“Be the change that you want to see in the world.”

– Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi

(1869-1948) Indian Nationalist

The challenge to be the change that you want to see in the world is a lifetime goal. It is said that our lives and actions are the only scripture that others will ever read. What a responsibility, what a calling, what an honor, what a life-long challenge. Is this even possible? If it is possible to speak this, then it is possible to achieve this.

“With young hearts and audacious dreams, we hoped to be like the heroes in your books, boldly walking in this world.”

– Jack Ma’s tribute to author Louis Cha (1964)

Founder and Executive Chairman of the Alibaba Group

Where does the energy for this come from? Where do we find the leaders who dream dreams and aspire to be heroes in life to boldly walk in this world? Where do they find their courage and vision? I can tell you from the great young ballroom dancers I see in the world today, that there are many, many young, focused and inspiring leaders in the world. They are timeless, talented, full of hope and they are the dream makers of today.

“Thank you for buying my record and I will live and die and breathe my art to protect your dreams because you protect mine.”

– Lady Gaga (1986)

American singer-songwriter

As a dream maker, I have lived through many trials that have almost taken my dreams away. I have been challenged by non-dreamers, or those with a different vision, or they may be just as passionate about their own dreams and we’re on different life paths. For those who make my dreams come true, I strive to help them achieve their own successes and protect their dreams as the protected mine.

“From the outside, people see the records and stats…those numbers dehumanize the sport and what every athlete is trying to achieve,” Shiffrin wrote. “What I see is an enormous mixture of work, training, joy, heartache, motivation, laughs, stress, sleepless nights, triumph, pain, doubt, certainty, more doubt, more work, more training, surprises, delayed flights, canceled flights, lost luggage, long drives through the night, expense, more work, adventure, and some races mixed in there.””

– Mikaela Shiffrin (B – 1995)

American two-time Olympic gold medalist and World Cup alpine skier

Yes, being the change you want to see in the world will have many twists and turns. Living in change and vision has many good days, many bad days, many failures and many successes. You will want to give up and quit sometimes, and other times you have the immense strength to help and inspire others. The one true common denominator that all true champions have is that they did not give up, ever. They kept going and even when they lost their way, and they humbled themselves and asked others for help. Asking someone else for help is one of the hardest things you will ever have to do in your life. It gives other a chance to help you and bless you.

“You show up on time. When you say you’re going to do something, you try to do your best at it. You don’t back stab people. You don’t bitch and complain about what you’re doing. Being compassionate is big. And it’s always important to act like a gentleman.”

– Scott Eastwood on the code taught by his father Clint Eastwood (1986)

American actor

I encourage you to watch this YouTube video with Clint Eastwood. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7mfTU6Rzzg “Don’t Let The Old Man In”. Clint Eastwood is 89 years old and just starting to direct a new movie! The above quote from his son, Scott, inspired me to share this video with you.

This inspiring video was sent to me by my life mentor, Jacques DeBeve, and came at just the right time. I was in the middle of some physical challenges that were bringing me to my knees, and I was truly feeling old and tired. I had attempted again to lose weight and get into shape again, see my doctor, and begin new dental care and the boom dropped on me. I ended up with bad news, pain and an injury that has lingered for 21 days. Not the success I was counting on.

Now, I am gaining a new vision to achieve my goals and with new challenges, I am moving forward to change myself from within to be an example to others in the world. I do not see setbacks as failures, I only see them as stepping stones to new lessons in life. I will not “Let the Old Man In!”

“Real happiness, Aristotle believed, comes from a continuous effort to become the best possible version of yourself.”

– Aristotle (384 BC – 324 BC)

Greek philosopher

It is said to not love someone and hope that they will change. I don’t believe this. When you take a new dance partner, you are fully hoping that both of you will change into better dancers, better people, stronger people, and change into champions and mentors. Dancers take many coaching lessons together and they see each other grow and change every day. I hope in my life every day that I will change and become a better person and a better leader in my life. My mentors are always advising me to be better in all areas of my life and to become great through change that comes through life’s trials, lessons, and successes. I am surrounded in my by life teachers who do not hesitate to guide me and correct me. I am a lucky man to have this instruction at 62 years old!

Being in the public eye and in front of people, it seems that my mistakes are magnified. I can live with that. I only hope that the successes and the achievements will also be recognized. The moment we seek to change in our lives, the dark forces will always try to pull us back. Funny, much all this has happened in my life in the first week of Lent. I cannot wait to see what the next weeks of Lent have in store and what changes will happen in my own life as the Easter season of rebirth is ahead. I will not give up, I will not stop, I will continue to grow, change, and give back.

Thanks for reading!

David Earl Woodbury

Keep on Dancing!

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