Helping people change lives
JIM DONOVAN
Age: 57
Personal: Lives in Buckingham, Bucks
County, with wife, Georgia.
Education: Barely graduated from high
school in Staten Island, N.Y., where he grew up.
What he does: Writes books and gives
lectures aimed at helping people change their lives for the better
- as he did.
His qualifications: Addictive behavior
landed him homeless in the South Bronx and other low-down venues,
hanging with winos and walking the streets, looking for cheap booze.
"I was a bum," he says.
What happened: He reached his "bottom"
in 1987 and went into a rehab facility. He then began reading every
self-help book he could get his hands on and tried to apply their
messages to his own life.
Since then: Has published six books
and sold about a quarter million copies. They include "Handbook
to a Happier Life," "This Is Your Life, Not a Dress Rehearsal,"
and "Reclaim Your Life."
Also: Does workshops, radio and TV appearances,
and volunteers his time to "anyone who wants a positive message,"
from addicts to prisoners to shelter residents. Also writes a news
letter online.
His message: You can change, as he did.
"Take responsibility for your life. Stop blaming McDonald's if you're
50 pounds overweight. I offer strategies, tools you can use...."
Special interest: Young people. "Some
of them feel their lives are already over, that they can't do anything,
and have no future."
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