David Earl Woodbury
No 18 Changing Lives through Dancing
By David Earl Woodbury
Friday, April 25, 2014
Are you a Dream Maker?
Cherish your visions and your dreams as they are the children of your
soul; the blue prints of your ultimate accomplishments.
— Napoleon Hill (1883-1970) American Motivational Speaker
This past week I had a word of wisdom. It was so strong that it woke me from my sleep and the next morning was my first thought. It was a clear and powerful word that has changed my life.
The next day I went to my partner, Gabriela, and as she walked to me I took her by the hand and walked with her. My word of wisdom was that all my dreams would come true as long as I would take Gabriela by the hand and lead her with my heart, thoughts, and actions. This was such a real and strong work of wisdom that Gabriela had tears as I shared this with her. Gabriela is my Arthur Murray sister and my partner making dance dreams come true.
In every person who comes near you look for what is good and strong;
honor that; try to imitate it, and your faults will drop off like
dead leaves when their time comes.
— John Ruskin (1819-1900) English Art Critic
Are you a dream maker? Perhaps the only way for you to make your dreams come true is to take someone by the hand and lead them. How are your thoughts, what do your actions say, and do you dream from the heart? Is someone waiting for you to take the lead and reach out a welcoming hand to them?
It is said that you can have everything you want in life as long as you help others get what they want in their lives. Also, our income is in direct proportion to the amount of service we give others. Are we working just to “get away” or are we working to “give to others”? These are great questions in our new age of technology and social networking.
As time marches on and technology reaches the speed of light, I wonder if we will crave more human contact and connection. Will we reach back to the time of writing letters, calling friends on the phone, visiting with family, and taking time to volunteer to help others?
In the world of Arthur Murray, we are always living in the world of personal connection, personal planning, personal achievement, personal recognition. The Arthur Murray dance world is based on partnership dancing and the connection that we share with others.
Perhaps Arthur Murray will continue to grow more and more around the world as a shelter for those who are caught in the face-paced world of technology that tries to “streamline” us away from human contact and connection.
This is my bet, stick with the dancing. It builds health, friendships, self confidence. Dancing will change your life and transform you into a dream maker for yourself and others.
Go out and listen for your own word of wisdom. Who can you extend a hand of love and friendship and support to today?
Thank You,
David Earl Woodbury
Next Week: International Dance Festival 2014!