Week 43, 10-22-21 “How to Get Started!”

Changing Lives Through Dancing – by David Woodbury                                                                          

Arthur Murray Dance Center of Santa Monica, CA

“The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks, and then starting on the first one.”

– Mark Twain (1835 – 1910)

American Author and Humorist

 

As we begin to heal from and adjust to this great world pandemic, it is easy to get overwhelmed. So many changes, so many tasks to accomplish, and even new ways to live. Where do we begin? What I am doing is now taking away my greatest sources of stress. This is very hard for me for I don’t ever want to let go, yet I am making my life simpler and more relaxing. I do something each and every day that gets me started and closer to my goals.

 

“There is great power in a resolution that has no reservations in it — a strong, persistent, tenacious purpose — which burns all bridges behind it and which clears all obstacles from its path and arrives at its goal, no matter how long it may take, no matter what the sacrifice or the cost.”

– Orison Sweet Marden (1850 – 1924)

American Editor and Speaker

 

Having a resolution without reservations is not as easy as it sounds. Burning all bridges behind, what in the world is that? After our thriving business was forcibly shut down not once but twice last year, I realized that if I did not burn the bridges behind me, they would be burned anyway so I might as well look forward with resolution and without fear.

 

“No man can hope to accomplish anything great in this world until he throws his whole soul, flings the force of his whole life, into it. It is not enough simply to have a general desire to accomplish something. There is but one way to do that; and that is, to try to be somebody with all the concentrated energy we can muster.”

– Orison Sweet Marden (1850 – 1924)

American Editor and Speaker

 

This quote reminds me that first we try and then we muster all the energy that we can to accomplish something great in this world. Last year, 2020, during the first reopening, I had major surgery preceded by two visits to the ER. I had the procedure just in the nick of time for I had a rusted pipe that was leaking. Then, I had to heal and then experience another lockdown.

 

Well, I decided to get better, keep teaching lessons on Zoom, and do the best that we could with what we had. I was trying to put my whole soul into our business and healing even thought I could not walk at times and my plumbing was completely messed up for a very long time.

 

“The saints are the sinners who keep on going.”

– Robert Louis Stevenson

(1850-1894) Scottish Novelist

 

I don’t think I’m a saint by any means or stretch of the imagination, but I have learned to keep going. Usually I feel the least worthy, but I also feel that I have a lot to give from many years of experience and learning.

 

“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

 

The pandemic does not define me. The craziness in the world right now does not guide my future. I’m in charge of my circumstances by how I cope and respond. I am making my own circumstances. Do you feel cheated, the find a new place where you feel appreciated? Do you feel sad, find a happier lifestyle. Has someone done you wrong, forgive them and let go and move on to a more supportive environment. I’ll never blame covid for anything that has happened to me, but I move on to try to always be my best to the best of my ability.

 

“Flaming enthusiasm, backed up by horse sense and persistence, is the quality that most frequently makes for success.”

– Dale Carnegie (1888 – 1955)

American Author and Speaker

 

Do I have enthusiasm, yes! Do I have some common sense and persistence, yes I do! Do I anticipate success in all areas of my life, yes! Will I be a victim or an accountable person, accountable! I am responsible for all that has happened in my life and I am thankful for all the good that has come my way.

 

Remember, just take the first step and get started. You don’t have to move a mountain of your first try, just dig in gently and move a bit of earth and the mountain will eventually begin to give in and move for you. Never give up and surround yourself with people who love and support you and like you. Be happy!

 

Keep on Dancing

Remember, It will get better!

David Woodbury

info@dancingsantamonica.com