Never Say Never

One of the Greatest Comebacks of Ever!

Most people have already seen this image by now. It's been splashed all over across the news and social media world. Whether one watched the historic event or just caught the highlights, I can't imagine this image not making any human being smile a great big cheesy happy grin.

I thought it was simply magical to witness a truly gifted and disciplined athlete return to glory. I was also glad to see the folks in the media cheering for him instead of jumping on the bandwagon to tear him down as had been the case in years past.

There is no escaping it in the world we are living in, that is unless you move to the wilderness and get off the grid I guess. It still always bothers me when I see people in the media, and on social media piling onto tear down someone the minute something isn't exactly "perfect"in their life. Sure everyone likes to be a cheerleader when someone is on top, but as they say a person discovers their true friends in times of difficulty.

Back to Tiger... Seriously though, his win might well be one of the greatest comebacks in the history of ever. How special it was that Woods, who has endured four back surgeries (including spinal fusion two years ago) and personal struggles and scandal ended his dry spell at the Masters. His comeback happened at The Masters, which was the first major tournament he won 22 years ago. I don't know about you, but I just loved it! I mean this is the stuff movies and the great stories of the ages are made of.

It just goes to show you, you may be down but you are never out, that is unless you choose to stay that way. I was watching an interview with a journalist who ran into Tiger at a charity event last year. Tiger told the journalist he was putting very badly and was practicing three hours a day at that time to get better. Imagine it, one of the greatest golfers of all time practicing three hours a day to get better at something he is one of the greatest of all time at. Sounds crazy but that discipline is one of the things that made him the great that he is. It is also the thing that can take anyone from anywhere they are to anywhere they want to go.

I also learned there was a time when mere standing was painful for him, let alone holding a golf club. When the thing you love causes you pain it takes a special kind of drive to find a way past it to break through. Such a great moment in history, it is one I will never forget. In my adult life Tiger Woods has mostly been on top and a symbol of what one can achieve if they believe, and work hard. I am very happy for him and for what this event can and will do to inspire generations of people from all walks of life for years to come. GO Tiger!

Blessings, Love & Music ~
Ava xo
www.avaaston.com


 

Joy

It's finally here! In fact I'm so happy about it I've been humming a little tune all around the house for weeks now. "I've got the joy, joy, joy down in my heart..." Joy about what Greek Girl you may be wondering?

The new movie Joy starring cutie patootie Jennifer Lawrence? No, but it was a fantastic movie that I highly recommend! The characters were all very well developed, and it's a super feel good film that gets a big fat thumbs up and five stars from this film critic. 

If not that, what pray tell could be causing all that "joy" I am talking about? Why The Biggest Loser premiere of course! Why on earth am I so excited about a TV show one may wonder? Well hello... it has many of my favorite elements: sneakers (my number one favorite shoe to wear), people doing things they thought they couldn't, inspiration, drama. Sure in my opinion the show will never be the same without Jillian, but it's still incredibly inspiring, and never fails to have me in tears at some point during an episode.

I have been so inspired by some episodes in the past that I have even written lyrics to songs from watching. So for me it's a win-win. 

New year, a new chance to get up to bat and swing for one's goals and dreams in life. We all have them, many start out strong at the beginning of the year and for a multitude of reasons peter out and end up quitting. For me it is magical to watch people who have tried time after time, after time to achieve a goal who have never been able to do it, finally break through and get it done. It's just my happy place. 

Society today has so many tools to be healthy and live longer, yet it seems is getting more and more unhealthy by the second. Your body is a miracle. When you treat it right by feeding it the right things and making fitness a part of everyday (just like brushing your teeth) the results are remarkable. That's why I love the show so much, it demonstrates this principle in such a dramatic way on such a large scale, literally. 

I think everyone has the ability inside them to blast through barriers... it's just a matter of will. Not a matter of "can", but a matter of "if". Excuses can be made for everything, everyone has something. Not everyone has the "physical capability" to be an olympic athlete, this I know very well. Accidents, disabilities, many things can make a person think they "can't" be physically fit. The truth of the matter is though that there is a modification for almost everything. There is some kind of physical activity that everyone can do, and once one changes their mentality from can't to can... the entire world can change. 

So you can be your bottom dollar I'll be parked in front of the TV watching. With a hot cup of happiness a la Dunkin's in my hands (with Truvea instead of sugar of course). Will you? If not my hope is that 2016 is a year for everyone to reach beyond their limits and break though barriers to reach goals and dreams they have buried on the inside. Remember, everything is possible... you just have to believe. Happy 2016!

Blessings, Love & Music!
Ava xo
www.avaaston.com

Clear Your Mind of Can’t

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

The Prize

Through the darkest of times we still have a hope...

It's that time again, the time of year when I find myself day dreaming about flip-flops and wishing the white stuff would disappear for good. It's also awards season... the time of year when eyeballs around the world tune into see who takes home the golden statue.

Personally I was surprised at the Golden Globes snubs this year. There were some pretty fantastic films that didn't even get a mention. Funny to see what was celebrated while the one film that has the possibility to perhaps make the biggest impact on people was sadly missing... Unbroken. Not just because I was first in line to see it on Christmas Eve with my family and a bucket of popcorn in my little hands and a cup of Dunkin's hidden in my bag either.

Not to knock any of the other films but Unbroken was not only superbly produced, but it has the potential to change lives. If you're thinking; yeah, yeah a big budget Hollywood film made by a big Hollywood star how could it be anything beyond all the narcissistic tabloid hullabaloo?... hear me out. Unbroken is a true story unlike anything anyone in my lifetime can even comprehend living through, but it's also just the beginning of the story. The film leaves off when the hero returns home. That is where his journey really begins.

Unbroken tells the story of Louis Zamperini, a World War II prisoner of war survivor. It details his gripping experience including 47 days floating on a raft in shark-infested waters in the Pacific Ocean. While the film details much of Zamperini’s life, including his Olympic career as a distance runner, it only shines a light on part of his story. Perhaps the best part is told not by a big Hollywood studio or star, but by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.

Filmed before Hollywood came calling "Louis Zamperini: Captured By Grace" tells the story of his life after returning home a hero. Through the power of the Gospel and his experience at the 1949 Billy Graham Crusade in Los Angeles, Louis overcame alcoholism, night terrors and a failing marriage to live a joyous and full Christ-centered life until his passing at age 97. Along the way he inspired millions. (To learn more about seeing it - click here)

We can get upset or complain about the things we see as problems. The economy, the weather (guilty as charged), global unrest, pop culture run amuck, and on and on. I however don't think anything we face today compares to what he lived through. Not only Louis Zamperini, but also all of the other men and women of The Greatest Generation. Many have no idea what price was paid for the lives we have. The world might look a lot different today had it not been for their courage, strength and determination.

What I love most about his story is that as dark as it got he was never really alone. A man who didn't really know a lot about faith, or grace: while he was out there floating on a raft in shark infested waters he made a promise to God that if he survived he would serve him the rest of his life. A promise that was long forgotten after being rescued from that raft, captured, thrown into one of the worst Japanese prison camps ever, living through years of brutal torture and starvation, and then actual rescue when the war was over. It wasn’t until he was home and his life was falling apart due in part from suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder while attending that Billy Graham rally that he remembered that promise. While telling his story he says when he remembered he stood up without hesitation and gave his life to Christ. Once he did for the first time the nightmares were gone. The anger and desire for revenge were also gone.

He spent the rest of his life as a Christian Inspirational speaker focusing on forgiveness. His story was hard, it was brutal, and none of it made any sense at the time he was going through it. As a boy he overcame going from a troubled youth to an Olympic Athlete. It was his strength and determination that got him through that part of his life and it were those same qualities that helped him to survive his ordeal and go onto become a hero. He also had help from above. When looking back on his life it's hard not to see the fingerprints of God all around.

So am I surprised that a film that has the power to impact people in such a way was snubbed by a liberal leaning secular organization? Not really. I hope it won't be the same case with the Oscars. Because I suspect that after watching the film viewers will get curious to what happened after the movie ends and discover for themselves the rest of the story. Where he not only lived out the miracle of grace but went onto to share it with countless others along the way. That in my opinion is the best prize. So I do hope it will be included in order to be exposed to people across the globe.

Something I also hope to do with my music. Though I've spent a large part of my life chasing after a "prize" success in the music industry... I've come to understand the real prizes of life are not what we necessarily think they are. That's why I'm working on my first faith based Contemporary Christian Music Album. My hope is to inspire people to be strong, courageous, to never quit, but most importantly to share the love of Jesus. To let people know they really are something beautiful, and to believe that no matter how far they've gone, there is someone who cares, who loves them and thinks they really are something worth dying for.

"I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Philippines 4:13 (NIV) 

Blessings, Love & Music ~
Ava xo
www.avaaston.com

The Final Countdown

Last Day to PLEDGE to "Operation Mustard Seed"!

The Deadline on “Operation Mustard Seed” is FAST approaching. 

If you're a regular reader of my blog you almost definitely know all about Operation Mustard Seed.  However for anyone new to the Greek Girl blog, let me bring you up to speed.  People have been asking for more music, so after a life-changing event, much prayer and reflection I've decided to turn my dream over to God Focusing on making my 1st Faith-Based Contemporary Christian Music Album!  

So my husband Keith (my hero who makes my website, music videos, and pretty much everything you see of Greek Girl besides the music) and I put together a crowd funding campaign on fundanything.com to raise the funds to do the recording through selling Advanced Copies of the New Album & other creative rewards in return for people pledging. I would be honored to have your involvement & support on this journey!

There are many Pledge Options, and all pledges over $5 come with cool REWARDS including Music, Art & More! I believe with all of my heart that my Music & Message have made a Positive Impact.

So, if you're like me and think the world could use a little less #twerking, Auto-Tune & Shock & Awe in Music and more "Music" in the Music Industry that Means Something…. I'm asking YOU to join in helping to make this NEW Album. 

Time is Running Out! ENDS This FRIDAY DEC. 13th!

Please watch the video, I would be honored to have your support and appreciate your time, resources, and sharing the link with friends, family & social media!  Have a Great Day!

PLEDGE Here:

https://fundanything.com/en/campaigns/operation-mustard-seed?col=-29526

Blessings ~
Ava :D
www.avaaston.com

Timing is Everything, Just Ask Tim Tebow

It's all about the choices we make.

You ever wonder what would have happened if...?

Sometimes we make a choice and the choice can be simple like do I want coffee or tea?  Red or white wine?  Hit the snooze button or get up?  (I hit the snooze).  Most of us live in the real world full of choices and not in a 30-minute reality series world where the only choice they seem to have to make day after day is who to get into a fight with and cuss up and down.  We all make choices throughout the day.  I heard we make thousands of choices every single day.  But, it's those choices that we ultimately make that  matter.

What am I getting at? Well, the other day while I was exchanging the 1980's outfit Mr. Bricks got me for Christmas this year, a friend who is really close to me and I were talking about the really tough time they were currently going through.  They were sharing with me all of their troubles and that they had made some really bad choices.  It broke my heart to hear what they were going through.  All I wanted to do was wrap them up in bubble wrap and protect them so they wouldn't hurt anymore.  But I couldn't.  That wasn't an option and besides, the sales clerk at Kohl's would have charged extra for all of the bubble wrap, just sayin'

So, instead of safety wrapping my friend I tried to express some Ava's Greek wisdom.  Ultimately, I said, it came down to one thing.  In life we only truly own one thing. Our choices.  Our choices are what define and shape us.  For example, in Mr. Bricks' case the choice of going to McDonald and eating a Mcrib and an order of large fries every day is defining and shaping his larger than life frame. Oh, umm, sorry about such a graphic mental image. I hope I didn't burn your eye balls.  That's not exactly what I'm really talking about, but hopefully you get my point.

We get to choose our thoughts and which ones to let wallow around the deep dark crevasse of our noggin and which ones we decide to ixnay and discard.  With that said, we all can choose our words and speak whatever we feel about those thoughts.  We can choose what emotional response we will have with that thought or series of thoughts.  Then we can choose if we are going to respond to that thought and how it makes us feel.  The choice is ours.  We get to decide these things.

The key however that most people miss, a key that even the Greek Blonde Girl misses from time to time, is making sure it's the right time.  Often we jump the gun and overreact to these thoughts and feelings.  Sometimes, if the timing is not right, the result can end up hurting us or those around us.  Or sometimes we hesitate.  This can have the same effect that can lead to regret and anxiety.

I'm not trying to be a Debbie Downer because it's not all doom and gloom. There are always plenty of those instances where the choice we make is just at the perfect time.  These are the magic moments that we find God in the details.  When we act out of patience and faith through prayer. It is through that faithful obedience when God shows up and makes things work out in our favor. Yep, chalk up one more for the Big guy. (No Bricks, not talking about you!)

God does this so He can get the praise and thanks for our being blessed.  The interesting thing is when you see this happen it can come in so many forms.  What we may see as a bad thing for getting every yellow light on the way to the movies may have been instead just God keeping us from being in a terrible car accident by delaying our timing to an intersection he knew a speeding car would be coming through.

What's my point?  Well, with the year 2012 coming upon us and 2011 passing away for ever quickly by the minute, we are given the opportunity to sorta "start over".  (When I was a tow-head little Greek girl in elementary school we called them do-overs.)  With each year we are blessed with a sort of "reset button" that allows us to make new promises to ourselves and those around us.  The problem is by mid-January  most of us always forget what we even said as our New Years Resolution.

So, this year, as you draw a close on your past and keep an eye on the future, keep in mind that the choices you make when rooted in faith, you will find that timing is everything.  God will show up when you least expect him too. He is always there to keep us in the palm of his hand, no matter what the "circumstances" may look like.  The person you need to meet will come into your life.  The friend you never knew you had will suddenly appear in your life or maybe the job you crave will be offered to you. And if it doesn't - just know that there is a reason. And that reason is called God's timing.

Remember as we head into a new year that the only thing that you truly own, are your choices. Denver Broncos quarter Back Tim Tebow kneeling down on one knee is his choice, but his timing is perfect because in a world where it seems like bashing Christianity is a new Olympic sport,  Tim has made a conscious choice to acknowledge God's blessing in a very public way and all of the media is talking about it! Besides, his choice hasn't seem to hurt the Broncos' record either! Just sayin.

Blessings, Love & Music ~

Ava xox :D
www.avaaston.com