The Dance of Discipline: A Lesson from the Past

Dear friends, today I’d like to share a story from my younger days, a tale that taught me the true value of discipline. It’s a story that unfolds not on a battlefield or in a boardroom, but in a dance class. Yes, you read that right, a dance class. So, let’s waltz down memory lane together.

The First Steps

It was the summer of ’65, and I had just signed up for a dance class. Now, you might be wondering, “Why would a young lad like you sign up for a dance class, Kev?” Well, the answer is simple – I was smitten by a young lady who happened to be an excellent dancer. And so, my journey began.

The Challenge

As the days turned into weeks, I realized that dancing was not as easy as it looked. The intricate steps, the rhythm, the grace – it was all a bit too much for a novice like me. But I was determined to learn, to improve, to master the art. And that’s when I learned my first lesson in discipline.

The Lesson

Discipline, my friends, is not about doing what you love; it’s about loving what you do. It’s about showing up every day, even when you don’t feel like it. It’s about pushing through the pain, the frustration, the exhaustion. It’s about staying committed to your goal, no matter what.

And so, I showed up. Day after day, week after week. I practiced the steps, I listened to the music, I danced. And slowly but surely, I started to improve. I started to enjoy the process, the journey. I started to love the dance.

The Reward

By the end of the summer, I was a different person. I was a dancer. Not the best, not the most graceful, but a dancer nonetheless. And the young lady? Well, let’s just say she was impressed.

But the real reward was not the dance, or the girl, or the applause. The real reward was the lesson I learned – the lesson of discipline. It’s a lesson that has stayed with me throughout my life, guiding me, shaping me, helping me to overcome challenges and achieve my goals.

Conclusion

So, my friends, remember this – discipline is not a punishment, but a gift. It’s a tool that can help you to achieve your dreams, to become the person you want to be. So, embrace it, cherish it, and let it guide you on your journey.

Until next time, keep dancing.

Kev