Author: You need to break out of the box in 2010

What are your resolutions for 2010?

Sure, you want to get fit. Who doesn't? Your finances might need a makeover too. Those goals are obvious and perennial. But author Kathy Bostrom wants you to think past the predictable and shake things up.

How about joining a protest rally? Have you ever danced in the rain? This year, milk a cow or bury a time capsule. Take your possessions, sell them at a flea market and give the money to charity. Clear your cupboards, go skinny dipping, plan your funeral.

The Wildwood woman has ideas designed to enrich your life and the lives of others in her new book, "99 Things to do Between Here and Heaven." The 200-page book published this year, offers simple and complex ideas for a more significant life.

"So many of us want to do something different, something challenging with our lives and often don't know what to do," Bostrom said. "These ideas get us out of our boxes."

Bostrom co-authored the book with Peter Graystone. This is the 28th book penned by the 55-year-old mother of three. She and her husband Greg are co-pastors of the Wildwood Presbyterian Church.

Most of her books are faith-based children's stories. The new book is part one of an upcoming series of other "99" titles, including ideas to simplify your life, and how to raise spiritually healthy kids.

Bostrom admits some of the ideas likely have been tried. Things like baking bread, watching a sunrise or Christmas caroling aren't profound, but she said doing those with a different attitude can make a world of difference.

"Yes, we've done some of these things before, maybe when we were younger. But doing them again during a different season of life may be a whole new experience," she said. Bostrom doesn't buy the "been there, done that," attitude. She said engaging in the activities with focused attention can make them feel new.

Some of the ideas are heavy - conquer your fear, make a confession, forgive a wrong. Others are on the lighter side - ride a roller coaster, learn about jazz, hug someone.

The idea is to do something. Don't let life pass you by, Bostrom said.

"People like lists," she said. "They like to check things off their lists. We often have the desire but lack the ideas. This book provides those."

The book is available on Amazon.com. Bostrom also blogs on the topic at bostrom.wjkbooks.com.