No 40. Changing Lives through Dancing
By David Earl Woodbury
Friday, October 2, 2015
Make the Big Commitments
Until one is committed, there is always hesitancy, the chance to draw
back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative (and
creation), there is one element of truth, the ignorance of which
kills countless ideas and splendid plans – that moment one commits
oneself, then providence moves all.
— Johann von Goethe (1749-1832) German Poet and Dramatist
As Bob Long, Coach, Chairman of the Judges, and Franchise, always says, “I’m all in!” I hope and think that I’m all in. There is so much I want to do with my dancing and performing and teaching. Every day is full of another “dream seed” to be watered with hope and enthusiasm. So I don’t judge myself too harshly against others, I always know that I am fully committed and trust in providence to guide me forward.
Always laugh when you can. It is cheap medicine.
— Lord Byron (1788-1824) English Poet
You’ll need a good laugh now and then. Ballroom dancing is fun, but it may be challenging as well. Not everyone wins “first place” and there are successes and failures and long, hard roads to the top. I’m in a new place in my life where I am trying to live with my stress level and learn to manage it. Some of you read this and bristle. May I remind you of when you were a little kid driving your parents crazy, or worse, your teenage years? How do parents do it, especially parents of several kids, or special needs kids? They seem to have endless energy and patience.
My parents taught me that I could do anything I wanted and I have
always believed it to be true. Add a clear idea of what inspires
you, dedicate your energies to its pursuit and there is no knowing
what you can achieve, particularly if others are inspired by your
dream and offer their help. (from his book ‘Close to the Wind’. Goss
successfully sailed around the world – alone.)
— Pete Goss (1961-) British Sailor and Entrepreneur
I just don’t think I’m done with the adventures in my life. I think there is more. There is only one obstacle that may kill my dreams and that’s fear. So, what do I do? I run just fast enough forward in my life to out run doubt, depression, low self esteem, lack of confidence and of course fear. Also, I try to “run with the pack of winners”. They seem to have what it take to make it and I just have decided to run in life with them. They are my peeps.
You’ll find at a dance competition, all the champions hang together. They love each other. The passion, commitment, the dedication, the love of dance. They all know that they bond through the decisions they have made to become #1! Winners always want to gather with other winners. Life breeds life and good energy breeds good energy. So, try this. Look around you. Look for a group of people that are in a circle of success, and just go stand in the middle of them. Let them know who you are and soon, very soon, you’ll be in that very same circle and welcoming others who want to make it to the top!
To be what we are, and to become what we are capable of becoming, is
the only end of life.
— Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894) Scottish Novelist
Keep on Dancing!
David Woodbury