No 16 Changing Lives through Dancing
By David Earl Woodbury

Friday, April 21, 2017

The Hero’s Shield

In Wagner’s Ring Cycle, Siegfried was the son of Sigmund and Sieglinde, who were both the Volsung twins of Wotan, who was the king of the Gods. Siegfried was the hero born to save the world. He was protected by a magical power from the warrior maiden, Brunhilde.

As happens in life, Sigmund betrayed Brunhilde and she took revenge. She only protected Sigmund with her magical powers from the front of his body because he was a hero and he would never turn his back on the enemy. In revenge, she told Sigmund’s enemy, Hunding, of this secret and Sigmund was stabbed in the back. Such a tale! (By the way, our cat’s names are Sigmund and Sieglinde!)

We cannot turn our backs during the hard times. We look forward and keep on trying until we are victorious.

Keep on Swinging!

“My motto was to keep swinging. Whether I was in a slump or feeling badly or having trouble off the field, the only thing to do was to keep swinging.”- Hank Aaron (1934) American Baseball Player (Retired)

Imagine the fortitude and strength for Hand Aaron to stay positive in the world of baseball. He did not turn his back to the pitcher and he faced the pitch and kept on swinging into history.

Set a good goal!

“You can’t climb up to the second floor without a ladder. When you set your aim too high and don’t fulfill it, then your enthusiasm turns to bitterness. Try for a goal that’s reasonable, and then gradually raise it. That’s the only way to get to the top.” – Emil Zatopek (1922 – 2000) Czech Middle Distance Runner

Sometimes our dreams may seem too big, too grand, even impossible. Yet if our achievements are step by step, and after each success we raise our expectations each time, we will get to the top without bitterness or resentment.

Recently, I have asked for advice from some great leaders. It is amazing that I have received so much insight, just for the asking. Each mentor has been happy to ‘show me their shield’ and how be a successful hero. This knowledge is equal to freedom, and this light shines hope into darkness.

“Don’t allow yourself to be intimidated! There is more than one road to joy.”– Author Pascal Bruckner, The Paradox of Love (1948 ) French writer

“We tend to make courage too dramatic. Courage is often doing something simple, unpleasant, or boring again and again until we get it down pat. People who are physically challenged and who have the determination to get around their handicaps are great examples because their courage makes them test their limits every day.” – Dave Thomas (1932 – 2002) American Businessman, Founder of Wendy’s International Restaurant Chain

Have courage. Courage is knowing how to say “Can you help me?”. Courage is being able to reach out to someone else and say “May I help you?” Courage comes in many different forms, but we must hold our ‘hero’s shields’ forward and not turn our backs on challenging times.

Thank you for reading!

David Earl Woodbury

davidearlwoodbury@gmail.com

Keep on Dancing!