To Witness Someone’s Life 3-11-16

No 11 Changing Lives through Dancing
By David Earl Woodbury

Friday, March 11, 2016

To Witness Someone’s Life

“The proper function of man is to live, not to exist. I shall not waste my days in trying to prolong them. I shall use my time.” – Jack London

Tonight I said to Joel Rieck, my husband, that I did not mind the fact that I make a fool of myself in front of him all the time. Trying to Twitter, upload videos to YouTube, edit photos, work our computer program, handle daily problems. Making choreography work, decorating, planning, all while I put my creativity on the line and all the while, working hard to get it right.

During the journey to achieve making it all happen, I make a million boo boos. I told Joel, how do you watch me over and over as I try to succeed and I keep getting up over and over, although with each setback, there is a silver lining of success. Joel said this to me, “Well, I’m here to witness your life. To go through your life with you.” In the middle of Starbucks, I wept. What a nice thing to say to me. Warts and all, Joel is the witness of my life, and I of his.

“I don’t think anything is unrealistic if you believe you can do it. I think if you are determined enough and willing to pay the price, you can get it done.”- Mike Ditka (1939) American, Football Coach, Chicago Bears

I know that Joel and I are both willing to pay the price and we believe we can get it done. Joel is the hardest worker I have ever known. Although he is an accomplished dancer, and franchisee, he still commits more, harder and longer than anyone I have ever known. And he continues to amaze me with his work ethic.

For me, I have to go home and rest sometimes. I need naps, I get tired, beyond my ability to push and yet Joel still works another 6 hours beyond me. What he knows is that I am witnessing his life as well. His ability to work with and motivate others. How he makes the studio active and productive and happy. Joel is a 100% fully committed person and exemplifies honor and dedication.

I’ll never be on that rocking chair sipping mint julips in the late afternoon. I’ll be organizing the Ming Julip Festival that will be a benefit for something and I’ll be on two more committees for more fund raisers! Are there moments of repose, yes, but I love the action and being in the heart of the game.

“With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts.” -Eleanor Roosevelt

Let’s not worry about fear. Just look at it in the face and say “Get behind me” and them move forward and move on. I think I might be depressed sometimes, but I just don’t have the time. I’m too busy with light and life and living to the fullest.

Move forward, move ahead, live life!

Thank you,

David Earl Woodbury

DavidEarlWoodbury@gmail.com (email me if you like this blog)