No 9 Changing Lives through Dancing
By David Earl Woodbury
Friday, March 3, 2017
“What to give up for Lent”
It’s the 3rd day of Lent. Ash Wednesday has passed and until this past Wednesday, I did now know what I was going to give up. Late night eating (like that’s going to happen). Getting up early every day (nope). No Netflix at night (never). I was lost as what to do and what I would stick with for over 48 hours.
Then, I awoke to this. Give up worry. Being in the present moment and being thankful for that moment. Not worrying about rent, payroll, bills, obligations, duties, responsibilities, but being in the present moment and thankful for what I had a that moment.
Awakening and thinking, I’m in a safe place. I awoke! I’m warm. I have food to prepare. I have a day full of opportunity and achievement ahead of me. Then, going throughout the day saying, I have a great life. I have a life doing what I love. What’s to worry about?
The truth to all is that I’m a horrible worrier. It actually makes me ill at times. I just can’t seem to help it. It kills my joy and bothers my health. I worry so much that it has become a comfort zone for me and has tarnished the view of my splendid life.
Then, I realized when I’m not worried. When I’m serving others in a leadership role. When I’m motivating others. When I’m asked to do a hard task that enriches the lives of others.
Then the truest time when I’m my happiest with NO worry. When I’m speaking and dancing in front of people. Ask me to speak in front of a large crowd and I immediately say yes, when, where, what and how. When I’m dancing, especially performing, I LOVE it. I feel young, healthy, happy, and care free. No matter how big the audience, I’m just at my best. I look in the eyes of the audience and I just dance my little heart out for them. I’m free.
So to all my friends who are also worry warts, start dancing! Perform a routine. Compete in a competition. While you are dancing, training, and then performing, you’ll be working hard, but you will not be in a worried state. I’d rather be looking forward to dancing a show than bored and full of distress. Go ahead, put yourself out there and learn the freedom that comes from dancing. Thank you Arthur Murray for a lifetime of fun and freedom. I love my life!
Oh, by the way, I’m still going to give up worry for the next 36 days! How about you?
Thank you for reading!
David Earl Woodbury
Keep on Dancing!