Changing Lives through Dancing by David Woodbury
Arthur Murray Dance Studio Santa Monica
A man of genius makes no mistakes. His errors are volitional (done of one’s own will and deliberate choosing) and are the Portals of Discovery”
Ulysses
Have I made mistakes in my life? Ey Ey Ey…how long do you have to read? Oh yes, I have made many mistakes. They were all volitional, and I have learned from all of them.
I read so much that people often say, “I have no regrets”. Well, not me. I have a lot of remorse from all the bad decisions that I’ve made. I think it’s part of being a human.
What I have learned in my later years is that with all the mistakes I have made in my life, I have had a few wonderful successes. They are bright lights, open windows, portals of discovery in my life.
I look back at my early accomplishments, and I am amazed that I moved forward with decisions that required the utmost strength and courage. I did things I can hardly imagine now. I moved across the country alone based on a dream. I took a full Dance Judge’s test. I bought my first house on my own. I ran my first marathon and finished it!
I also look at the times that I lived through the dark night of the soul. The loss of my precious mom and dad, and my life partner, all close together. Having several surgeries and illnesses that I have recovered from.
Major losses, surviving the 1994 Northridge earthquake and recently, the Palisaded Fire so close to our home and business. Losses that have turned into long time successes.
As I look back, I do see all these as beautiful portals of light that continue to pour in love and experience into my life.
My regrets creep up on me at the worst times, but then I immediately look to the good things in my life and I focus on those thoughts.
I’ve made some mistakes. I made some great decisions and I’ve accomplished some great things.
Now, I take time to look at the Portals of Discovery around me and I take in the view!
Thank you for reading and Keep on Dancing!
“Dance & Thrive in ‘25”
David Woodbury