Monday, July 27, 2015

Clear Your Mind of Can’t

You can if you don't quit.
You can if you don't quit.
Anyone who knows me knows I'm a sucker for the underdog... what can I say, I just love a good comeback. (They also know I love coffee, dogs, sneakers, flip flops, and my favorite movie of all time is Rocky - all of them). So I'm sure it will come as no surprise that I was so excited I had to pinch myself when I learned about the new movie "Southpaw" starring Jake Gyllenhaal (not just because I'm left handed either). No worries, Greek Girl isn't going to spoil the ending. What happens in the movie is a blog for another day.
However when I saw the trailer for the film it reminded me about some things that have inspired me over the past few years. One so much so, that I was compelled to share it again. You may have seen the transformational video on social media, or on the TV Show Shark Tank... called "Arthur's Story". Arthur Boorman was a disabled veteran of the Gulf War who lived with pain for fifteen years, and was told by his doctors that he would never be able to walk on his own, ever again.

He stumbled upon an article about Diamond Dallas Page doing Yoga and decided to try it. He couldn't do typical high impact exercise, so he tried DDP YOGA, and sent an email to tell Dallas his story.
Dallas was so moved by Arthur's story, he began emailing and speaking on the phone with him throughout his journey. Dallas encouraged Arthur to keep going and to believe that anything was possible. Doctors told Arthur walking would never happen, but he was persistent. He fell many times, but kept going.
Arthur got stronger, and lost weight at an amazing rate. Because of DDP's unique workout, he gained incredible balance and flexibility, which gave him hope that maybe someday, he'd be able to walk again.
Arthur's story is proof that we shouldn't place limits on our capabilities. Often we don't even know our own potential. Niether Arthur, nor Dallas knew what he would go on to accomplish. In less than one year, Arthur completely transformed his life. If only he had known what he was capable of doing fifteen years earlier.
I'm passionate about sharing this story not only because it is incredibly motivating, but because I have also experienced the benefits of this amazing program. As a person who suffered injuries and has experienced physical setbacks, I can tell you how much DDP Yoga has helped me both physically and mentally. His positive energy, his own story of going from physically broken to back in the game and helping others to do the same are simply irresistible.
In case you don't know Diamond Dallas Page is not only a three-time professional wrestling heavyweight champion, but he is also an incredibly inspiring motivational figure and speaker. His career spanned two decades, and he entered the ring at thirty five years old. Many pro athletes are forced into retirement at that age. Years of wrestling left him with major injuries to his neck, back, shoulders and knees. Injuries that could not only end his career, but also affect his quality of life.
His answer to his injuries was DDP Yoga. A system he designed that allows you to work at your own ability, and with consistency grow stronger every day. Don't waste precious time thinking you're stuck. You can take control over your circumstances, no matter what life has thrown your way. Change might come faster than you might think, or it might take longer than you planned. All that matters is doing your best. 
I've loved physical fitness as long as I can remember. Where most women have a collection of high heels, Greek Girl has collection of "sneakers". Recently I found some Presidents Physical Fitness Awards from elementary and middle school up in my moms attic while visiting. Looking at them reminded me that we don't have to give up the things we love; no matter badly we may have been knocked down. That is, as long as we continue to get back up.
Hopefully Arthur's story can inspire you to follow your dreams, whatever they may be. For me, I just try every day to do my very best, and let God do the rest. No I may not be where I used to be, I may not be where I want to be. I know on the road to any goal all that matters is that you;
Get up, show up, do what you can... then one day you will be "doing the thing you think you can't". 
Remember... anything is possible!
Blessings, Love & Music ~
Ava xo
www.avaaston.com