Keep Calm It's Race Week!

 

 

 

Taper madness is real. I've said it before and I am saying it again. It's also a wonderful opportunity to transform my worrisome thoughts and doubts into powerfully positive affirmations. It's an opportunity to become more awake and aware feeling my passion and purpose deep in my heart and soul. I remember taper time in 2018, the last time I took on a live event. I thought the 2018 Bermuda Half Marathon would be my farewell to any distance longer than a 5K but sometimes the Universe has other plans. I miss my Saturday training runs but I am redirecting my energy into getting us ready to travel this week; an adventure we have not had in four years! Taper time is a wonderful time for me to reflect on this training cycle and my journey of transformation.

As I clicked on my google calendar and turned the page of my planner - there they were! All the activities for race week were saying to me, "Keep calm. It's Race Week!" I had an email from JetBlue reminding me about what I need to travel to Bermuda to ensure that surprises are not a part of the itinerary.

This training cycle has brought incredible gifts of seeing amazing sunrises on early morning runs, feeling stronger and more fit than I have since 2018, trusting my body and being grateful to my body for it all gives me. I can fit into clothes I haven't been able to fit in since 2018. I discovered clothes in my closet that now fit while packing for the warmer weather in Bermuda! I've relished rest and meditation time feeling the satisfaction that comes with training for a new goal.

During the past two weeks, as Team McManus was under the weather with COVID, I felt my habit of worry begin to intensify. With the physical and mental training for the 10K, I've been able to shift gears from imagining all that could go wrong to seeing with my 3rd eye that everything is going to go great. I can harness the power of my imagination to create wonderful outcomes or go to my 'dark and twisty' place. It takes the same amount of thought and one is oh so much more pleasant than the other. Besides, worrying, fear and anxiety only serve to rob me of today's happiness. Now I do greet myself with compassion and kindness when anxiety, worry and fear take root especially since I don't have running as one of my favorite ways to cope with worry. I feel incredibly blessed and grateful by the messages I am receiving through emails and social media posts fueling affirmations and suggesting 2024 is the year to write a new script. 

I could easily be a DNS - do not start - and allow Bermuda Marathon Weekend to be a vacation sitting by the pool or at the beach. I know that after the stress of COVID and Ruth Anne's health challenges, people would totally understand and be supportive. As I entertained those thoughts (as I had in our hotel room in the early morning hours of race day in 2018) I realized that's not who I am. I am well trained. My body achieves what my mind believes. Tom and I are worthy of this wondrous adventure that happens to include a celebration of healing and life.

I have NOT come this far to only go this far! I imagine how absolutely glorious it's going to feel to go the distance again and go the distance in Bermuda! The weather keeps shifting and changing which is typical for our beautiful Island in the middle of the Atlantic. I love when the long range forecast calls for wind and rain. Jackets and hats are packed. Seeing challenging weather circumstances helps me to mentally prepare to say "bring it on!" I plan to embrace and seize the days of our Bermuda adventure! And then if the conditions improve, it will be a pleasant surprise! 

On Saturday, Ruth Anne suggested we go to South Boston to do a gentle shake out walk. It was freezing with a serious wind chill. The sky was a brilliant blue and the sun shined brightly. I felt invigorated by the brisk air kissing my face. Our smiles reflected the joy we felt being together with 2023 being in the rear view mirror:

In a few more days, Tom and I will take our first plane trip since January 2020. I am keeping calm staying focused on imagining wondrous adventures even more amazing than what I can conjure up in my imagination. Checking things off on our packing list and to do list fuels the sense of excitement and anticipation. I am topping off the tank of mental training with lots of meditation, rest, hydration, reading "The Happiness Advantage" by Shawn Achor (a book recommended by Deena Kastor), listening to my Bermuda training playlist and remembering so many magical moments during my adventures as runnergirl 1953. I warm my heart and soul with memories of when our Coach from Spaulding Rehab met us on Heartbreak Hill during the 2009 Boston Marathon. He had tears in his eyes when he told me to go get my medal. Women's running pioneer and running champion Jacqueline Hansen met me out on the course of the 2016 Hyannis 10K. She gave me a hug and told me how strong I looked. I felt as though she was my fairy godmother telling me you will go to the ball. The feelings of being a back of the pack runner melted away. I am allowing the fears and worries of race day to melt away. Tom will be by my side every stride of the way. I haven't experienced the excitement of being a participant in race weekend since 2018. I already feel the buzz of energy that's unique and infectious to runners anticipating a race weekend, beginning with the runners gathering at the airport.

The Bermuda Triangle Challenge website lets me know that the Countdown is On!

It's time for me to keep calm! It's race week!

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 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.

Happy New Year!

 

 

 The energy of this month is optimism. Every choice I make is a stepping stone along the path to the wonderful future that I am creating for myself. I let go of the negative energy of the past and become a "now" person. I welcome each day with open arms. ~Louise Hay

How strange to not start the New Year with a run. But I am in serious taper mode and know that this time of rest and taking care of myself will serve me well come race day.

We have had a stressful few weeks albeit weeks that were also filled with joy and celebrations. It was easy to go to my "dark and twisty place" (iykyk from Grey's Anatomy) especially after Tom tested positive for COVID on 12/29. I am so deeply grateful for the primary care practice he has. His doctor was on vacation but the PA he had for his visit was absolutely phenomenal. I thought that he'd have to have two negative tests within 72 hours of travel which of course I googled and was protocol during the height of COVID. The PA told us that he is cleared regardless of test status after 10 days of isolation. His symptoms began Christmas Eve. Tom gets the week off between Christmas and New Year's but has to use vacation time. We had planned day trips but with Tom feeling unwell, Ruth Anne experiencing UTI symptoms and the upper respiratory infection, and me continuing to recover from it as well, we were very content to stay at home and let ourselves recover.

I spent New Year's Day continuing to clean and disinfect the house, creating social media content, cleaning out my digital files and focused on getting ready for our trip. We took extra long time for meditation and visualization and nourished ourselves well. Tom and I reviewed the itinerary from Marathon Tours and Travel taking notes and adding to the to do list. I took a lot of time for stretching. I cleaned out the planner from 2023 and cracked open the new planner for 2024. 

Ruth Anne gifted me a self-care journal as part of my Christmas Birthday celebration. It's a wonderful tool for reflections on what I want to heal this year and envisioning what I want to create this year. I get to choose my perspective on circumstances that happen in our lives. I could have had a wonderful pity party about what we weren't able to do after Christmas and that we were all experiencing discomfort. Instead I focused on gratitude and the blessings and gifts in the challenge. I was so deeply grateful for wonderful health care providers and that while our symptoms were uncomfortable, they didn't require more intense interventions than hydration, gargling, hot tea and lots and lots and lots of rest. Did I mention rest? I must admit, I am not the best when it comes to rest. I do know when the Universe is letting me know it's time for a big time out and all I can do is surrender.

I've had time to cook and focus on nutrition for the body and meditation for the heart and soul. Self-love, kindness and compassion take center stage exiting 2023 and embracing health and wellness for 2024. Tapping into happiness and joy regardless of circumstances is a top priority. David Hamilton shares a story about when his dog Oscar encountered a duck that snapped at him. He ran to David and David noticed that he literally shook off the experience. During this 'down time' I've been working on better managing my fear and anxiety. When that fear and anxiety take over, it's challenging to be in a creator mode allowing pleasant imaginings to be at the fore front of my thoughts. Soooo I had the image of David's dog shaking off the unpleasant experience and going about his day. He recently added a course to his on line offerings about how the mind can heal the body. It's been a wonderful refresher for me to harness the positive power of the mind to overcome these recent challenges and move forward with joy into 2024. Taper madness certainly intensified with us all being under the weather and not having our usual outlet on the roads.

While Tom's vacation was not what we envisioned and our post-Christmas time focused on medical care initially fraught with worry about whether or not we would be able to have our vacations to Bermuda and Nashville, we used the time and circumstances to regain our health and spiritually grow. We surrendered and accepted to the circumstances using gratitude and believe it or not humor as we navigated through disrupted sleep, lots of hot showers with steam and watching episodes of Psych in the evening. We read, meditated and listened to music. We stayed connected with friends and family through social media. Sure it would have been awesome to see the ice sculptures downtown and enjoy First Night festivities maybe going out for dinner but it was also awesome to be grateful for the gift of the dawn of a new year. And what an exciting adventuresome New Year we have planned.

On the 11th, Tom and I head to Bermuda on Jet Blue and Ruth Anne heads to Nashville to visit her best friend from college. On the 13th, I toe the starting line of the Bermuda Triangle Challenge 10K. I trust the training and let the excitement of anticipation wash through every part of my Being. January 26-27, I am an Ambassador for the Boston Run Show. How exciting and exhilarating to have meet ups with friends from social media, hear inspirational speakers and share my incredible journey. In February, Tom and Ruth Anne take on the Hyannis Half as their final training run for LA. In March, we head to Los Angeles where Tom and Ruth Anne take on the LA Marathon! I have a non-running adventure in New York City to hear Barry Manilow in Concert at Radio City Music Hall. I've been imagining manifesting a meet and greet with him. 

Hello 2024 - Team McManus is embracing you with open arms.

Happy NewYear!  

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 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.

Felt Like 87 Degrees!

  

Having an event to train for means no excuses for going on a run especially when it felt like 87 degrees with the heat and humidity. We set the alarm for an early Saturday morning run on the road to the Bermuda 10K. One of the hallmark symptoms of Post-Polio Syndrome was having difficulty regulating body temperature. The body's thermostat was adversely affected by the initial polio virus and I would have difficulty getting warm in winter or cooling off in summer. It's so easy to feel the fear rise up and that my body would not be able to rise to the occasion of a training run in summer after a 6 year hiatus from training for an endurance event.

Re-reading Deena Kastor's book, "Let Your Mind Run" (link to book review blog after I read her book the first time) has been a wonderful tool in my training. I recalled her saying to herself to not think about the heat but rather to take in the surroundings and focus on hydration and fueling. Our mind is an incredible training partner when we harness its power to transform the conditions we are experiencing. Deena is going to be the guest speaker and Ambassador for Bermuda Triangle Challenge Race Weekend!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I reminded myself that every training run is a new starting line releasing the fear that my left leg might experience calf pain or muscle spasms again. I honored Friday as a rest day. I made sure that I hydrated and fueled well along with mental preparation for four miles. I visualized how I wanted the training run to go. Ruth Anne and I took time on Friday to go over the course map and reviewed the photos from when she ran the Bermuda 10K in 2020 with Tom. 

Ruth Anne and I marveled at how much healthier we look and feel now compared to when we visited Bermuda in 2020. Ruth Anne was still in the early stages of her recovery from PANDAS which is well described in this article from Boston College. She is tapering off the last of her medications that had caused weight gain and a whole host of untoward side effects including fatigue. It's a blessing we can do early morning runs especially with the summer heat. I am shedding the weight of the stress of Ruth Anne's illness and Team McManus has a renewed commitment to health and wellness. Tom has switched to decaf coffee. We have improved our nutrition and forego the after dinner summer ice cream in service of our training goals. We DO however enjoy FlavaNaturals for healthy desserts.

At the end of our 4 miler, I pushed a bit as we visualized entering the Stadium and crossing the finish line. It was a solid run from start to finish. 

How wonderful to open the door and have a blast of air conditioned air meet the sweat soaked skin and clothes. We relished our lunch and savored the success of another training run that takes me one step closer to the starting line of the Bermuda 10K and Ruth Anne and Tom closer to Half Marathon #3 at Bay State for Victory Programs. Here is the link to her fundraising page.  Please consider a donation to take her across the finish line of her $10,000 fundraising goal and support this incredible cause that helps to save lives of Boston's most vulnerable populations.

Even though we would have loved to go and sit on the beach on a hot summer's day, we are in serious training mode. Even though it felt like 87 degrees, we deposited another 4 miles on the road to the 2024 Bermuda 10K!

From my heart to yours
In health and wellness,
Mary

Visit my ***NEW*** website at  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 that make great summer beach reads 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!

Emerging From the Pandemic: From FOMO to Let's Go

We had a trip to New York City planned for last weekend to see Jagged Little Pill and enjoy all that NYC has to offer. When we booked the trip, we were fully vaccinated and were so excited to be mask free and free from the constraints of the pandemic. That quickly changed when we received an email from Telecharge saying that masks would be required in the theater and we'd have to wait in line to be admitted to the theater showing photo ID and proof of vaccination. I had convinced myself that we would not be able to enjoy going out to eat or walking around the City with masks up. 

As a survivor of severe childhood trauma, I've struggled throughout COVID with having to wear a mask. How could I possibly sit in a theater wearing a mask for 2 hours and 40 minutes? I let it go and we decided we would return to the City in the Spring.

I grew up in Westchester and going into the City to see a show was an integral part of my childhood and adolescence. It provided a wonderful escape for me from the abuse I endured after contracting paralytic polio. Several years ago, I reconnected with my love for the theater through the amazing group Voices of Hope Boston. They had Sean Allan Krill as a guest on their podcast, The Cardinal Cafe. We were instantly drawn to Sean and Jagged Little Pill which had its roots in Cambridge at the American Repertory Theater.

With the pandemic, we relied on our vinyl records, especially the Jagged Little Pill vinyl and listening to Standing Room Only on WERS to enjoy a taste of Broadway.

After the podcast with Sean Allan Krill, Greg and Ed, President and Vice-President of Voices of Hope and co-hosts of the podcast said they were going to get a group together of Voices of Hope Boston members when the lights were turned back on Broadway. Sean was thrilled with the idea. We originally booked a trip for October 2nd but reopening night was postponed until October 21st.

I saw the posts of reopening night

with comments made by people with their dates of when they were going to see the show. My friends from Voices of Hope were among them.

I reached out to Eliza, one of my dear friends from Voices of Hope who is also a reader for one of my poems for the Hope is a Garden production, inquiring about what performance they were going to attend on November 20th. She sent me an enthusiastic reply complete with a link to the hotel where everyone is staying in the City. I talked about it with Tom and Ruth Anne. With COVID and the need to mask everywhere we once again said we would wait until Springtime. Eliza totally understood but then she sent me another message on Facebook letting me know that a member of Voices of Hope had two tickets available and connected us with the ticket holder. 

Okay Universe .... You really want us to go to New York and be a part of this experience. In hind sight, I realized that we were all experiencing COVID fatigue. We'd been irritable and feeling down. We are so used to having events to look forward to and it seemed as though we had reached our limit of not having anything on the calendar (or anything on our fridge) to look forward to. We enjoyed our Boston Marathon experience that seemed to ignite that desire within us to not let the parade pass us by (referencing a wonderful number from Hello Dolly!)

Although we did not take the tickets from the Voices of Hope member (long story for another day) we were able to find tickets in the Mezzanine where over 50 members of Voices of Hope will be seated together. We were able to book a room where everyone will be staying. Everyone will be vaccinated and I will take these next 4 weeks to mentally prepare for rocking my mask in NYC harnessing the power of visualization to find a space of ease. 

I always make a list of things we must remember before going on any trip. It was trippy to put on the list, vaccination cards and masks. 

I trust the vaccine. I trust masks and I trust my body's immune system. I know that feeling joyful and being with people who embody love, kindness and a commitment to doing good stimulates the immune system. The time has come to face the fear, ditch the fear, emerge from the pandemic and get totally excited and thrilled for a New York City experience emerging from the pandemic into the light as the lights go back on Broadway.

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

 

Letting Go of Fear and Worry!

 

I've been riding the waves that go with a big life change of Tom's retirement. While I limit my exposure to news, the "dreadlines" seemed to have had a bigger impact on me in recent days. I found myself getting stuck in a cycle of worry and fear. I know that worrying is praying for something we do not want to have happen and that it is vital to look within to create my outer world. I believe we are all feeling a little weary of the ongoing pandemic, extreme weather and fires and a "shaky" economic outlook.

After being in my head for a bit during our 5K run, I shared with Tom and Ruth Anne what was weighing me down. With the vast ocean on my right and loving daughter and husband by my side, I was able to purge myself of the fear and worry. I ended up doing major negative splits on our 5K dripping with sweat and a little dizzy from my effort. Cold water, a banana and a picnic lunch was the quick remedy to help me recover.

 

My favorite quote from Ruth Anne was, "Mom...how can you let these dreary thoughts be on such a perfect day?"

She was right! 

 

 We played in the water and "practiced" our synchronized swimming feeling the joy of just being in the moment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As we sat in the sun drying off from our swim, this poem flowed through me:

Baptism

Feet glide along silky silt ocean’s floor
wading into gentle waves
expanding
fathom infinite gratitude and love
warm sun on skin
seagulls song entreating.

Dive into faith
releasing fears
fully present
prepared to receive gift of new life
past washed away in tide
only good tidings.

Source’s presence palpable
as joy rises from depths of soul
return to innocence
carefree
just Be
believe!

Seize the moment
seas current comforts
get carried away
on this end of summer day
delicious delight
as heart takes flight. 

A run, a swim, lots of sun and connecting to Source were the perfect combination to help me release fear and worry and embrace infinite possibilities for a new chapter in our life.

From my heart to yours
In health and wellness,
Mary

My books to uplift and inspire you are available on Amazon.

Visit my website to learn more about my journey of transformation in the wake of paralytic polio and trauma to the finish line of the 2009 Boston Marathon and beyond.

Be sure to visit my News and Events tab on my website to hear interviews that will open your heart and mind to a powerful message of healing, hope and possibilities.

Current Situation: Current of Love

 

It's time for me once again to only skim the headlines and resist the temptation to click on what's trending on Twitter which usually only takes me down the rabbit hole of news that breeds fear and discontent. I hide posts on Facebook that do not fuel a sense of joy and happiness. I actively seek out people and pages that I know have uplifting messages. I am spending more time reading and meditating and engaging in conversations with family and friends. I am taking more time for walks in addition to my three 5K's a week and allowing Spirit to flow through me to write. I am working on a very special audio book project for "Hope is a Garden: Poems and Essays From the 2020 Pandemic" (more on that in a later post). 

I ride the waves of fear and anxiety knowing sensations pass and focus on thoughts that can shift me into a state of love, hope, trust, faith and calm. I am mindful of what I am feeding my mind and observe how I respond to situations that are triggers from past trauma. I let healing tears flow when I need to release stress and practice gratitude connecting with Source.

Dr. David Hamilton has done extensive research about how kindness is an antidote to stress. Kindness triggers oxytocin, the "feel good hormone" which counters the production of cortisol, the fight/flight hormone. I've joined the #BEKIND2021 campaign from the Born This Way Foundation. From September 1st to September 21st, I'll be joining a global community practicing kindness, compassion and gratitude. We'll focus on kindness and compassion for ourselves and others. It's a wonderful way to transform feelings of fear and being separate to becoming aware of what binds us together as a global community. It's a deliberate way to keep thoughts and action in the forefront of our lives that help to counter the stress we are all experiencing at this time.

I'd been waking up at 6am -- well more accurately said, our beloved cat Jamie woke me up to be fed and I was having trouble getting back to sleep. Often times I would sleep through Jamie's head butting and she would move on to get Tom to feed her, but in recent weeks with the stressful events swirling around the globe, my vigilant self woke up. On some days, I'd let Tom sleep and feed Jamie enjoying the peace and quiet of the early morning hours.

The other morning, I could not settle down observing all the feelings going through me. I opened my heart to Divine Guidance and this poem flowed through me:

Current of Love

Weariness and wariness
hope and immunity waning
sputtering faith
current situation seems dim
transformed
when love lights the way!
Lens of love
prism of possibilities
despite what eye may see
sparks ignite
burn away doubt and despair
Source ever present
at the ready
tune out and tune in
electrify
illuminate
be light
beaming
becoming radiant.
Turn tide of swirling thoughts
what if
worries wash away
what if
happiness and peace prevail
keep the faith
spread the faith
floating on a current of Love conquering fear.

May we all connect and stay afloat on a current of love.

From my heart to yours
In health and wellness,
Mary

Visit my website to learn more about my journey of transformation in the wake of paralytic polio and trauma to the finish line of the 2009 Boston Marathon and beyond.

Be sure to listen to my recent conversation with Liz Brunner, award winning journalist, now CEO of Brunner Communications on her podcast Live Your Best Life. I share how I live my best life despite the challenges that I faced at an early age.

For all of my recent appearances, be sure to visit my News and Events tab on my website.

A Note From President Biden

 

The first quote in my book, "Hope is a Garden: Poems and Essays From the 2020 Pandemic" is the above quote from Helen Keller. "Hope" was written in real time as we navigated frightening, tumultuous times. On August 20, 2020, Joseph R. Biden Jr and Kamala Harris became our nominees for the 2020 Election. We knew there would be a tough road ahead but justice and right prevailed.

As I wrote in my Dedication, "Hope is a Garden is lovingly dedicated to...

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. who, at the age of 78 years old took on the bully and won, bringing hope and compassion to a nation of individuals who were tired and hopeless."

 

 

 

In March of this year, I was inspired to send a copy of "Hope" to the President as a way of expressing my gratitude for his willingness to step up and tackle the dire state of our Nation with the pandemic, racial tensions at an all time high and being on the brink of economic disaster. I sent him this note:

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr.

The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, DC 20500

 

Dear President Biden,

 

In March of 2020, our world came to a screeching halt with no hope in sight. I am no stranger to my world coming to a screeching halt. At the age of 5 I contracted paralytic polio in one of the last polio epidemics in the United States. I had the vaccines but I was playing with my best friend whose mother was not vaccinated. We contracted the virus on the same day. I endured severe child abuse at the hands of family members with an alcoholic father, a drug addicted mother and a mentally ill grandmother.  At the age of 17, my father ended his life having come close to ending my mother’s life and my own life. I do believe in guardian angels. At the age of 53, I was given the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome, a progressive neuromuscular disease and told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair. I was at the height of my award winning career as a social worker at the Department of Veterans Affairs.

 

As I had done when faced with seemingly insurmountable odds in my life, I got still and asked for Divine Guidance. The answer came in the form of a poem and then many poems in which I imagined myself running free and being healed using forgiveness and gratitude to heal my past. I went on to run the 2009 Boston Marathon raising $10,535 for Spaulding Rehab where I took the first steps on my healing journey. Fast forward to today where I am a published poet, author and motivational speaker.

 

When the world came to a screeching halt, I turned to what I call my divining rod for healing, my pen and wrote “Hope is a Garden: Poems and Essays From the 2020 Pandemic.” Without your courage to take on ‘the bully’, this book would not have been possible nor would we have become a people now filled with hope and possibilities. I wrote it in real time as we navigated those turbulent and uncertain times always holding onto hope and possibilities despite all appearances to the contrary. While we were blessed financially, the pandemic took quite an emotional toll especially for our adult daughter who is healing from a brain injury caused by an untreated infection and misdiagnoses. She is doing much better and I must say, working on your campaign and seeing you as the President has brought so much relief.

 

Please accept this author copy  of ‘Hope is a Garden: Poems and Essays From the 2020 Pandemic” as my deepest token of gratitude and appreciation to you, Dr. Jill Biden and your incredible Team. I will be adding “Ode to a New Administration” to the Epilogue.

 

When the pandemic is over and it is safe to travel again, we look forward to visiting Washington, DC again, and we would love to have the opportunity to thank you in person.  Until then…Be well!

 

With warmest regards and deepest gratitude,

Mary McManus, MSW

 

My daughter and I visited Washington, DC many years ago and spent several days there taking in the sights and visiting the Capitol. As one who worked with veterans for almost 20 years, I was deeply moved to experience the monuments and Arlington National Cemetery. We met with the aides for our Senators and Representatives. We have great memories and would love to make new memories that would include a stop at the White House. I put it all out to the Universe and released it!

 

We picked up Tom for lunch on Friday. 

As the rain poured down, Ruth Anne stopped on the steps in front of the door to look through the mail.

"Come on...it's pouring and dad needs to get out from the ..." 

My voice trailed off. 

"Mom...you have something from the White House," Ruth Anne interrupted.

I couldn't quite comprehend what she said.

 

I saw a small envelope among the other mail we received. Ruth Anne extended it to me in her hand.

"Well aren't you going to open it?"

 

I gingerly opened it ...

 This was inside:

Dear Ms. McManus,

Thank you for sending such a thoughtful gift. I greatly appreciate the warm welcome you and so many of our fellow Americans have extended to me and my family.

Our country faces many challenges, but this is the time for Americans to set aside our differences, to try to understand one another, and to strive to make the promise of a just, prosperous and secure Nation a reality for all. If we look ahead in our uniquely American way and set our sights on the Nation we know we can be, we will meet this moment.

Thank you again for your gift. I look forward to writing the next great chapter in the American story with you.

Sincerely,

Joe Biden

When I sent off the book, I wasn't sure if it would make it through security and if it would, get into the hands of President Biden. But my intention was from my heart and I wanted to share my message of hope, healing and possibilities and the book that he helped to inspire by his campaign and the early days of his presidency.

I wondered if he would continue the tradition that President Obama started with receiving 10 letters a day from his staff to read every night in the residence. Apparently he is continuing the tradition of responding to his constituents.

These ARE very challenging times. We celebrated the end of the pandemic too soon having no idea that the Delta Variant would be as highly contagious as it is nor that people would choose to not get vaccinated. The CDC made recommendations based on the data after vaccination which brought a sense of hope, relief and freedom to those who chose to be vaccinated. We need to continue to be patient and take public health measures while vaccination rates increase and, over the next several months, infection rates once again decline.

After receiving the note from President Biden, my heart overflowed with gratitude and my Spirit soared with joy.

As I have done throughout my 14 year journey after the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome and throughout the pandemic, I honor and hold space for times when I wobble on the side of fear and exhaustion while seeing beyond appearances always remembering that Hope is a Garden!

From my heart to yours
In health and wellness,
Mary

Visit my website to learn more about my journey of transformation in the wake of paralytic polio and trauma to the finish line of the 2009 Boston Marathon and beyond.

Be sure to listen to my recent conversation with Liz Brunner, award winning journalist, now CEO of Brunner Communications on her podcast Live Your Best Life. I share how I live my best life despite the challenges that I faced at an early age.

For all of my recent appearances, be sure to visit my News and Events tab on my website.

My books to inspire and uplift you are available on Amazon.

 

Divinity and Serenity

 

I know when fears arise, it’s a signal that I am disconnected from Source. It’s been incredibly challenging to set fears aside and allow trust and faith to prevail. We’ve navigated turbulent waters for these past 15 months and at times it’s hard to settle down and get into a new rhythm of life. As Lin Manuel-Miranda said on The Tonight Show,  as Jimmy Fallon and he were talking about the excitement of Broadway’s reopening, “And it’s all depending, right? It depends on how safe people feel returning to the theater and people continuing to get vaccinated…”

During my meditations, I have been focusing on peace, calm, ease and healing. Two weeks ago, this poem had popped up in my memories. After the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome, I discovered the healing power of poetry in my soul. Many of those poems are part of my book Feel the Heal: An Anthology of Poems to Heal Your Life but this one had been 'lost' until Facebook revived it. It is perfect for these times as we emerge from the pandemic.

Divine                    June 10, 2009
Listen to hear God's Voice so clear,
the compass to guide who you are
look up to the heavens, the dazzling lights,
you can outshine any star.
The brilliance within a source of great love –
pure, untainted and true
in no one's shadow shall you walk behind,
step into the spotlight of you.
The old self so frightened needs compassion and care
it's time - tenderly laid now to rest
the blame, shame and guilt, the armor you wore –
you did your absolute best.

The price that you paid to sacrifice true self –
to give until you just gave out
trying to please, fueling all others' needs,
of your own power you had so much doubt.
You're now awake and healing tears shed,
polish this diamond so rare
the light cannot hide, it can't be contained
on center stage with the world you must share.

The success of your life is found deep inside,
the courage to step out and shine
unveiling True Self perfection and flawed –
a person who's simply Divine!

I ‘just happened’ to find the above quote about being Divine and was amazed by how people resonated to my post.

During my afternoon meditation, I focused on serenity and this poem flowed.

Serenity

In the wake of the pandemic
aftershock of fears
how does it feel to connect to Source
Divine love and light
coursing through every cell
open the cell door
be free
serenity.

Calm as cool clear lake water
floating in a sea of trust
casting away all cares
all is well
a direct line to Divine
steady breath
gentle winds of acceptance
sailing home.

Fears and anxiety come from situations that are beyond our control and are weighted with profound uncertainty. The pandemic certainly fits the bill. And while we now emerge from the trauma of 15 months of death, disease, economic uncertainty and general unrest in our country and the world, the imprint of those times remain. But by tethering ourselves to something greater than ourselves and connecting with like-hearted friends, we can heal and find our way back home to our divinity, peace and serenity.

From my heart to yours
In health and wellness
Mary

Be sure to listen to my conversation with Greg Chastain and Ed Siegel on their Voices of Hope podcast, The Cardinal Cafe. From Greg Chastain: The latest episode of The Cardinal Cafe is up! On this episode we meet Mary McManus. Mary is a motivational speaker, author, poet, 2009 Boston Marathon Finisher, polio and trauma survivor. She has a remarkable story of resilence, healing, Hope and possibilities. Once you hear her tell her story you will want to rush out to purchase her newest book of poems “Hope is a Garden” which she wrote during the recent pandemic. So please join us for this incredible story.

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.  

Be sure to check out my website's News and Events page for upcoming and past interviews where I share my remarkable and inspirational journey as a survivor of paralytic polio and trauma.

My books to inspire and uplift you are available on Amazon.

A Shot in the Arm

 

As I shared in Fear or Faith, my daughter and I struggled with my decision about whether or not to receive the vaccine to help end the pandemic. Last Sunday, Ruth Anne and Tom went to Gillette Stadium where Ruth Anne received her first shot of Moderna. Her brother and his girlfriend, and our friends on social media celebrated with us. 

On Tuesday, Tom had his 2nd Pfizer shot at Mass. General Hospital at Assembly Row, and I was on deck for my first shot on Wednesday at Mass. General Hospital/Brigham.

I was blessed to receive two signs that I made the right decision to move ahead with the vaccine:

 I found a dime on our run and then later that day saw a post on Twitter about the anniversary of when the Salk vaccine was approved in 1955.

 

 

As a good runner gets ready for an event, I hydrated and fueled and got myself mentally prepared for the 'event.' I visualized how I wanted things to go from start to finish.

We went on a run to start the day and the weather was glorious!

There was no traffic and we arrived a few minutes before my appointment. We found a parking space with ease after being given masks by the attendant as we entered the parking garage.

We were directed to Station #5 where we were warmly greeted by Emily. As she took my information, I became tearful. 'This is quite emotional for me,' and I explained that I contracted polio in one of the last epidemics in 1959.

She exuded compassion from every fiber of her being. She shared with us that being able to work in the vaccine clinic has been a God send. She is pregnant with twins. We shared our experience as parents of boy/girl twins and I relaxed.

"I believe some people are just sent my way," she said. 

As we finished the pre-vaccine interview, she asked me which arm I wanted to use. She came up behind me because she's a lefty. 

"You're going to feel so much better after this. Just think about all the things you are going to be able to do once you're fully vaccinated."

What an incredible intention to set as she gave me the vaccine focused on, as she said, "only good energy here."

While we waited for 15 minutes, I cried tears of joy and a feeling of strength and courage surge through me saying, "I did it!"

One of my dear friends from our running club commented on the photo's Facebook post, "Brave girls lead the way."

Emily was an earth angel who gave me a shot in the arm as we all work together to end this pandemic and joyfully move forward in our lives.

Fear or Faith from Hope is a  Garden: Poems and Essays From the 2020 Pandemic":

 

Invisible to eye yet a powerful force

one comes from our mind the other from Source.

Counting blessings and feel gratitude deep in heart

although from our loved ones we must keep apart.

 

Riding waves of emotion we've never known before

the rhythm of our lives shaken to the core.

What do we believe how to feel hope and grace

in the midst of the darkness much adversity to face.

 

When we get out of head let peace settle in soul

faith lights the way the path to feeling whole.

Guardian angels feel gift of presence surround

treasures in these moments can always be found.

 

Friendships rekindled tapestry of love woven tight

trusting and knowing we all are all right.

Believing in something the eye cannot see

choosing faith from our fear now sets us free.

  

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.