No 37. Changing Lives through Dancing
By David Earl Woodbury
Friday, September 11, 2015
Be One of the Happy People!
The happy people are those who are producing something; the bored
people are those who are consuming much and producing nothing.
— William Ralph Inge (1860-1954 ) English Theologian
How do you become a happy person? Beverly Sills, the great American coloratura said it this way: “A happy woman is one who has no cares at all; a cheerful woman is one who has cares but doesn’t let them get her down.”
Anne Frank quoted this for happiness: “Think of all the beauty still left around you and be happy.”
What is going to take to make you happy? Money, fame, education, achievement, awards, the perfect body, perfect health, a great family, established faith?
My question is this, what will make you happy after you “have it all?” What will you do then? What will you do if you don’t “get it all?”
I have been happy in my life and sad at other times. I’ve been rich and I’ve been broke. I’ve had ultimate happiness and the deepest sorrow. There have been times I have had a lot of time, and times I live from moment to moment. When was I the happiest?
I’m happy right now. In the midst of what others would say is chaos, I find peace and tranquility. As problems seem to mount up, I find hope and I’m eager to grow from all of my experiences. The only chink in my armor is my mouth. When thing get tough, I get colorful sometimes. Oh well, I’d rather feel life that be numb from boredom!
As I get older, I find happiness from helping other grow and achieve their goals. God willing, I have a career from the rest of my life just from the 40 years of experience I have with dancing. I can pretty much fix any dance step or polish any dance sequence. I love seeing others grow and find that the rare person that is passionate about life, that is focused and willing to work hard for what they want in life, the person who is willing to give of themselves to help others achieve their goals. This is the gem of a person that I love to help and mentor. They make life worthwhile as a coach.
Perhaps if you are not happy today, you need to volunteer for something to help others. If you are a dancer and bored, get involved in the dance competition and help out. You’ll find out that your services are greatly needed. Need some motivation, offer your services to lead a group, help others who cannot pay you back, or just find someone that needs a good word and give them your ear and some time to talk.
A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.
— Charles Gordy
Many a friendship — long, loyal, and self-sacrificing — rested at
first upon no thicker a foundation than a kind word.
— Frederick William Faber (1814-1863) English Priest and Hymn Writer
Exercise: My mom had a philosophy of life. She said that when you met someone, you should find what you like about them instantly, and build an empire on that like. It might be their voice, smile, their choice of words, laughter, clothing, their perfume, but find it in the first moment of greeting and say something about it. Let the first words that come out of your mouth be something wonderful about THEM and make them feel special. You’ll find that your smile and kind word will not only make them happy, but will ultimately make you happy as well!
Keep on Dancing!
David Woodbury