“There is a sense of exhilaration that comes from facing head-on the hard truths and saying, “We will never give up. We will never capitulate. It might take a long time, but we will find a way to prevail.” – Jim Collins, from his book, Good to Great (1958) American business consultant
Ever want to give up or give in? Have you ever been so tired you just quit trying? Has the road been rough and too hard to move forward? It is hard to face the hard truths head-on, but we must, and we will. I know that some truths take a lifetime to realize, but we must not let go and quit. There is always a way to prevail.
“Unswerving loyalty to duty, constant devotion to truth, and a clear conscience will overcome every discouragement and surely lead the way to usefulness and high achievement.” – Grover Cleveland (1837 – 1908) 24th President of the United States
Doing our daily duties with devotion leads to a conscience that says I have done my best today and I am not discouraged. I am of some use today to someone. Every time Joel and I walk home from church, I always say “I felt of use today”. After an especially busy mass and being a part of the entire service, I find that I am greatly fulfilled and full of peace. I had the satisfaction knowing that I was useful and needed and I feel the achievement that comes from doing my best.
“The work an unknown good man has done is like a vein of water flowing hidden underground, secretly making the ground green.” – Thomas Carlyle (1795 – 1881) Scottish Writer
Through many years of dance competitions, showcases, events, benefits and all types of ballroom shows, I truly know that nothing would have happened without the help of many, many workers and those who put in far more hours than they were getting paid for. They are truly like streams of life making the event come to pass. I know many other“veins of water” who I see every week making the ground green beneath my feet, and the feet of many others.
“No man or woman of the humblest sort can really be strong, gentle and good, without the world being better for it, without somebody being helped and comforted by the very existence of that goodness.” – Phillips Brooks (1835-1893) American Bishop
Lucky me that I have chosen a partner who is kind, fair, helpful, gentle and good to the core and someone who truly blesses and helps everyone he encounters. When I am feeling (and acting) grumpy, Joel is still there with a sweet tone in his voice and an enthusiastic greeting for everyone around him. I feel that existence of his goodness and realize that there is hope for us all and that I still have a warm smile in my heart always ready to give to others.
Never give up. I won’t, and I will never give up my hopes and dreams. I’ll never go to the dark side and I’ll always move toward the light and fill myself with light and give light to others. Do you know someone like this in your life? Tell them you love them and give them a smile and a hug. You’ll be glad you did!
Thanks for reading!
David Earl Woodbury
Keep on Dancing!
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