Happy Global Wellness Day - Reflections on Sweat!

 

Global Wellness Day 2026 fell on Saturday, June 13, marking the movement's 15th anniversary. The official theme for this year was #JoyMagenta, a celebration of emotional connection, healing, and finding happiness in simple, everyday wellbeing practices. As the founder of #globalwellnessday, Belgin Aksoy, said on her Instagram page, "Do not wait for a life threatening illness to focus on wellness!"

Garmin let me know it was Global Wellness Day and rewarded me with a badge after recording our magnificent morning, albeit a bit sultry miles. Who needs a reward when feeling free, strong and joyful is the reward for being unplugged, soaking up the magnificence of Nature and being side by side, stride by stride with my bestie Tom.

The diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome in December of 2006 was my wake-up call. I do wish I didn't wait for a life threatening illness to focus on wellness, but we don't know what we don't know. With my journey back to health and wellness, I can inspire and motivate others. 

Summer has finally returned to Boston which means sweaty runs and workouts. I love embracing my sweat and the feeling of sweat trickling down the small of my back long after the workout has ended. As George Sheehan said, "Sweat cleanses from the inside out. It reaches places a shower never could."

"The cure for anything is Saltwater: sweat, tears or the sea," is a wise quote by Isak Dinesen. As we got in our magnificent morning miles in South Boston on Saturday, Tom and I felt exhilarated, cleansed and renewed. Every step of mine was infused with gratitude to be back by the ocean feeling its magic and magnificence.

During the week we had soupy steamy miles around the Cleveland Circle Reservoir. Being unplugged out in Nature and soaking up the negative air ions from the water is one of my favorite health and wellness practices. The negative air ions created by water are known to purify the air and boost mood.

 

If you would have seen me 19 years ago in a toe-up leg brace using a cane and at times a wheelchair for mobility, you would never have guessed (nor would I) that I'd be out on in the morning getting in magnificent morning miles. It's a gift to rise above the noise that's happening in the world and find serenity unplugged in Nature. It's a sacred time Tom and I spend together. I love the scents, sights and sounds of late Spring in Boston and the sensation of sweat from my forehead cascading into my eyes. 

I share my healing story to inspire others with what's possible despite a devastating diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome and a dire prognosis of spending the rest of my life in a wheelchair expecting an accelerated decline in functioning as I aged. But I am also a voice for encouraging people, especially those in their later years, to not wait for a wake up call to get moving and pay attention to wellness. I have a Resources for Well-Being page on my website. On my News and Events page, you'll find inspiring conversations on podcasts and where you can find my remarkable journey of transformation. 

I'm savoring every run and workout when I can wear a tank top or t-shirt and shorts, embracing the sweat that comes with summer running, especially after the winter we had. Every day is a celebration of life for me that is magnified when I get to celebrate a day like Global Wellness Day.

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 Trilogy of Transformation chronicles my journey from having been told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair with the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome, a progressive neuromuscular disease by Western Medicine standards to a woman transformed through the sport of running. Take a journey into a world of healing, hope and possibilities with my 7 books, available on Amazon. My 7th book, "A Most Unlikely Runner: Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior" is a selection of the WBZ News Radio Book Club and Bill Rodgers Running Center Billy's Bookshelf: Recommended Reading for Every Runner. You will be inspired by my strength, courage, resilience, determination and overcoming the inevitable setbacks that come with a journey to health and wellness. 

What if the key to overcoming life's greatest challenges lies in the melodies that resonate with our souls? Join us in this heartfelt episode of the Music Saved Me Podcast, where hosts Lynn Hoffman and Buzz Knight dive deep into the transformative power of music with our inaugural contest winner, Mary McManus. Mary’s journey is a testament to the healing power of music, as she shares her inspiring story of resilience after contracting paralytic polio at a young age and navigating a tumultuous family environment. Listen to the episode by following this link.

Through her narrative, Mary McManus reveals how music became her sanctuary. A pivotal moment in her life came when her cousin, a Broadway producer, introduced her to the world of musical theater—a vibrant escape that ignited her passion and brought her immense joy. This episode explores the profound connection between music and emotional healing, showcasing how Mary McManus found solace in melodies during her toughest times and how they helped her forge connections with others

Listeners will be moved by Mary’s reflections on the influence of her high school music teacher and the supportive community she discovered in orchestral music. These experiences highlight the essence of music as therapy, illustrating its role in fostering emotional well-being and resilience. Mary’s journey culminates in her remarkable achievement of running the Boston Marathon, a testament to her indomitable spirit and the impact of music in her life.

Throughout this episode, we delve into the broader themes of music and mental health, exploring how independent musicians can harness their art to inspire and uplift. Mary’s story is not just about personal struggles; it’s a celebration of the healing power of music and its ability to connect us all. From emotional healing through music to the stories of musicians who have shaped our lives, this episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone seeking inspiration.

 Join us as we uncover the magic of music and its role in personal stories of triumph. Whether you’re a fan of the music history podcast genre or simply looking for a dose of motivation, this episode of the Music Saved Me Podcast promises to resonate deeply. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that underscores the importance of finding your voice and the transformative nature of music in navigating life's adversities. Don’t miss out on this heartfelt journey with Mary McManus, where we celebrate the stories that remind us all of the profound impact music has on our lives.

 Last year I was the guest on The Optimism Institute Blue Sky Podcast. 
"Mary McManus has never had it easy. As a kindergartner, she was a victim of polio just a short time before the vaccine was introduced. She also faced trauma in her home life but somehow managed to persevere and overcome these and still more obstacles throughout her life. Today, Mary is an inspiring author, poet, motivational speaker, and finisher of the Boston Marathon." Here is the link to the Episode Website. Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and on YouTube.

 

Reach out to me at maryamcmanus@gmail.com if you'd like me to speak to your organization or group to inspire them with what's possible despite all appearances to the contrary; how one finds strength, resilience and determination in the face of seemingly impossible odds.