No 27 Changing Lives through Dancing
By David Earl Woodbury
Friday, July 4th, 2014
Happy Independence Day!
There is in every true person’s heart a spark of heavenly fire, which
lies dormant in the broad daylight of prosperity; but which kindles
up, and beams and blazes in the dark hour of adversity.
— Washington Irving (1783-1859) American Writer
This Independence Day, we have our freedom based on the countless lives that were sacrificed for our American way of life. Our country is the greatest in the world and we have the liberty to live where we want, pursue education and work in any field we want. We can truly live “The American Dream” and build a life based on our hopes and dreams.
Today, I am composing this message sitting in our Dream Room in our beautiful Arthur Murray Dance Center in the heart of Santa Monica, CA. This is our dream come true, our hopes fulfilled, our vision realized. We are given the ability to work, grow, create, serve, and be a part of the great city of Santa Monica. Our dream is that soon, everyone on the West Side of LA will know that Arthur Murray is Back on Broadway!
Determine never to be idle. No person will have occasion to complain
of the want of time who never loses any. It is wonderful how much can
be done if we are always doing – advising his daughter Martha, 1787.
— Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) Third President of the United States
Do we work hard, yes! Are we happy in our work, absolutely! In our work, we have the chance to find ourselves. We realize our own realities, not just for ourselves, but for others as well.
Our greatest happiness in life does not depend on the condition of
life in which chance has placed us, but is always the result of good
conscience, good health, occupation, and freedom in all just
pursuits.– Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) Third President of the United States
Perhaps you are not feeling so very free this Independence Day. Or, you station in life is not what you dreamed and your are not living your vision. Happiness will come from knowing that we have hope of the future, the possibility of having good health, and the freedom to do what we want in life.
If you are not living your dream, take a new step forward in a new direction to get your life moving and changing. Ask someone to mentor you, increase your spiritual and meditation life and seek help from a higher power. Read positive articles and books. Exercise more and get your body moving. Seek out a new adventure. Write down your “Dream” goals and then write out all the steps to make that dream happen. Then, TAKE THE FIRST STEP and make it happen
Face your deficiencies and acknowledge them; but do not let them
master you. Let them teach you patience, sweetness, insight.
— Helen Keller (1880-1968) American Writer
To this day, when I read a quote from Helen Keller, my heart leaps with joy. Helen Keller truly overcame her deficiencies and let the great mind she possessed come forward and she used the skills she possessed to make a change in the world. How many lives have been blessed reading about her life and the hope and joy she gave to others!
He can do more for others who has done most with himself.
– S.D. Gordon (1859-1936) American Devotional Speaker and Writer
Bob Long, a great Arthur Murray friend, says “I’m all in”. Yes, I am all in as well. I’m 100% an Arthur Murray man. I am thankful for my home, my life, my career, my friends and those who love me. Yes, this is a great Independence Day for me and for Arthur Murray Santa Monica!
“God Bless America, my home sweet home.”
Thank You,
David Earl Woodbury
Next Week: How to be strong of heart and strong in dancing!