Twenty Years From Now...

 

Happy leap of faith-iversary to me. It's been almost 20 years since I took a leap of faith throwing off the bowlines and sailing away from the safe harbor of an award-winning career as a social worker at the VA. In December of 2006 I was diagnosed with Post-Polio Syndrome, a progressive neuromuscular disease. I was told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair, expecting an accelerated decline in functioning as I aged.                                         

       

I refused to take the diagnosis sitting down. In February of 2007, I got still and asked for Divine Guidance.  I wrote the poem, "Running the Race". You can read the full text and back story on my website. 

Why was I writing a poem about running the race when I was using a toe-up leg brace and a cane and, at times, a wheelchair for mobility? How could I possibly be seeing me winning a 10K race in my mind's eye? Poetry poured out of me as though a spigot were turned on in my soul. My imagination got fired up and stoked the fires of healing by harnessing the power of the mind/body  connection. I intuitively knew that I was at a crossroads in my life but, given the dire prognosis, what lay ahead on my journey? I discovered joy when I wrote poetry. I literally felt no pain when I went into an altered state, connecting with Source imagining a future where I ran free, felt whole and healed in mind, body and soul. My pen became my divining rod for healing, healing the once devastating effects of childhood paralytic polio followed by enduring years of abuse at the hands of family members.

Initially it took everything I had within me to not succumb to the diagnosis. Moving from a completely debilitated state, getting past the inertia of a sedentary lifestyle and adjusting to an early retirement was not for the faint of heart. I had also left behind a steady paycheck and benefits. I'd worked my entire life starting at the age of 14. But the Universe conspired with me to lead me on the path I was destined for.

Since taking that leap of faith I have:
Finished the 2009 Boston Marathon
Run 3 Bermuda Marathon Weekend Half Marathons and many 5 and 10K races
Wowed audiences as a motivational speaker sharing my message of healing, hope and possibilities including sharing the stage with Bill Rodgers at the 2020 Hyannis Marathon Weekend pre-race pasta dinner and being a panelist at the 2020 Boston Marathon Virtual Expo, "Late Life Running and Whole Life Running" speaking about my journey as a most unlikely runner
Published 7 books
~"Into the Light:Emerging From the 2020 Pandemic" and "A Most Unlikely Runner:Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior" are selections of the WBZ News Radio Book Club
~"A Most Unlikely Runner:Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior" is also a selection of Bill Rodgers "Billy's Bookshelf-Must Reads for Every Runner"
~Received a thank you note from President Biden for sending him a copy of "Hope is a Garden:Poems and Essays From the 2020 Pandemic"

Been a guest on many podcasts and radio shows
Had my story featured in books, magazines and TV
Had setbacks and comebacks
Blogged about life as a most unlikely runner and my journey of transformation with its trials and triumphs
I've explored, dreamed and discovered friends and places I otherwise would not have known

Was it scary? Oh yes! Do I have any regrets? NO even when we faced financial challenges and setbacks, I am so grateful that I found the courage to leave behind my career just 3 years shy of being eligible for retirement to heal my life and follow my newfound bliss as a poet and author. Of course at the time I had no idea what miraculous experiences would become a part of my tapestry of life.

 

In health and wellness - Mary

Visit my website to learn how poetry, optimism, gratitude and the mind/body connection helped me to transform my life. After having been told in December 2006 that I should prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair, I went on to cross the finish line of the 2009 Boston Marathon and have many adventures as runnergirl 1953. Be sure to visit the recently updated News and Events Page for links to podcast interviews, speaking engagements and where you can find my incredibly inspirational story.

My books share a powerful message of healing, hope and possibilities; what's possible despite all appearances to the contrary and are available on Bookshop  My 6th book, "Into the Light:Emerging From the 2020 Pandemic" and my 7th book, "A Most Unlikely Runner:Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior" are selections of the WBZ News Radio Book Club. "Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior" is also a selection Bill Rodgers Running Center Billy's Bookshelf: Recommended Reads for Every Runner. Be sure to visit my Author Page on Amazon for rave reviews.