When I was young I thought I had to accomplish everything right away. My first mid-life crisis hit when I turned 20. I was devastated that I hadn't 'done anything' with my life.

A few years and a little experience bring a more balanced perspective. I realize now that people can re-make themselves any number of times in life (and I'm not talking plastic surgery here). Celebrities who seemed hopelessly lost to addictions have straightened out and had thriving careers. People who were homeless - both young people and adults - have turned their lives into college and business successes. Who hasn't heard the story of J.K. Rowling writing the Harry Potter books while she was on welfare?

Now former Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Alvarez proves once again that it's never too late to pursue your dreams.

In the two years since he was ousted from office after the recall vote spurred by a well-funded campaign by Norman Braman, Alvarez has made himself over as a champion bodybuilder. In an article in the Miami Herald, a spokeswoman for Equinox Gym in Coral Gables confirmed that Alvarez works out there, but wouldn't share details of his routine. Whatever he's doing, it's working - as you can see in the picture. Alvarez won first prize in the National Physique Committee's South Florida "over 60's" Master's bodybuilding competition.