No 22 Changing Lives through Dancing
By David Earl Woodbury
Friday, May 30, 2014
Call Me Arthur!
Many times I am out and someone comes up to me and says “Hi Arthur”. Also, I receive emails addressed to Arthur. Why, because I am always giving out Guest Cards for Arthur Murray. Someone recently said that I say Arthur Murray too much and give too much credit to our company. But how can I not after 38 years of dancing and living the magical life of a dancer and choreographer and studio owner. Yes, Arthur Murray is “THE PLACE” to be!
Whatever you do, you need courage. Whatever course you decide upon,
there is always someone to tell you you are wrong. There are always
difficulties arising which tempt you to believe that your critics are
right. To map out a course of action and follow it to the end,
requires some of the same courage which a soldier needs. Peace has
its victories, but it takes brave men to win them. — Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882) American Poet and Essayist
Yes, it takes courage to succeed and grow in life. The challenge that I am facing now is staying the same man full of joy and laughter and not letting challenges change me. Read this story shared with me by my great friend and mentor, Jacques DeBeve:
About George Bernard Shaw:
He was asked by a young reporter, in his later years, “Mr Shaw,
You’ve known so many influential people through the years…Poets,
composers, theologians, politicians, scientists, etc. If you could
bring back anyone, whom you’ve admired from the past, & spend
some time with them, who would it be?”
Mr Shaw said, “I’d like to bring back the man I used to be.”
How to remain true to ourselves and keep that song in our hearts? Awaken with a purpose and go through the whole day knowing that it will be great. My friend Martin Barthold shared his voice mail message with us “Every day is a perfect day”. He went on to say that if we truly believe that every day is perfect, someday it truly will be perfect. Also, Martin quoted this: “Don’t wish it was easier, wish you were better”. What a great challenge. When I asked him what I could do to repay him for his kindness to me, he asked me to not be defensive and to always have a heart of gratitude for what I have in my life. This is a payment I have promised to give him!
A life without purpose is a languid, drifting thing; Every day we
ought to review our purpose, saying to ourselves: This day let me
make a sound beginning, for what we have hitherto done is naught! — Thomas A. Kempis
My life does have purpose and I must always awaken with a heart of gratitude for what has given to me. Yes, I am always proud when someone calls me Arthur. They know I have had the greatest lives with a fantastic organization.
Thank You,
David Earl Woodbury
Next Week: The Wright Brothers.