Changing Lives through Dancing by David Woodbury
Arthur Murray Santa Monica
My dryer is broken. It was 25 years old and I put in a damp jacket and I broke the drum.
The aged washer still works and gets good use. Yet, I still needed a dryer.
Thus, began the visits to the Wishy-Washy! We went from an 8-hour day of 8 to 12 loads of laundry, to using three giant washers and three huge dryers, to getting all the laundry done in 2 hours flat! We sometimes squeeze in an espresso and treat while the dryers are tumbling. It is a pleasant way to do laundry, and I still have not replaced my old dryer.
The laundry mat is so clean and well taken care of. The bathroom is always fully stocked and tidy and smells good. Over the toilet is this this little sign, “Leave it as you’d like to find it, a proverb for our world and our business”. I have read this so many times that it has remained in my mind and heart.
Then, I thought about this motto in own life. Do I always leave somewhere the same as I found it? Do I leave it better than it was? Did I leave a blessing of happiness, joy, love and hope? Do I do this in my world and my business?
At Arthur Murray, I am like a little squirrel, always looking for water or items on the floors. I walk in the restrooms to check the soap, towels, toilet paper and wash the mirrors and wipe the sink. I’m always picking up.
I am always shuffling the front desk around for neatness. The worst room is my front office which I cannot seem to keep up with…ever. But I do make an attempt each day.
After visiting and coaching a dance lesson here at Arthur Murray, the last words I always say to the students upon leaving are “You have a great teacher”. I say it clearly so the student(s) can hear me. I truly mean this, and I am delighted to say these words in front of the instructor. What’s wrong with a heart-felt compliment and praise? Without our great teachers, I would have no one to teach all our wonderful students. I leave the lesson better that I found it.
When I say adieu after a Santa Monica Chamber event, I always say a thank you to the group and leave them with a nice salutation. We always leave mass with sharing love with the parishioners, and giving many words of gratitude and praise for the musicians, all the servers, and our great pastor, Fr. Paul. We are better when we leave mass, and we hope we leave our parish a better place.
Where did I learn all this? From the great leaders and mentors that surround me daily. From my extraordinary leader of a father to my inspiring and inspirational mother. The fantastic self-starters and “extra milers” that I regularly work with and come in contact with every day of my life. It is said “Surround yourself with people you want to become like”. I do this every day of my life. Do I want to be successful and continue to be a leader? Then I surround myself with these same people. Do I want to be known for acts of service and for inspiring others? Then I surround myself with “givers” and those who spark life in others.
I have many passions in my life, but the greatest is this. I want to leave the world being known as someone who gave to others. Who inspired others. Who mentored others and helped them become their best persons. I want to be remembered as a man of service to others. I am driven by this desire in my life. I want to leave the world better than I found it.
Thanks for reading,
David Woodbury