As soon as we got out of the car, we were greeted with a cold headwind. Fortunately we were wearing our warm running clothes. As an aside, at this time of year we tend to over or under dress but on Saturday, we were just right! After a few minute warm up, Tom and I realized we had increased our pace from what we had been doing in recent weeks. We both felt exhilarated by the cold air as we reminded ourselves of the physical and psychological benefits of embracing cold weather. Science has shown that it has an anti-aging effect. We also experienced all the benefits of being out in Nature at this spectacular time of year.
For years I had felt as though I was watching life with my nose pressed against the window pane. Mobility was limited after contracting paralytic polio as a child and my recovery was complicated by enduring years of abuse at the hands of family members. But those days are long gone in the rear view mirror. The diagnosis was my wake up call. What a gift to experience the change in seasons up close and personal, embracing the challenge of extreme weather conditions and luxuriating in those just right picture perfect/temperature perfect days. I didn't realize that the past several months were my penultimate step before moving forward again in my pace and feeling fabulous on a run. It's necessary to step back before gaining momentum again.
After our run, we had lunch before heading to our Town Hall for early voting. The endorphins from the run and the energy that was in our Town filled me with vibrant energy. The sign that I am holding in the photo was on the ground outside of Town Hall. As we took the picture, an older woman said, "Oh that's my sign." I asked her if it was okay I use the photo. "Absolutely," she replied. "I'm so happy you like it."
I felt steady, calm and centered as I picked up the pen to fill in the circles on my ballot. Often times, hand tremors can get the best of me despite my best intentions using conscious movement. They have certainly improved through the years. I felt positive energy surge through me as I cast my vote while intensely focused on the task at hand; to vote for candidates who want what's best for 'we the people' and voting my conscience on the ballot questions that I studied earlier in the week.
Those Saturday morning miles were a real confidence booster. We had lunch at Brothers and Sisters Cafe. There is no railing for the steps for the restaurant's entrance. I can go up stairs without a railing fairly easily but walking down stairs without a railing can be a bit of a challenge. But on Saturday, I negotiated them like a boss. There was a wide gap between our car and the sidewalk which can also be a challenge for me as I wrote about in our NYC Adventures - Part 1 - Watch the Gap. Tom asked if I needed help but I was able to negotiate getting out of the car by myself. While in New York, I accepted where my body was at the time and graciously and gratefully accepted help and support. {Hard is What Makes it Great - But Sometimes Easy Makes It Good} Giving myself the opportunity to meet myself where I was at wasn't a setback or a progression of 'symptoms.' It was, in fact, the penultimate step that gave me the opportunity for momentum forward as I continue to age strong celebrating 20 years of healing in December.
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.
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.
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