No 25 Changing Lives through Dancing
By David Earl Woodbury
Friday, June 17, 2016
A Cure for Worry
“As a cure for worrying, work is better than whiskey.”
– Thomas A. Edison (1847-1931) American Inventor
Ever awaken in a funk, a cloud, a depression, a panic, or in a state of confusion? Every morning, when consciousness fills my mind, I began to fill my mind, heart, and soul with light. I do a cleaning of my heart, my mind and my spirit. Then, just before any worries can take over, I get up and get on with my day! With a home, husband, two cats, and a business, there is no lack of work to do from the moment I awaken. I’m the cook, so when I arise, there is bacon to cook, French Press coffee to make, cats to poop and feed, and then a full breakfast to finish, serve and clean up, as well as preparing lunch. There is never sadness, just joy in the work and the process of outwitting worry!
“I am only one; but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; I will not refuse to do the something I can do.”
– Helen Keller (1880-1968) American Writer
Again, Helen Keller’s quote touches me to the soul. She was blind, deaf, and mute, and she is constantly searching for that special something she can do. Well for me, she always changes my life when I read about her. I’m constantly inspired that she did not let what life handed to her keep her from life’s mission for her. She did not live in despair, she lived in service and in hope.
“He is a man of sense who does not grieve for what he has not, but rejoices in what he has.”
– Epictetus (55-135 AD) Greek Philosopher
“Many of our fears are tissue paper thin, and a single courageous step would carry us clear through them.”
– Brendan Francis [Behan] (1923-1964) Irish Author
I thought at 60 I’d be free from worry. In a place in my life where I could kick back and just relax. No, that is not for me. I’m destined for greatness and to live to inspire others and to serve others and to give back to others in order to change their lives in some way. No, that’s not going to happen sitting on the sofa (although I do have some good ideas in my easy chair with a cat on my lap and coffee in hand!)
Will there be a day I’m not going to have fears? That day will come at the end, but for today, instead of fears-hopes, instead of doubts-dreams, instead of failure-opportunities. I’m happiest when serving and helping others and I must know that will be enough in the big picture.
“What you can do, or dream you can do, begin it; boldness has genius, power and magic in it.”
– Johann von Goethe (1749 – 1832) German Poet and Dramatist
For now, I will dream, and dream big. I’ll walk in faith and hope and then walk in the visualized dream, then begin again. You can’t take my dreams away from me. I dream of helping 100’s of kids learn to dance and learn how to respect one another, take instruction, learn how to work hard, how to treat one another, how to respect authority, and how to know that trying is not always winning. Perseverance is the key and sometimes trying over and over is the path to greatness. Ballroom dancing is a great way to grow up and learn all about life and how to live peacefully with others, especially if you are in a 6 couple final in smooth or rhythm!
“The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave – speech to the Virginia Convention, March 23, 1775.”
– Patrick Henry (1736-1799) American Lawyer, Patriot
May I ask this of you today…don’t give up. It will get better, yes, it will, and you’ll make it.
I love you and I believe in you today!
Keep On Dancing!
David Woodbury
DavidEarlWoodbury@gmail.com (email me if you like my blogs!)