“People are always blaming their circumstances for what they are. I don’t believe in circumstances. The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want, and, if they can’t find them, make them.”

– George Bernard Shaw (1856 – 1950) Irish Playwright

When you meet a championship ballroom dance couple, they look perfect. Refined, well groomed, elegant costumes, regal posture, having a confident presence on the floor, and dancing well-polished choreography. When you speak with them, they are perfectly spoken, gracious, and friendly. They have made it to the top in the competitive dance world.

What you might not know are the great sacrifices they have made to be successful. They take many, many professional dance lessons. They work out, diet, and practice several hours each day without fail. They have missed family events, given up holidays, worked through illness and they have put their dancing before every other area in their lives.

You will not hear them speak with a negative tone about anything in their lives. They only speak in great terms about all their fellow dancers. They never say an unkind word about others, and they are full of praise for others. They have mastered the art of looking for and making the circumstances they want and need for success in their lives.

“The past cannot be changed. The future is still in your power.”

– Hugh Lawson White (1773 – 1840) American Politician

The past for us may have been rosy or it may have been rough. But the future is still in our power to make and create into something wonderful. I have recently wrestled with a nagging memory in my life. This is not a good or pleasant memory and it was causing me problems in my daily thinking. That past I cannot change. So, I have let that go, I have released that thought. You may say, you cannot do that, it’s too simple. Get this, when you accidently release a balloon and see it rising in the sky, carried with the wind, you must let it go. You must release it from your life, and I have do exactly that.

“Do what you can where you are with what you’ve got.”

– Theodore Roosevelt (1858 – 1919) 26th President of the United States

I know that there is still so much left in my life to do. I have many circumstances to make and much more to learn to make my dreams come true. Do I wish I was thinner, younger, in better health, that I had made better decisions, do I regret the past or worry about the future? Sometimes yes, but I know that I have special energy and that if I just use all that God has given me in my life, miracles will happen!

“Until one is committed, there is always hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one element of truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans – that moment one commits oneself, then providence moves all.”

– Johann von Goethe (1749 – 1832) German Poet and Dramatist

“In order to discover new lands, one must be willing to lose sight of the shore for a very long time.”

– Andre Gide (1869 – 1951) French Writer

Making a commitment is this. Sailing your warships to the enemy’s shores, landing, and unloading all warriors and equipment. Then, turning around and burning your ships. There is only one option, succeed and win and conquer. This is the ultimate commitment. I have in this part of my life made many ultimate commitments and, in a way,, it is freedom. I have focus, purpose, drive, commitment, strength, and hope and courage. These I would never have if I had any hesitancy in my life.

“Nurture your mind with great thoughts; to believe in the heroic makes heroes.”

– Benjamin Disraeli (1804 – 1881) British Prime Minister

“My parents taught me that I could do anything I wanted, and I have always believed it to be true. Add a clear idea of what inspires you, dedicate your energies to its pursuit and there is no knowing what you can achieve, particularly if others are inspired by your dream and offer their help. (from his book ‘Close to the Wind’. Goss successfully sailed around the world – alone.)”

– Pete Goss (1961) British Sailor and Entrepreneur

Be a hero. Believe in the heroic life. Think great thoughts. Believe, inspire, dedicate and pursue the impossible even if you don’t know how you’ll get there. I’d rather be scared out of my wits than be bored in my life. I’d rather struggle every day and every moment to achieve greatness that to be lost in a quagmire of double and restlessness. Who knows, you might look around you someday and realize that others have been following the light, your light that you have been shining for years, and you’ll know that you have changed the lives of many and even created a few heroes of your own!

Thanks for reading!

David Earl Woodbury

Keep on Dancing!

DavidEarlWoodbury@gmail.com

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