Man learns to read at 96

Friends of this blog know how much I love a story of someone achieving a dream at any age. I have an especially  big place in my heart for those who learn to read later in life. The joy and gratitude new readers show after learning to read, shows what a gift reading really is.

Jim Henry was 96 years old when he moved into a senior living community in Connecticut. Once there he admitted that he could not read or write.  He was, however, determined to learn.

Two years later, Henry is the author of his very own book, "In A Fisherman's Language". The book tells the story of Henry's life and his work as a fisherman.

Watch Jim Henry as he happily signs his autograph into his book here.

Henry is just another example in a long list of people who have achieved great things later life.

Excuses

Making a change, especially one as big as going after a dream that seems impossible, requires courage. Sometimes the fear of failing causes us to have many false starts. We often perpetually procrastinate and make excuses for ourselves. What excuses have you given for not doing the very things that will lead you to the life you really want? Do they sound like this?

• I'm too tired.
• I don't have enough time.
• My job, spouse, or children take up all of my energy.
• I'm not smart enough.
• I'm too old now, so why even try.
• I've tried it before and it hasn't worked.
• I don't know where to begin.
• I am a failure.

This list could go on and on. I'm sure that you could add many other excuses to this list as well.

I came across this picture while on Twitter. (Follow me @kprizzy). As the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words.

Really excuses are just that, excuses. I love the look of sheer joy on this child's face as he runs towards the finish line. It must feel so good to overcome all limitations, doubts, and fears as he runs towards his goal.

I believe we all have that same courage inside of us.

Here's to letting go of fears and excuses, and going forward in the direction of your dreams. No matter how many times you've tried it before, or how long you've waited to start, it's never too late.

Cheers.

Begin Again

There are a lot of things that I regret not doing in my life. Things didn't neccesarily turn out the way I planned. Are you able to relate to this? Lately I have been doing a lot of soul searching. Trying to figure out how I can make those dreams that have long been hidden deep inside of my heart come true. I have told myself again, and again... It is never too late.

Recently I came across this post, Setting the Tone New Beginnings from a series on new beginnings by Ian Lawton.  The post was everything that I needed to hear. In the post Lawton teaches readers how to set the right tone and intention for a new beginning. He also helps readers to believe that second chances are possible. He writes:

Second, third and seven hundredth chances are built into the nature of life. When you truly believe that, you can set about living on purpose and without regrets. You are not alive at this time in history with your unique blend of experience and skill by accident. You are not reading this article at this time in your life by accident. There are things that you still need to express and manifest in the world, and your next thoughts, words and actions will set the tone for the rest of your life and help to create the future for all.

Continue reading more of this great post here. Hopefully, you will be well on your way to a new beginning in your own life.

The Big Give

Tomorrow 11-10-11 begins a 24-hour period of philanthropy known as "The Big Give".  From November 10th at 11:00am to November 11th at 11:00am you can give to a non-profit organization that you care about and have that donation matched by The Columbus Foundation.

Givers are able to choose between 600 different non-profit organizations to support. Any money given by you will be matched. Now is the time to make a  great  difference in your community. So give, give, give!

Find out how you can support your local non-profits here:

The Admissions Essay Word Limit



As an adult student you may feel like you have a lot of life to try and fit into an admissions essay for college. How do you show the admissions representatives who you really are while staying below a word limit?

The college admissions essay is a part of the application process that often gives students the most anxiety. In the essay, applicants work hard to really let the admissions counselors get to know them beyond their test scores and grades. After writing what they feel is a nearly perfect essay the student finds out that their 800-word essay is longer than the 500-word maximum allowed.

Continue reading my latest article, "500 Words, No Problem: 5 Tips for Staying Within the Admissions Essay Word Limit".



Single Parent Scholarships

Going to college can be both rewarding and challenging. Adult or non-traditional students have additional responsibilities that the average college age student does not. When I worked to complete my bachelor's degree I had a full-time job, and a household to maintain. I did not, however, have children. An adult student who is also a single parent, may face even more stress while working to provide a home for themselves and their children. They must not only handle bills, but must also take care of their family.

While visiting Fastweb I noticed this article which details several college scholarships that were designed with single parents in mind.

If you have returned to college recently or are thinking about returning, look into these scholarships. They may be just the financial help you need.

On Fastweb be sure to complete a profile which will help the site find scholarships that you qualify for.

I know I've said this before, but there are so many scholarships that are never awarded because no one applies for them. It is so much better to get a scholarship, rather than a loan. A scholarship does not need to be repaid,where as a loan does.

Read my article, "What to Know Before You Borrow" to see why borrowing should be done wisely and sparingly.

5 Steps to a Do-it-Yourself No Flaw Makeover

Guest Post

By Rose of "RoseLovesFashion"

 

 

Many of life’s events require special attention to being appropriately dressed.  Without realizing it our personal apparel is a reflection of our current life moment (ie: new job,  motherhood etc.).  If we find that routine slumped or in need of reviving there is no shortage of resources at our disposal. 

 I spent the early part of my fashion career sitting through countless episodes of "What Not to Wear" while completing my Bachelor's degree in Fashion. No need to hire Stacy and Clinton, I have gleaned the show for real life usage and created five ways you can put your makeover in your own hands.

 

Step 1-- There is always time in life for inspiration.  Yes, inspiration from current popular magazines or online fashion resources.  Allow yourself to be reduced to your 2^nd grade imagination and make a collage of clothing and accessories you like or want to learn to wear.  *Note: if this makeover was staged by family/ friends then this exercise is for them.

Step 2--Assess what you currently own, yes everything.  This will require pulling out non-seasonal or stowed clothes.  You will be forced to realize what it is you buy (which is not necessarily what you wear).

Step 3-- Use your tear sheets or collage for guidance to gather gently used (and clean) items that do not align with your desired new look.  Donate things of value and discard the rest.

Step 4-- Go shopping within your personal budget.  A clearance rack will be your best friend in stocking up on some items (even if it’s for next season).  If money is not an object, take this time to explore the best vintage stores in your area.  You will develop an eye for quality here and gain better insight into key pieces to balance your wardrobe.

Step 5-- Try your new and improved look out immediately!  Your new way of dressing will only become a way of life if it becomes a habit (which on average takes 3-4 weeks).  When putting your pieces together don’t be afraid to refer to your collage.  It should be a guideline; allowing for easy substitutions where appropriate.

 

Other Tips:

 

--Try voluminous hair.

--Experiment with berry/ red lipstains and lipsticks.

--Invest in a good blazer if you spend money on any key piece.

 --Pick up one item of either : faux, cheetah, fur or python.

--A wedge shoe is your best shoe choice.