I am a 64-year-old retired physical education and dance teacher who has decided to reinvent herself. I’ve taught for 37 years, and now it’s time for me to be true to me. I am now writing and have published three books of poems. My goal is to become a motivational speaker. As a measure of reinventing myself, I decided to visit an orthodontist. This step was taken because I came face-to-face with a close-up of a video tape that my husband had taken of my face while I was reciting a poem. I didn’t like what I saw. My bottom teeth were crooked, and the top wasn’t all that I thought it was. It was necessary for the orthodontist to put braces that would take three years to correct the problem. In the meantime, I decided to use those years to prepare myself for my newest endeavor- public speaking. I completed the writing of two books during that period, and I spent time listening to great motivational speakers. Toward the end of the three years, I was invited to be guest speaker at two events.
     At this writing my braces are off, but I must wear a tongue trainer for the next six months. I am now able to speak in front of audiences and have confidence that my teeth are okay to look at. I am now ready to move forward and pursue my dream of becoming a motivational speaker.

NEXT IN THE REINVENTION STORY CONTEST: ENTREPRENEURIAL BRIDE