Changing Lives through Dancing by David Woodbury
Arthur Murray Santa Monica
“There are only two ways to live your life. One is as if nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.”
-Albert Einstein
After almost 49 years with Arthur Murray, I see my whole life as a miracle. From having such great parents who gave me the love of music, to starting as a ballroom student in 1975, then as a pro in 1976, to a lifetime of success and wonderful experiences with Arthur Murray Dance Studios.
Life brought me to dancing, then the many, many opportunities that I’ve had to grow and succeed. From my life-changing meeting with my number one teacher, Miss Vicki Venka, in 1978, then following all her advice that set up my career with Arthur Murray including my opportunities to be an examiner and a franchisee in my career
All these events would fill volumes. I am truly thankful in my life that I said “yes” even thought I did not always realize that it was all a miracle. Plus, no one ever said to me that I could not do it. They all said I could fulfill my dreams. I only heard these words “you can do it”.
Now for realizing that everything is a miracle. The getting through the challenges of becoming a judge and examiner. The continuous learning experiences of being a studio owner and franchisee. Learning how to be an emcee. How to run events. How to judge large competitions. Learning how to have teachers and executives working for me.
Then the miracles of living through loss of family, a partner, and many close friends. Precious friends who were mentors and who guided me in all areas of my life.
Now when I see our studio on our busy nights, I am thankful and aware of the miracle of watching a dream come true and dreams that are now realities in my life.
Perhaps the greatest miracle in my life is learning that it’s not all about me. In fact, not much of the miracles are about me. The miracle is about learning from all the great moments and being able to turn that into inspiration towards others to help them in their journeys.
I remember the moment when I realized that in all my years of trying to “have it all” that I was achieving my goals by the mentorship of others in my life who freely gave their help and advice to me. I was a making my dreams come true because others saw the possibilities and selflessly helped me along my journey.
What great things that I have learned and achieved are because I am standing on the shoulders of others who coached me, guided me, encouraged me, and cheered me over many finish lines in my life.
What miracle do I need in my life now? I think I have enough of the material in my life. Too much even. What I need now is to stop trying to “get” and work harder on “giving” to others. To be at the finish line and cheering others through the “Finish Lines” of their own lives.
In all these years, I am so fortunate to have my circle of friends in my life. They are leaders, mentors, friends, coaches, guides, advisors, believers, correctors, and givers in all areas of life.
So, what am I going to do as I turn 69, then 70 next year and 50 years with Arthur Murray? Take a moment and not look at my achievements, but to open my eyes to others every day to see who needs a kind word of encouragement, a nudge in the right direction, and realize that others need to be listened to. To hear their struggles, fears, doubts, questions, and ideas and thoughts.
All of this is what I want for my 70th birthday. To be a friend and a mentor to others. For sure I have a lot of work to do to be better, and I still have lot to give.
Yes, I do see the miracles in life!
Thank you for reading and Keep on Dancing!
“Dance & Thrive in ‘25”
David Woodbury
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