The First Dance
I was young, with a tedious job and long commute. Life was a snooze. What happened to my dreams?
Driving one night, I heard an ad for a Chicago Bulls cheerleading tryout. I don’t know what pushed me, but days later I was in a packed room, wearing a leotard, tights and a number. I knew little of cheerleading or basketball.
As we danced, judges weaved among us, clipboards in hand. I survived cut after cut. At the very end, my number was called. My heart sank— I’d lost at the buzzer. Sixteen girls joined me in the next room. Then, a judge. We were puzzled.
“Look around,” she said. “You are the new 1985-1986 Chicago Bulls cheerleaders.”
Being a ‘Luvabull’ was an honour and a privilege, and shook up my life.
I kept my full-time job ($20 [`1,600] per game wouldn’t cover the bills) and spent my nights and weekends at practices, games and events. Seeing the Bulls (and yes, Michael Jordan) up close was a whirlwind, once-in-a-lifetime experience that I’ll cherish forever, all because I took a crazy chance to get out of a rut. — LOIS LAVRISA
Getting the Last Laugh
I’m 73 years old and a stand-up comedian. I took a class for the heck of it at age 70. I had meat in the freezer older than most of my classmates. To graduate, we had to perform in front of an audience, and I almost backed out. But I was on a high after hearing the laughter of the crowd. Now, I perform in restaurants, comedy clubs, senior centres, etc. Who would’ve thought? — VALERIE LIBASCI
Clear Eyes, Full Hearts
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der January 2024-Ausgabe von Reader's Digest India.
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Diese Geschichte stammt aus der January 2024-Ausgabe von Reader's Digest India.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
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Have Child, Will Travel
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As Gods Among Us
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My stutter, Myself
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Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Modification
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I Tried It...Exercises to Relieve Tech Neck
I STARE AT MY phone for five hours a day.
The Upside of Getting Lost
I was in the woods with my family and we'd lost our way. My phone was dead. It was getting dark. How could this possibly be a good thing?
A MOTHER'S CONVICTION
AFTER ALL FOUR OF KATHLEEN FOLBIGG'S CHILDREN DIED IN INFANCY, A COURT FOUND HER GUILTY OF MURDER. TWENTY YEARS LATER, SCIENCE FINALLY UNCOVERED THE TRUTH
KITT THE COURAGEOUS K-9
Officer Bill Cushing needed a partner. His dog needed a purpose. Together, they rescued each other
Lite, Unplugged
Could you get through seven days without looking at a device? I tried—here’s what happened
GET A GREEN(ER) THUMB
Whether you love digging in the dirt, planting seeds and reaping the bounty that bursts forth, or find the whole idea of gardening intimidating, this spring offers the promise of a fresh start.