” When one door of happiness closes, another opens”
Week 08 2-17-22
” When one door of happiness closes, another opens”
Changing Lives Through Dancing
“When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us.”
– Helen Keller (1880 – 1968)
American Writer
Once again, we are inspired by Helen Keller, an American Writer. It has often been quoted, “When God closes a door, He opens a window”. Both versions are inspiring. What’s the rub? Yes, a new opportunity has come our way, yet we are looking so hard at the closed door that we miss this new opening that has come our way. I have done this many times and have not seen the road laid out before me and missed it.
“A professional is someone who can do his best work when he doesn’t feel like it.”
– Alistair Cooke (1908 – 2004)
British Journalist, Television Host
During this time of rebuilding after covid, I sometimes get very angry. LA County closed several times and has experienced sever mandates. We have followed those guidelines. Yet, I see other states, other countries, other cities that if you didn’t know it, you would not know there was a pandemic. Packed bars, clubs, establishments. No masks, no nothin. Then back in LA County, we social distanced, masked, limited capacity, and vaccinated and boostered. Sometimes I just didn’t feel like it, but as Shangela says, “I’m a professional and I came to work!” I have continued to make it work no matter how hard it has been.
“Failure is the opportunity to begin again more intelligently.”
– Henry Ford (1863 – 1947)
American Industrialist
During the past two and a half years, I have at times felt like a failure. Every day there were new announcements, new changes, a new video formats, new promises, new adjustments, and just not always knowing if we were going to be open the next day. I felt as if I just could not do enough. Then amazingly, Arthur Murray Santa Monica, and our whole company worldwide reinvented itself. We taught lessons online, groups and parties on Zoom. Then the dance competitions that were all virtual. I have never seen so much creativity in my whole career. We had all begun again more intelligently. We made it happen and this renaissance continues until today.
“To give real service you must add something which cannot be bought or measured with money, and that is sincerity and integrity.”
– Donald A. Adams (B – 1925)
former president of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania
Giving service is my whole goal in life. Through so many ways and venues I love to give good service. During covid I learned that giving good service often meant giving hope, encouragement, direction, and lots and lots of listening to others. Encouraging others to keep their dreams alive and their visions strong and clear. Perhaps this is real service after all.
Thanks for reading. Keep on Dancing. Don’t give up. It will get better.
David Woodbury – Arthur Murray Santa Monica, CA
Love you all,
David Woodbury