A Run in South Boston and Reflections as National Poetry Month Ends

 

Given the long, cold winter and the slowly emerging warmth of Springtime in Boston, it had been a minute since Tom and I went on a run in South Boston. While there was still a brisk headwind, the sun was relatively warm. It felt wonderful to be back getting in miles breathing in briny sea air and seeing the expanse of the ocean and the sky.

When I wrote "My Soul Settles By The Sea" I had not yet started my unlikely runner career. I remember sitting on the beach in Southie being inspired by low tide to write the poem. It was in the early days of my healing journey in the summer of 2007 shortly after I had taken a leap of faith leaving behind my award-winning VA social work career. I knew I was at a crossroads in my life in December of 2006 after being diagnosed with Post-Polio Syndrome, told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair, and expect an accelerated decline in functioning as I aged. It was in the early days of research into the mind/body connection and Western Medicine did not take into account neuroplasticity; that our bodies have a tremendous capacity to heal. From what I glean from doing searches on PubMed and ScienceDirect and a generic Google search, the prognosis remains grim for Post-Polio Syndrome. When I first started sharing my journey, I was fortunate to be featured in Brookline Tab articles. I received comments from fellow polio survivors that they had hope that they were not destined for a life of an accelerated decline in functioning. I always give the caveat that I am not a doctor nor am I qualified to offer medical advice, but I can share how meditation, harnessing the power of the mind/body connection and becoming active reversed the symptoms I once experienced. On Thursday's run, I felt unbridled joy and my heart overflowed with gratitude for every step and every mile. It's something I never ever take for granted.

 

What a joy to savor Springtime in Boston and breathe in the scents of the season. There was a time when I could barely walk without a cane. There was a time when I felt as though I was living life with my nose pressed on the window seeing life pass me by while others were running free. I know how blessed I am to be able to go out the door and live life to the fullest. 

 

I love what my beloved physiatrist, Dr. Eugene Moskowitz, who treated me after I contracted paralytic polio in June 1959, wrote in an op-ed in the NY Times when the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome was being made.

Caution and Hope On Polio 'Signs'
Published: March 3, 1985
I read with interest the article entitled ''A Group for Polio Survivors Who Have New Symptoms'' (Feb. 10).

Having supervised the rehabilitation of poliomyelitis patients at Grasslands Hospital during the epidemics of the 50's and 60's, probably including the ''then'' infants mentioned in the article, I would like to add a word of caution and even hope as an afterthought. Firstly, there is no reason to suspect deterioration in the nerve cells in the spinal cord. After 30 years, one must accept some loss of endurance, increased fatigue and even some discomfort induced by other unrelated medical problems. This is true in the athlete with repeated injuries, in the obese person with back problems and even in the jogger with foot ailments.

Any individual with paralytic disability in an extremity will experience the normal process of ''wear and tear'' except that it may be more difficult to adjust to it. Just as one learned to compensate for the initial impairment so must one adjust to the later, more subtle changes rather than develop an emotional hang up of being a ''polio victim.'' ~EUGENE MOSKOWITZ, M.D. Mount Vernon 

 

I have a Resources for Well-Being tab on my website. Science now shows that when we harness the power of the mind/body connection through visualization, the body heals in miraculous ways. We are not our diagnosis nor are we bound by the edicts that Western Medicine gives us. In February of 2007, I got still and asked for Divine Guidance. The portal to healing opened through my pen as the poem, "Running the Race" poured out of me. Despite the dire prognosis, "Running the Race" foreshadowed my 2009 Boston Marathon run. What followed was an anthology of poems in which my imagination was fired up to harness the power of the mind/body connection to heal mind, body and soul from the once devastating effects of childhood paralytic polio and trauma. 

 

National Poetry Month ends tomorrow but May marks the month when I celebrate 19 years of healing after taking that leap of faith to heal my life. Tom and I just wrapped up a phenomenal training cycle for Hyannis Marathon Weekend 10K and I was blessed to celebrate my 72nd birthday with 7.2 miles. I'm excited to let all the niggles from the intense training cycle in grueling winter conditions to heal as we start to slowly build mileage again. We have incorporated an extra strength training session into our weekly fitness plan and, for now, are doing weekly runs. I am content and grateful for all this body has given me and all it continues to give me. It's been a joy to revisit poems during National Poetry Month being able to experience their healing power all over again. I'm thrilled to be working on my 8th book, "Running the Race: From Atrophy to Astonishing", continuing to share my profound message of healing, hope and possibilities despite all appearances to the contrary.

 

We'll see what adventures lie ahead both on and off the roads grateful for the miracle of healing and transformation almost 20 years after having been told that I should prepare to experience an accelerated decline in functioning as I aged and spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair!

 

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. 

 

"Meet Mary McManus — our first-ever Music Saved Me Story Contest winner.
We asked you to share the stories of the songs, the albums, and the moments when music reached in and changed everything. You delivered. And one story stopped us in our tracks. We are thrilled to announce that Mary McManus is the winner of the first-ever Music Saved Me Story Contest. Mary’s journey is one for the ages. She contracted paralytic polio at age five. She survived years of childhood trauma. And then, at the height of an award-winning career as a VA social worker, she was diagnosed with Post-Polio Syndrome and told to prepare to spend the rest of her life in a wheelchair.

Music — and the healing power of words — had other plans for Mary.
Through poetry, perseverance, and an unshakeable belief in what’s possible, Mary transformed her life. At 53 she became a runner. At 55 she crossed the finish line of the 2009 Boston Marathon. That is what music can do." 

 

Mary will be the guest on an upcoming exclusive episode of the "Music Saved Me" podcast.

 I was recently 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.

 

 

 

 

National Poetry Month: Reflections on a Journey of Transformation

As I 'cleared out' of the VA on 5/25/2007, I had no idea what the future held for me or, if in fact I had a future. In December of 2006, I'd been given the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome, a progressive neuromuscular disease. I'd been told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair and expect an accelerated decline in functioning as I aged. In February of 2007, I did what I had often done throughout my life when I faced seemingly insurmountable challenges. I got still and asked for Divine Guidance. The answer to my prayer - or should I say answers to my prayer - came in the form of a poem, "Running the Race" followed by what turned out to be an anthology of poems. My imagination ignited the power of the mind/body connection that created a future very different than the one Western Medicine predicted for me.

 

I took a leap of faith leaving behind an almost 6-figure salary with benefits just 3 years shy of when I would be eligible to retire. I followed my newfound bliss of writing poetry and even started a small business, "New World Greeting Cards: Original Poetry for Every Occasion." While poetry brought me joy; I literally felt no pain when I wrote poetry, and my pen became my divining rod for healing, there were much bigger plans on the horizon for me. 

 

In October of 2007, I met Janine Hightower, a personal trainer who was recruiting me to be part of her BNI group. The conversation about BNI and promoting my business faded into the background. Her in home personal training business came into sharp focus.

 

"Do you think you could help me to build on the outpatient rehab program Allison (my outpatient physical therapist) gave me when I was discharged in May?"

 

"Well, as Henry Ford said, 'Whether you think you can or you think you can't, you're right!'" She shared with me that I was too young to not be able to get off of a toilet seat or sofa without help or to need to use a tub chair in the shower. I was using a cane and a toe-up leg brace for mobility. I no longer needed a wheelchair since taking off the stress on mind, body and soul of my full-time job. Janine held enough faith for the two of us that I would be able to improve my functioning and quality of life.

 

In February of 2008, we were ready for me to set my next goals. I was so excited by the gains I'd made as evidenced by the difference in strength and endurance from our first session. I told Janine, "I want to feel free in my body. I want to walk outside independently without my leg brace and cane. Maybe I'll take a dance class again. I loved ballet before I contracted paralytic polio. Let's diversify my workouts."

 

She gathered up her things and had her hand on the door knob.

 

"Wait. I have one more goal."

 

"What's that?" she asked. 

 

What I said next bypassed any thought and came straight from the depths of my soul. "I want to run the Boston Marathon next year. I hear that Spaulding Rehab has a charity team."

 

Now she could have easily said how ridiculous an idea that was and let's set more realistic goals. Instead she said, without batting an eye. "Well you're going to need a pair of running shoes!"

 

In addition to the physical training, I wrote poetry on the road to Boston. In the first poem I wrote, "Running the Race", in February of 2007, I had no idea why I was focusing on winning a 10K race.

That poem foreshadowed my Boston Marathon run. Poetry fueled my training erasing doubts and fears and firing up my imagination visualizing race day. It strengthened my faith and conviction that all the pain from childhood trauma and paralytic polio would be transformed into passion and purpose. My message of healing, hope and possibilities inspired so many including many polio survivors who believed that they were destined for a downhill course as a result of having contracted polio in their younger years. 

 

There are many valid research studies that demonstrate the healing power of visualization and the mind/body connection. They are absolutely fascinating. Dr. David R. Hamilton shares these in his books, blogs and his FREE weekly newsletter, Better You, Backed by Science. Dr. Ellen J. Langer has been a Professor in Psychology at Harvard for over 40 years. Her books and studies continue to astound and amaze one with the impact of perception and environment on one's experience along with the power of mind/body unity. One of my favorite books by Dr. Langer is Counter Clockwise. I've compiled a list of resources for well-being on my website. What a joy to discover that there's science to support what I've experienced on this miraculous journey of transformation. 

 

After the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome, I felt like the caterpillar in the cocoon sure that my life was coming to an end. And, just like that caterpillar, I emerged from my cocoon to fly free living the life that I was always meant to live.

 

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. 

 

"Meet Mary McManus — our first-ever Music Saved Me Story Contest winner.
We asked you to share the stories of the songs, the albums, and the moments when music reached in and changed everything. You delivered. And one story stopped us in our tracks. We are thrilled to announce that Mary McManus is the winner of the first-ever Music Saved Me Story Contest. Mary’s journey is one for the ages. She contracted paralytic polio at age five. She survived years of childhood trauma. And then, at the height of an award-winning career as a VA social worker, she was diagnosed with Post-Polio Syndrome and told to prepare to spend the rest of her life in a wheelchair.

Music — and the healing power of words — had other plans for Mary.
Through poetry, perseverance, and an unshakeable belief in what’s possible, Mary transformed her life. At 53 she became a runner. At 55 she crossed the finish line of the 2009 Boston Marathon. That is what music can do." 

 

Mary will be the guest on an upcoming exclusive episode of the "Music Saved Me" podcast.

 I was recently 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.

 

 

 

The First Leg of the 10K Challenge - Back to the Sea!

 

"All of us have in our veins the exact same percentage of salt in our blood that exists in the ocean, and, therefore, we have salt in our blood, in our sweat, in our tears. We are tied to the ocean. And when we go back to the sea - whether it is to sail or to watch it - we are going back from where we came." ~John F. Kennedy

Last Saturday I completed the first leg of the Gone for a Run Virtual Run Series 10K Challenge.

There was a strong head wind but having the expanse of the sea as we ran along the shore line in South Boston distracted me from the extra challenge from the head wind. I've always been an 'ocean' kind of gal. One of my favorite places to run is in South Boston. 

 

 

 

 

One training run in South Boston inspired this poem from the soon to be released, "A Most Unlikely Runner: Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior":

Set Yourself Free

Running in tandem with waves
as seagulls soar
seeing Divine's creations
sun sparkles
sprinkling white caps dotting deep blue
steady breath  
scent of briny air
sounds of water lapping shore
surrounded by beauty.

Stress dissolves
each footstep bids farewell to troubles
joy bubbles from the depths
Divine Love
heart overflows
refreshment for mind and body.

Once shackled
unbridled from unfathomable past
wounds healed
wind whispers
“Run my child
set yourself free”
I am found. 

Here are spectacular scenes from last Saturday's run:

What can I embrace as possible? When I first set out on my quest to heal my life, I had no idea what was possible. I imagined becoming a NY Times Bestselling Author being on Oprah to talk about taking a leap of faith to follow my newfound bliss as a poet and writer but did I know that the poem "Running the Race", the first poem I wrote, would foreshadow my 2009 Boston Marathon run and I would become a beacon of hope for others who may be facing a devastating diagnosis and prognosis? I had no idea when I took a leap of faith on 5/25/2007 leaving behind my award-winning career as a VA social worker with the intention to 'heal my life' where it would lead.

On Saturday, I was lead back to the sea and had a fabulous 5K; the first virtual race in the 10K Challenge. Ruth Anne paced me to negative splits. I felt incredible joy to feel the wind on my face and soak up the energy from the sea surrounding us. It is not lost on me that over 17 years ago I was told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair and faced a grim and uncertain future. What a blessing and how grateful am I to feel free in my body running by the sea that nourishes me mind, body and soul!

In health and wellness,

Mary

Visit my website to be inspired by my journey. May it ignite a spark within you to go farther than you ever believed you could. Be sure to visit the News and Events Page with links to podcast interviews, speaking engagements and where you can find my incredibly inspirational story.

My books that pack powerful messages of healing, hope and possibilities are available on Amazon

Thank you to Mike Reilly for featuring my story on Stories From the Finish Line Sponsored by CURAD Performance Series to inspire others.

Be sure to subscribe to the On The Runs podcast for stories of individuals who are fierce and determined to overcome challenges, set goals and crush them. Here is the link to my Episode 56.

Be sure to subscribe to their new YouTube Channel to enhance your podcast listening experience!

Be sure to download and subscribe to the AdaptX podcast. Here's the link to my wonderful conversation with host Brendan Aylward sharing my journey of transformation and healing in the wake of polio, Post-Polio syndrome and trauma.

What's in a Poem?

 

 

Writing poetry can be healing and transformative because poems reflect the voice of the soul. Writing poetry is also a way to nurture a mindfulness practice because when writing poems, we have the chance to unleash the unconscious mind. Sculpting our feelings and thoughts into a poem can take us on a journey where the conscious mind actually takes a little holiday. Writing poetry is a time to loosen up and allow the freedom of self-expression at a time when it is often needed the most.   How Poetry Can Heal Diana Raab Ph.D.

As National Poetry Month draws to a close, I offer reflections on how poetry became a tool of powerful transformation in my life. In December of 2006, I was diagnosed with Post-Polio Syndrome, a progressive neuromuscular disease and told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair. hIn February of 2007, in the agmidst of winter's darkness and my own darkness, I got still and asked for Divine Guidance. It's what I had always done when faced with seemingly insurmountable odds. Surrounded by print outs from 'new age teachers' (which were teachers and leaders sharing age old wisdom), a phrase jumped out at me, "I am so happy and grateful now that I can create..."

"Create what?" I asked myself. My career was coming to an end as I was told that if I had any hope of maintaining my current level of functioning that I needed to quit my award winning career as a VA Social Worker. My twins were grown. What was there to create?

I went to my laptop and Spirit flowed through me as I wrote this poem:

Running the Race   

Early summer 1959 my kindergarten year
everyone around me filled with nervous fear.
Despite the Salk vaccine hope polio would disappear
the polio virus crept right up and knocked me in the rear.

Dancing all around the gym feeling free just like a bird
I dropped to the ground just like a stone and no one said a word.
The pain it was so searing-the diagnosis even worse
"It's polio" the doctor said...he was abrupt and terse.

Called one of the 'lucky ones' I had a 'mild case'
but with the other athletes I could never keep their pace.
Miss Holly physical therapist, curly hair and a warm, broad smile
it tempered the pain of being apart - to walk I'd take awhile.

I always wore those 'special' shoes the kids they poked and teased
with no support and much abuse with childhood I wasn’t pleased.
But put nose to the grindstone and learned all that I could
I couldn't kick a ball but my grades were always good.

Years went by and no more thought to polio did I give
I accepted the limp, everything else and decided my life I would live.
But symptoms of weakness and muscle pain did grow
I kept a stoic face hoping no one else would know.

Life no longer was my own I struggled through each day
suffered in silence, alone and afraid tried to keep depression at bay.
And with the grace of glorious God my world it opened wide
I discovered there was a Post Polio team and they were on my side.                                            

Sought out paths for healing and my spirit flew free
for the first time in life, I could truly be me.
The chains are gone and possibilities abound
I'm a tree with my roots planted firmly in ground.

Using wheelchair to travel, set limits on what I could do
resulted in joy to realize I could live life anew.
Celebrated my body-creaks, groans and need for a brace
while in my mind I focused on winning a 10K race.

I'm now off the sidelines, no need to sit and whine
so much gratitude fills my heart and love and beauty shine.
After all these years I can join the loving human race
I exceed all expectations and now I set the pace.

My heart opened and despite not having any clear road map for my pat after I would leave the VA on 5/27/2007, I felt hopeful; something I had not felt  in several years as my body was withering away with no clear explanation for the array of symptoms I experienced.

It was as though a spigot was turned on in my soul. I needed pen and paper with me at all times. I was healing my past through gratitude and forgiveness and in my mind's eye creating a future very different than the one predicted for me by traditional medicine.

While I never formally studied poetry, my physical therapist read Dr. Seuss to me before every painful physical therapy session while I recovered from childhood paralytic polio. During the treatments, she would have my recite the Dr. Seuss book I chose for the day in tandem while she coaxed muscles and nerves back to health. The healing cadence stayed in my soul all those years until it was time for me to have the gift blossom in my own life. 

I went on to run the 2009 Boston Marathon; Running the Race foreshadowed that epic event in my journey of transformation. I wrote poetry on the road to the Boston Marathon in which I visualized only positive outcomes on race day. I also captured the beauty and strength within me through the power of my pen. The people and places I was blessed to experience during that segment of my journey are now also immortalized in my poems.

I had stopped writing poetry and focused on finishing my Trilogy of Transformation. When the pandemic hit, poetry flowed again that helped to keep me focused on optimism, faith, gratitude, healing, hope and unity despite the turmoil and chaos happening around us.

I continue to write poetry to commemorate and celebrate special occasions and events. When Spirit moves me, I continue to write poetry to allow my 'thinking mind' to yield to my creative mind and express promptings from my heart and soul. As I said in the description of "Feel the Heal:An Anthology of Poems to Heal Your Life," When we bypass our analytical minds and are able to see beyond appearances, magic and miracles happen.

From my heart to yours
In health and wellness,
Mary

Visit my website to be inspired by my journey. May it ignite a spark within you to go farther than you ever believed you could. Be sure to visit the News and Events Page.

My books that pack powerful messages of healing, hope and possibilities are available on Amazon  

 

Happy National Poetry Month: Where it all began!

 

From "Feel the Heal: An Anthology of Poems to Heal Your Life" available on Amazon

It was a cold, dark day in February 2007. I sat in a leg brace, using a wheelchair at times for mobility. I faced a grim and uncertain future as the doctors handed down the decree of the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome, a progressive neuromuscular disease. They told me that if I had any hope of stabilizing the disease where it was, I would have to quit my full time award-winning career as a VA social worker three years shy of when I was eligible for retirement. It was a no-brainer. I knew I had to take a leap of faith and leave my career. But what’s a social worker to do after almost 25 years? She opens her heart to the cadence of Dr. Seuss that brought her so much comfort during the painful physical therapy sessions as she recovered from paralytic polio. This is the first poem I penned. Bear in mind, I had never run a day in my life.

 

Running the Race   

 

Early summer 1959 my kindergarten year

everyone around me filled with nervous fear.

Despite the Salk vaccine hope polio would disappear

the polio virus crept right up and knocked me in the rear.

 

Dancing all around the gym feeling free just like a bird

I dropped to the ground just like a stone and no one said a word.

The pain it was so searing-the diagnosis even worse

"It's polio" the doctor said...he was abrupt and terse.

 

Called one of the 'lucky ones' I had a 'mild case'

but with the other athletes I could never keep their pace.

Miss Holly physical therapist, curly hair and a warm, broad smile

it tempered the pain of being apart - to walk I'd take awhile.

 

I always wore those 'special' shoes the kids they poked and teased                                                     

with no support and much abuse with childhood I wasn’t pleased.                                                      

But put nose to the grindstone and learned all that I could

I couldn't kick a ball but my grades were always good.

 

Years went by and no more thought to polio did I give

I accepted the limp, everything else and decided my life I would live.

But symptoms of weakness and muscle pain did grow

I kept a stoic face hoping no one else would know.

 

Life no longer was my own I struggled through each day

suffered in silence, alone and afraid tried to keep depression at bay.

And with the grace of glorious God my world it opened wide

I discovered there was a Post Polio team and they were on my side.                                           

 

Sought out paths for healing and my spirit flew free

for the first time in life, I could truly be me.

The chains are gone and possibilities abound

I'm a tree with my roots planted firmly in ground.

 

Using wheelchair to travel, set limits on what I could do

resulted in joy to realize I could live life anew.

Celebrated my body-creaks, groans and need for a brace

while in my mind I focused on winning a 10K race. Poet

 

I'm now off the sidelines, no need to sit and whine

so much gratitude fills my heart and love and beauty shine.

After all these years I can join the loving human race

I exceed all expectations and now I set the pace.

 

After writing that poem, I realized I was at a crossroads in my life. I opened my heart to gratitude and forgiveness to heal the childhood trauma and visualized a future very different than the one the doctors predicted for me. Poems flowed out of my heart and soul as though a spigot had been turned on. When I went to the Newburyport Literary Festival in April of 2007 after deciding to pursue my newfound passion as a writer and poet, I shared my story with anyone and everyone who would listen about my journey. The critically acclaimed writer Peter Guralnick took time to give me tips about getting my material published. The literary critic who interviewed Peter at one of the workshops said to me, "You're channeling poetry aren't you? How cool!"

 

It's been an incredibly cool 15 year journey since that first poem flowed out of me. My little business, 'New World Greeting Cards - Original Poetry for Every Occasion' didn't quite take off as I had initially thought it would. I continue to create original poems for milestone birthdays, anniversaries or other celebrations for family and friends. The Universe had plans for me other than becoming a successful business woman. I've become a motivational speaker and share a powerful message of healing, hope and possibilities reminding people, especially women, that they are not their diagnosis. My poetry has touched so many hearts, especially those poems from "Hope is a Garden: Poems and Essays From the 2020 Pandemic."

 

The poetry from Hope is a Garden is now available as an audio book with all proceeds being donated to Voices of Hope Boston who forward the proceeds to the Henri and Belinda Termeer Cancer Center for Targeted Therapies at Mass. General Hospital. Read Out for a Cure is now available for download with a $10 payment to me via Paypal at maryamcmanus@gmail.com or Venmo @Mary-McManus-21.

 

After writing "Running the Race", I discovered the healing power of writing poetry along with the feeling of unbridled joy and exhilaration that accompanies the creative process. After running the 2009 Boston Marathon, and experiencing adventures as a runnergirl, I wrote my Trilogy of Transformation. In March of 2020 when I realized that I was living through another pandemic, I turned once again to my pen, what I call my Divining Rod for healing and the flow of poetry continues as I edit, "Into the Light: Emerging from the 2020 Pandemic."

 

I'll share with you a 'sneak peek' to celebrate National Poetry Month:

 

Can You Feel It?

 

Stepping outside my door

I feel it

anticipation of Spring

transported without plane, train or boat

breathing deeply

an elixir from earth ready to give birth

heart flutters with hope.

Infinite possibilities

emerge from winter's womb

ultimate faith seeing the unseen

confidence of beauty unfolding

doubt yields to faith

barren trees poised to pop

sun's warmth enticing transformation.

Eager to shed

letting go

Spring's renewal

enters soul

eternally grateful

it happens every year.

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Mighty Tigress

To improve sleep hygiene during the pandemic, Tom and I switch off our phones and laptops (we don't have a TV) and read before meditation and sleep. The other night, Tom put my book, "Hope is a Garden:Poems and Essays From the 2020 Pandemic" down as we were getting ready for our bedtime ritual. Jamie let us know she gave my book four paws up and reminded us that there's something so special about curling up with a good book - especially when there's a poem about you in it!

From "Hope is a Garden:Poems and Essays From the 2020 Pandemic":

During the stay at home order, I experienced lots of trauma dreams, many of which I awakened from with heart pounding. One night our cat Jamie leapt on the bed as if on cue to move me beyond the trauma of the past and into a new state of Being. I felt this poem through the vibration of her nesting in the blankets.

 

The Mighty Tigress

 

In darkness

she pounces

toward her prey

 

nesting in old comforter

paws inviting me to pause

a symphony of comfort

 

Her striped fur expands and contracts

perfect pitch as she purrs in prayer

 

My breathing slows joining her rhythm

inhale expand exhale

 

Being as One

 

Descendants and ancestors

blessing our precious lives

 

Powerful dyad vibrating well-being to all

my mighty tigress lights the way

 

To transformation.

 

I've noticed that the trauma dreams have diminished in frequency and intensity in recent weeks. There is a sense of hope and optimism as cases of COVID decline, vaccination rates increase and restrictions are being relaxed. I was never afraid of contracting the virus for I knew that by staying in our bubble and following the public health guidelines, we would be fine. The uncertainty, the stress and strain of Tom working from home and his department being understaffed (and please believe me I know how fortunate we are that he continued to be able to work through the pandemic), the climate of fear that ran rampant until President Biden and his team arrived to begin to put out the fires raging from the previous presidency, the restrictions and the need to wear masks would stir the emotions from my traumatic childhood and emerge as trauma dreams.

I was and am so blessed to have the companionship of Jamie during daytime meditations and at night to remind me to keep a steady breath and to feel the love of the Divine flow through her. She is a mighty tigress who brought so much joy and comfort during some of the most challenging days and nights of our lives.

From my heart to yours

In health and wellness 

Mary

For more information about my journey from childhood polio and trauma to the finish line of the 2009 Boston Marathon and beyond, visit my website.

"Hope is a Garden:Poems and Essays From the 2020 Pandemic" along with all of my books to inspire and uplift you is available on Amazon.

 

 

Gratitude - The Gift of Polio

 

Shortly after the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome in December of 2006, I realized I was at a crossroads in my life. I was told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair, adapt our Cape house or move to a Ranch and quit my award winning career as a VA social worker if there were any hope of stabilizing the debilitating symptoms as they were at that time.

As I had done whenever faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges, I got still and asked for Divine Guidance. Spirit spoke to me through what I now call my divining rod for healing, my pen in the form of poetry.

After writing "Running the Race" , a poem which foreshadowed my 2009 Boston Marathon run, I wrote the poem:

The Gift of Polio - from "Feel the Heal: An Anthology of Poems to Heal Your Life":

The Gift of Polio

Thank you God for the gift of polio that brought me so close to you

while paralyzed I saw your face no matter what I’d do

Many wonderful healers you sent them to me at age 5

perseverance and triumph life’s lessons learned

but my Spirit could not yet thrive.

 

At age 53 the gift was sent to me a second time

having time to sit and feel to heal I started to rhyme.

The second time felt worse than the first

yet your love and wisdom I found

out of pain and weakness and fatigue a remarkable spirit rebound.

 

Reliving all the trauma of special shoes and such

I discovered remarkable healers who brought a loving touch.

I had no clue I had such strength and the ability to grow

no matter what the outcome deep gratitude I show.

 

This gift so precious I live a new life gratitude flows from me

my heart and soul are filled with grace each day’s a gift from thee.

 

I went on to write "The Dancer" imagining in my mind's eye a resurrection from the 5 year old ballet dancer who was stricken with paralytic polio:

 

The Dancer  

 

Crumpled cringing alone in darkness portrait of paralyzed child

heap of limbs loss of control panic fear run rampant and wild.

Enter stage right he gathers her gentle tears honor old embrace new

beautiful ballerina transformed music swells the pas de deux.

Dancing with Spirit she celebrates lost in moment of time and space

winged feet now poetry in motion joyful light ease and grace.

 

Daring she enters spotlight center stage a vision to behold

vulnerable yet confident - courageous strikingly bold.

On point to an audience she no longer plays,

soul’s rhythm tempo she keeps

magic memories made in each moment

delighting grateful heart leaps.

Her life she now knows has no bounds

choreography her dancing decree

revelations unveiled with each movement

unencumbered expansive now free.

 

Gratitude became a vital lynch pin in my healing journey. I gave thanks for all of the challenges I endured for they taught me so many soul lessons and helped to mold me into the beautiful woman I am today. I gave thanks in advance for my life being healed.

 

I started the practice of a gratitude journal that ignited my heart and soul with joy and shifted me out of a victim role into the role of victor and thriver.

 

I  went on to write an entire poem about gratitude:

Gratitude Tingles

 

Heart opens in quiet eyes are closed gratitudes trickle then flow

the basics a home, good food and love awareness begins to grow.

Each beat of my heart reminds me I’m a miracle of life

grace showers constantly upon me relieving alleviating strife.

 

Goosebumps with each reflection every breath a moment to pause

gratitude tingles feel the warmth relaxing unclenching jaws.

Grateful to now be fully alive so blessed to be kissed awake

appreciation flows in every vein for granted nothing I take.

 

What joy there is in this journey let Spirit within ever reign

trusting in goodness and kindness erases all fear and pain.

Memory traces from the past pale and fade when facing Source

gratitude overpowers correcting direction on my life’s course.

 

In moments of meditation happiness joy and peace

from the depths of my soul a fountain grateful blessings increase.

Lips upturn into beautiful smile from head’s crown to tip of toes

gratitude tingles tickling trail of delight everywhere gratitude goes.

 

During the pandemic, we intensified our gratitude practice writing what we were grateful for on post-its during the month of November and placed them in a gratitude jar. We read them on Thanksgiving.

 

Gratitude continued to be a theme in my poetry in "Hope is a Garden:Poems and Essays From the 2020 Pandemic".

Dawn

 

As dawn breaks my heart opens in gratitude

an inventory of the blessings in my life

strife only created from memories

gratitude the bridge over troubled waters

path to peace and joy.

 

Rubbing eyes awake from a starry night

pixie dust sprinkled while sleeping

cells sparkling with possibilities

twinkling eyes view the world.

 

It dawns on me

I am beloved

Love heals and bathes

uplifted to greet the dawn of a new day

sunbeams meet heart beams.

 

Writing headlines

a virus vanished

soul lessons learned

heaven on earth is here.

 

The Switch

 

Flip the switch from darkness

from unwell to well-being

dwell with Source.

 

Generate positive thoughts

current of gratitude

dispels doom and gloom.

 

Electrify imagination

in mind’s eye

ignite possibilities!

 

Shock waves from past

flashbacks

back to the future!

 

Dampen fears

shift gears

be light-hearted.

 

What ifs

glitter and sparkle

light up hope!

 

Rewire recharge

turn on tune in

vibrant optimism.

 

Flip the switch

switch perspective

let the magic begin!

 

 I am grateful for all the challenges I have endured and overcome. I am grateful for this amazing journey of transformation that began 14 years ago on May 25, 2007 when I took a leap of faith leaving behind my award winning career as a VA social worker to heal my life from the effects of childhood paralytic polio and trauma. I am grateful for the gift of poetry that enabled me to heal my past and create a future very different than the one the doctors predicted for me and to navigate this past year staying focused on healing, hope, possibilities, light, love and of course, gratitude. 

From my heart to yours

In health and wellness 

Mary

For more information about my journey from childhood polio and trauma to the finish line of the 2009 Boston Marathon and beyond, visit my website.

 

"Hope is a Garden:Poems and Essays From the 2020 Pandemic" along with all of my books to inspire and uplift you is available on Amazon.