What I must do is all that concerns me 5-6-16

No 19 Changing Lives through Dancing
By David Earl Woodbury

Friday, May 6, 2016

“What I must do is all that concerns me, not what the people think.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803 – 1882) American Poet and Essayist

“To love what you do and feel that it matters — how could anything be more fun?”- Katharine Graham (1917 – 2001) American, Chairman of Washington Post

Do what you love in your life. Do not worry about what others think about you. What will horrify you is that as you enter your world of success and freedom, there will be people who will want to stop you. They will tell you that you can’t do your dream. They are dream killers. Then, they will oppose you and try to sabotage your efforts and pull you down. Usually, these are very sad people who cannot stand someone else pulling ahead of the crowd.

“He who every morning plans out the transactions of the day and follows out that plan carries a thread that will guide him through the labyrinth of the most busy life.” – Victor Hugo (1802 – 1885) French Writer

The good news is that you will be so busy pursuing your dream that you will not notice the Dream Killers. You are always thinking some great thought and taking great actions to fulfill your destiny. You will always be thinking of ways to succeed and to be a success.  You know that failure is not an option, and you’ll move forward without fear. Your busy life of Dream Making will shield you from the naysayers!

In two weeks, I’m experiencing the most difficult event I have ever produced. Those closest to me have tried to stop me, told me I could not do it, and that I was “not in the right timing” for the event.  As they have been trying to pull me down, I have been watching the dream take form and now, take wings as it becomes a reality. Yes, sometimes their negativity hurts me, and perplexes me, but before I have the time to have a pity party, I have too much to do to make the dream happen.

“One day in retrospect the years of struggle will strike you as the most beautiful.” – Sigmund Freud

For a while, I hated the years of struggle. I resented that I was not having an “easy” life. I wondered why me and why am I just not at Starbucks at the beach, retired and relaxing.  Then, I realized that that life would kill me, and that I would quit growing in my life. The biggest change was when I realized that I would not continue to learn about service, and living a life of service to others. I quickly changed my tune and began to focus on the goal and the rewards from service.

“To be capable of steady friendship or lasting love, are the two greatest proofs, not only of goodness of heart, but of strength of mind.” – William Hazlitt (1778-1830) English Essayist

The best benefit of doing what I love is this. I have met others who love what they do as well. I know people who walk in darkness that overtakes them and they have no control of that darkness. On the other hand, I am surrounded daily by those who give, who walk in light, who find joy in giving to others, and they are living a full life of service. Do they have normal problems, yes! But they look to the purpose of their lives and let that purpose guide and direct them.

Now, I am surrounded by the most amazing people to serve, give, organize, plan, help, and inspire. They are my peeps. They are my closest friends. “Surround yourself with people you want to become like”. For in your life, you will become exactly like those who are around you.

“To be capable of steady friendship or lasting love, are the two greatest proofs, not only of goodness of heart, but of strength of mind.” – William Hazlitt (1778-1830) English Essayist

Happy Dancing,

David Woodbury

DavidEarlWoodbury@gmail.com (email me if you like my blogs!)