math. Remember algebra?

12. Take an acting class in town. You could be a budding actor. Learn the craft.

13. Visit more art galleries. Encourage artists who work hard in your community.

14. Paint and sketch more often, or take a class in painting and participate in adult art shows in Jim Thorpe during Arts Weekend in May.

15. Take a stained glass class in town and make a window to replace one in your home.

16. Quilting classes, knitting or crocheting classes and jewelry making are enjoyable pastimes.