Strong Headwinds

 

With Tom and Ruth Anne training for the Providence Marathon to raise money and awareness for Victory Programs and Victory Programs ReVision Urban Farm (link to fundraising page),  I do solo runs on Saturday mornings. There was a strong headwind as I walked out the door. It can be a challenge to feel motivated doing solo runs especially when the weather is a challenge. I debated about what route I wanted to run knowing that the wind would be particularly strong around the Reservoir with the wind coming off of the water.

I dug deep and something inside of me spurred me on to do the Reservoir run.

I've run in colder temperatures with snow or sleet pelting my face and compared these conditions as mild compared to those. Yet the wind was very powerful and at times I had to work hard to find my balance. I ran around the outer edge of the path to make sure I did not risk falling into the water.

The white caps were intense which is quite the contrast to the Reservoir's usual tranquil and serene water:

I soldiered on reflecting on how this run was becoming a wonderful metaphor for life. When there are strong headwinds of challenges, we need to find ways to keep our footing and trust in the strength deep within us. We need to trust our anchor of faith being connected to Source to help us navigate through challenging times.

Saturday's run was a wonderful metaphor for life during COVID. The pandemic hit us with full force almost two years ago. We had great difficulty finding equanimity in the midst of the turbulent times. The vaccines brought great hope and, just like on Saturday's run, the winds died down and we basked in the warmth of the sun and a return to a 'new normal' of life. But before long, we were back in masks and COVID guidelines remained.

On Saturday's run, I was struck by how the sun and clouds together look like an anchor! What relief to be able to shift from survival mode to being able to savor the sunshine and enjoy the beauty of a late Autumn day taking deep breaths to release the stress returning to a state of equilibrium. 

Rather than bracing against a possible return of strong headwinds, I stayed in the present moment savoring the peace and quiet. I was relaxed and steady when the headwinds reared up and roared once more.

When we are tested by the storms or strong headwinds that come up in our lives, it is a great opportunity to tether our souls to Source. Our anchor of faith is strengthened and we find a strength deep within that lights up for the world to see. I feel blessed and grateful that I knew challenges early in life after contracting paralytic polio and enduring years of trauma at the hands of family members. The wisdom, strength, resilience and resolve I experienced out of those storms helps me to navigate these turbulent times finding my way back to peace and warmth grateful I am able to hold steady when winds buffet around me.

From my heart to yours

In health and wellness,

Mary

Be sure to visit my website at https://marymcmanus.com to learn about my journey to health and wellness in the wake of paralytic polio and trauma

Visit the News and Events tab to listen to my inspiring and uplifting interviews

My books to motivate, uplift and inspire you are available on Amazon