Share the Love 6-10-16

No 24 Changing Lives through Dancing
By David Earl Woodbury

Friday, June 10, 2016

Share the Love

“When someone does something good, applaud! You will make two people happy.”

– Samuel Goldwyn (1879 – 1974) Film Producer

In ballroom dancing, on comment I dreaded to hear at the end of a performance was, “David, you looked so great”. I knew that I had failed, for I wanted to present my partner, and to be the frame and she be my picture. I should have been the vase and she the flowers.  A great man always presents his lady and tries to present her in the best spotlight.

I always wanted the applause to be for my partner and not for myself.  My favorite performances of all time were the ones where I could not take my eyes of the lady dancer, no matter how great the man was. I always knew that he was presenting her and the greatness of his skill to do this.

“There are no shortcuts to any place worth going.”

– Beverly Sills (1929 – 2007) American Opera Singer

At some point in life, we have everything we need. Money, food, shelter, possessions, position. Then we begin to feel a lack in our lives, an emptiness so to speak. Well, I have figured out how to get rid of that emptiness, give praise to others and thank others. This had been a wonderful “medicine of joy” in my life and I get much more happiness from applauding and recognizing the efforts of others than receive accolades for myself.

Beverly Sills was America’s songbird and star of the New York City Opera. She became General Manager of Lincoln Center and was an amazing fund raiser for the arts. Sills had a special needs daughter and she was an amazing mother and consummate professional. She debuted at the Metropolitan Opera and was billed as an overnight success, after she had been singing just across the plaza for over 20 years as a mega opera star.

“There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, learning from failure.”

– Colin Powell (1937) American Military Leader and Diplomat

Every day I prepare for success. I am constantly striving to be better and succeed. What I now know is that success, to me, means how my gifts are shown through others that I have trained. There is no “personal success”. Achievement is usually a place we have arrived standing on the shoulders of those who have carried, trained, and guided us to greatness.

“Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.”

– Helen Keller (1880 – 1968) American Writer

What amazes me again about this quote is that it is from the amazing Helen Keller. She speaks of optimism, faith, achievement, hope and confidence. I have to remember that she was blind, deaf, and unable to speak. Yet Helen Keller became one of the great figures of history. What if she had never tried? What if someone with a vision had not helped and guided her through faith until her enlightenment came? She did persevere and her inner eyes were opened, her spirit began to hear, and she was able to speak in unique ways that changed millions of lives.

Don’t give up. It will get better!

Keep On Dancing,

David Woodbury

DavidEarlWoodbury@gmail.com (email me if you like my blogs!)