No 43 Changing Lives through Dancing
By David Earl Woodbury
Friday, October 27, 2017
The size of the fight in the dog.
“What counts is not necessarily the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog.”
– Dwight D. Eisenhower (1890 – 1969)
Military Commander and 34th US President
I’ve not always been the brightest crayon in the box, but I was just like your favorite color, I lasted a long time and you loved me! I’ve not always had the most clout or been the biggest fighter, but I have certainly had enough fight to last me throughout the years.
What happens today, especially with young people? If it’s too hard, they will just quit. If the goal has struggle, if you have to sweat, if you have to clean a toilet, sweep a mat, or answer a phone, they just give up. It’s often been said that a hero’s life is the life of someone doing the mundane over and over, year after year successfully and honestly. I am always full of respect for older people (I are one now at 61!). Anyone in their 60’s, 70’, 80’s and beyond deserves applause. They have been strong enough, smart enough, and had enough good sense to make it through the years. They truly have the fight in them.
What will kill your fight? The first thing is fear. Constant daily fear. Worrying that your partner is going to die, our you’re going to die. Worrying about money, all the time, especially the want and lack thereof. Health fears, job fears, global fears. Just plain old fear will rob you not only of your joy in life, but of all your bark and fight.
What else will kill your vision? Inactivity. Just sitting and waiting for something good to come your way. This lack of action leads to depression, suicide, failure, and illness. What do I do to keep my bark strong, I take action! What action, I volunteer to help and serve others. It’s not an easy life, but it is immensely rewarding in hundreds of ways. If I am depressed and worried, I’m not busy and not helping others.
The greatest thing that has happened to me with my bark, is that it has lasted me so many years. I’m fearless when speaking to hundreds of people. I love to lead, guide, direct, promote, and direct. I have a strong voice, and I have the gift of speech and I have no fear of sharing with others. When I speak, I feel my father’s presence and I feel a strength flow through me like a river. When I finish a lecture, my coat is always wet with perspiration from the electricity that I feel going through me. I always feel my mom’s hand in mine, and my dad’s hand on my shoulder. I know where I get my bark from and I love my parents for this!
If you think you’re not the biggest dog with the loudest bark, it’s not true. You are amazing, you are special, you are indeed a strong dog with a loud voice. Go out and offer your services to others. The holidays are upon us and hundreds of volunteers are needed around the world to help those less fortunate and organizations that need helpers. Trust me, just call your local shelter, parish, temple, or any organization that feeds and clothes others and volunteer. They will welcome you with open arms and you’ll find yourself surrounded by a lot of dogs with enough fight to help others and make a difference in the world. (By the way, we have two cats with big meows!)
Thanks for reading!
David Earl Woodbury
Keep on Dancing!
davidearlwoodbury@gmail.com