This Week in Training: Dancing Through Life!

 
 

Tom and I had 4 fabulous miles last Saturday to start another week of training on the Road to Hyannis. What a joy to have dry ground and no ice or snow to navigate along with moderate temperatures and no wind. The geese flying in formation reminded us to stay connected to a Force greater than ourselves and feel the Creator in all things. We reflected on the events of the past week and opened our hearts with compassion to lives lost while talking about how we retain our optimism. The Optimism Institute founder, Bill Burke, was recently the guest on an episode of SideBar:Optimism in Action podcast. I listened to it on Friday and shared with Tom how I was uplifted and inspired by how Bill answered very difficult questions from the hosts about maintaining our optimism to meet these moments. 

 

 

As I wrote about in a previous blog, "From Atrophy to Astonishing, during one of my early morning meditations, early on in this training cycle, I embodied myself as the young, lithe ballerina in Miss Patricia's ballet class. I experienced the muscle memories from before I contracted polio.

Saturday night, I had a dream about Miss Patricia only we had aged in the dream. She was holding class for a small group of older women. In the dream, I called her Patricia when I asked a question of how many steps we should take before we made a certain dance move. I loved the joy of feeling free in my body and dancing again. When I woke up I felt amazing remembering how happy I was for two years in her ballet class before contracting paralytic polio. 

This week's theme for my training cycle is "Dancing Through Life." I listened to the song from Wicked when I was in the waiting room for my therapy appointments after the diagnosis and having been told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair and expect an accelerated decline in functioning as I aged. I made the decision that even if I had to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair, I would do so dancing through life as happens in the song. Little did I know that in February of 2007, I would discover the healing power of poetry and become a most unlikely runner! 

 

For Monday's strength training session, I was drawn to this quote from Dr. Joe Dispenza. It's my why!

 I love starting a new day and a new week with a before breakfast rigorous strength training workout with Tom. I can't believe that we are in the final 7 weeks of training. There will be so much to celebrate in Hyannis. I'll be celebrating 20 years of healing after the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome when I was told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair and expect an accelerated decline in functioning as I aged. Tom will be celebrating his 74th birthday on 3/2. We met on a blind date 49 years ago on his  25th birthday! And on 3/4, we celebrate 48 years of marriage.

 

 On Tuesday morning, we were treated to a cotton candy sky; a sweet reward for getting up at 6am to get in morning miles. The last few weeks have been hard runs with bitter temps, and having to navigate snow, ice and rock salt. Those hard runs help me to appreciate an easy run like this morning. I felt as though I were dancing through the miles as Tom and I breathed deeply savoring these moments unplugged in Nature. We kept expressing how grateful we are for this training cycle celebrating being in our 70's feeling healthy enjoying life.

I remember how 20 years ago I was NOT enjoying life and faced a grim prognosis after the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome when I was told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair and expect an accelerated decline in functioning as I aged. 

Cue the fog horn for Thursday morning's mystical miles as we wrapped up another week of training. We found a nickel on our way home that, aside from how finding money is always a sign, a nickel has special significance.

"The Five Pennies" was a 1959 film based on the true story of bandleader Loring "Red" Nichols who leaves his burgeoning musical career with his band, "The Five Pennies" to care for his daughter who contracted polio. If you decide to watch it, be sure to have a box of Kleenex handy. Spoiler alert: Red Nichols daughter recovers from polio and encourages her dad to return to his passion. In the final scenes, Nichols, nervous and terrified of playing in front of an audience again, is disappointed when he sees no other old friends in the audience. He opens the show, and after a few notes, “Won't you come home Bill Bailey?” echoes through the dark. The lights come up, and he is greeted by Louis Armstrong and his friends. Willa, his wife, comes up on stage and tells him she has a surprise for him. Dorothy, his daughter, steps onto the dance floor without her cane and asks her father to dance. Here is the link to watch the emotional ending to the story.

What a beautiful affirmation for this week's theme of "Dancing Through Life" as we wrapped up another week of training on the Road to the Hyannis Marathon Weekend 10K.  Come see me at the Expo! I'll be inspiring runners with my journey as a most unlikely runner and having my books for sale. Here is the link to register.  

In health and wellness - Mary

Visit my ***NEW*** 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. 

 

 

 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.

 

Rest Is Not a Four Letter Word!

 

I often joke I am a recovering Type A personality. Many polio survivors became Type A personalities as a way to cope with the challenges of overcoming the initial polio virus. To complicate my recovery from polio, I endured years of abuse at the hands of family members. My wake up call to transform the Type A personality habits came in the form of Post-Polio Syndrome in December of 2006. As one who typically could not sit still and was always "busy", it was a big challenge to learn how to rest and pace myself. 

Coincidentally, I found my way to the sport of running. The runner within me was born in my imagination. I wrote the poem, "Running the Race" in February of 2007. That poem foreshadowed my 2009 Boston Marathon run! Any runner will tell you that one of the most challenging parts of training is rest days, and taper madness is real. Yet rest, both on the roads and in life is vital for recovery. We often think of rest as a waste of time or label ourselves as lazy. I don't know about you, but when I feel stressed, it is a challenge to let go of trying to control things; to rest and trust with meditation and prayer, visualizing positive outcomes being grateful for the blessings in my life. Resting in a state of grace and gratitude is one of the best ways I know to recharge and have the strength I need to meet whatever the challenge may be.

As an older runner and one who has had challenges to my neuromuscular system, I know what happens if I don't honor my rest days. I become vulnerable to injuries and mental burnout. I lose the joy of running and the health benefits it brings to me mind, body and soul. There are many different kinds of rest days depending on what any individual needs.  There are times when a total rest day is needed; times when an unscheduled rest day needs to be taken. Other times, a gentle walk or an added day of strength training feels good for a rest day. The more active kind of rest days always seem to be easier but the days when we need to honor what our bodies and minds are telling us; to take a total time out are somehow harder to navigate.

Often times, the Universe will push us to rest when we get ill or injured. One of the reasons I am writing this post is to remind all of us to not wait until we reach that point but to give ourselves permission to rest when we need it and NOT FEEL GUILTY!

 

Here's the paradox. We often feel and think that we have to 'push through' to get something done or go beyond when our body says stop. Now there are times when we can go a little farther or if there's a deadline looming, to keep going until it's done. But most times, when we take that break or give ourselves an extra rest day, we become more focused, more creative and, on the roads, are able to come back even stronger after rest AND before we end up injured or ill.

Ben Crosby who I met through the On the Runs Podcast (and be sure to listen to his Episode 126 by following this link) posted his struggles about rest on his Instagram page @a_better_ben   He is in comeback mode after having surgery this past summer. He shared how he couldn't finish his 10 miler as planned and realized he needed to take unscheduled rest days. Yesterday he posted the joy of a sunrise run and being able to do 10 miles!

David R. Hamilton PhD's latest book, "The Joy of Actually Giving a F***" has excellent advice on self-care. He talks about how we cannot give from an empty cup. He talks about the various ways we can take care of our physical and mental well-being that goes beyond the often thought of spa day when it comes to self-care. When we deliberately carve out time to do what brings us joy, we are practicing self-care. He underscores the need for exquisite self-compassion and self-love which ties in to giving ourselves the grace to rest and take care of ourselves when we need to. 

During these past 18 years, in the wake of the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome, I have learned about patience, pacing, trusting the process, having faith that when I let go of control I am actually gaining control over myself and that rest is NOT a four letter word. It is a vital part of being able to perform at our best.

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, where you can find my incredibly inspirational story and upcoming events.

Proud to BU is a podcast highlighting the illustrious achievements of Boston University Alumni. Here is the link to my episode.

My books that pack powerful messages of healing, hope and possibilities are available on Amazon  My 7th book, "A Most Unlikely Runner:Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior" is receiving rave reviews and is a selection of the WBZ News Radio Book Club.

Finishing Unfinished Business!

 Yesterday's 10K embodied the Nike motto of "Just Do It!"

I had unfinished business from the Bermuda 10K in January. I know that I made the right choice to 'call it' at 3.06 miles to avoid injury or worse. Believe me when I say that you do not want to have to access medical care in Bermuda. Most Bermudians come to Massachusetts for their care. I knew that I needed/wanted to finish a 10K before the year was out. When I was unable to find a race that would accommodate my pace, I opted for the Gone for a Run Virtual Series 10K Challenge. I started the challenge on March 30th.  My planner had a training plan mapped out as I had for when I trained last year for the Bermuda 10K. I planned to slowly increase my mileage.

Last week, during my strength training session, I was inspired to up my game with core work. I'd been inspired by all I had seen and heard at last weekend's Boston Outdoor Expo. I felt the benefits of strengthening the core when Ruth Anne and I did fartleks last Thursday.

Let me digress for a moment, This time last year, I recorded my episode for the On the Runs podcast. I gave them 'an exclusive' that my next goal was to do the Bermuda 10K walk as a way to celebrate my 70th birthday and 17 years of healing in the wake of the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome. Here is the link to my episode on Apple but subscribe and download on your favorite podcast platform. 

Race day in Bermuda did not go as planned-spoiler alert for "A Most Unlikely Runner:Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior-but other goals were met. Tom and I had a wonderful time.

Having that unfinished 10K was gnawing at me since January. Part of me wanted to do the Hyannis 10K where I knew that my pace wouldn't matter since there is a half marathon and marathon but that didn't feel right in March. I've been using conscious movement and meditation/visualization to continue to heal the late effects of paralytic polio and trauma and the reaction I had to the 2nd Pfizer vaccine (coincidentally 3 years ago today on 5/5).  Yesterday morning I was able to remove the top of the full orange juice jug with ease and pour the OJ into glasses without spilling any concentrating on keeping my hands steady. I tamed the nerve pain in my right leg by lovingly talking to my body with the mantra, "The Power that made the body, heals the body." My day was off to a good start!

I went on social media to do my morning post. I stopped my scrolling when I saw what my dear friend, Candice, who I met through the On the Runs podcast posted. She was diagnosed with an aggressive type of breast cancer last month and has crossed the starting line of her marathon of healing. She posted her 5 mile run with the quote, "Keep your face always toward the sunshine, and shadows will fall behind you." Loved this quote so much! Happy Saturday! 5 miles on this beautiful morning. I go into each run with a number of miles in mind. If I don't hit my number that's ok. I celebrate that I no longer beat myself up for what didn't happen and be proud something happened! It's the little things.

Last Tuesday (the day she receives chemo) she ended her post with, "I'll continue to stay mentally strong and surround myself with amazing people! A seed can only grow to its full potential by what it's surrounded by."

I felt a stirring deep in my soul. I knew I wanted to dedicate my miles to Candice but not the 4 miles I had on the training plan. I knew that even though I had not built up the mileage again to do the 10K, it was go time. I knew in every fiber of my being that it was time to once again see what this body could do ( a favorite phrase from my personal trainer from the 2009 Boston Marathon) and finish that unfinished business. Ruth Anne said she would go the distance with me as was our original plan for Bermuda. There were many layers and factors inspiring and motivating me to finish what I started a year ago. When I said goodbye to Scott Jurek at last week's Boston Outdoor Expo with a hug, he got a gleam in his eye. "Go finish that marathon." I knew he was referring to the 10K. For me, a 10K is a marathon these days. He talked about keeping the fire lit and the passion alive while feeling that child-like aliveness in our endeavors. 

But the number one source of inspiration and motivation for getting out there and just doing it was Candice. While she is doing an incredibly hard thing with cancer treatment, I wanted to do a hard thing in her honor. I ran with my heart and my mind not paying attention to the fact that I was under trained to do a 10K. All of the admonitions from Western Medicine about if you use it, you'll lose it were washed away by the passion and drive I felt inside. I felt incredible joy knowing that once again I was running for something greater than myself. Candice and I are both warriors who refuse to let a diagnosis define who we are and how we live our lives.

When I set out on this quest to heal my life 17 years ago, I knew there would be pain whether I chose the pain of atrophy as a result of Post-Polio Syndrome or I chose the pain of healing and surpassing limits, listening to my intuition. I wore my 2009 Boston Marathon jacket as the anchor memory from when I defied the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome.

Candice talks about one day at a time in her posts. I took the 10K one mile at a time. Ruth Anne was mindful of helping me to keep a steady pace. When the wind intensified around the Reservoir, we went to the track across the street. She asked a person to take our photo. He was the Director of Grounds Keeping for the field at Cleveland Circle. Once the wind died down, we returned to the Reservoir. Although the temperature did not feel like Spring, the beauty of Spring shined through.

Baby geese once again grace the perimeter of the Reservoir.

I did not feel the pressure of a specific pace, reminding myself that for someone who was supposed to be in a wheelchair, I go pretty fast but secretly, I wanted to finish in under 2:30 which was the time limit for the Bermuda 10K. I was keenly aware of fueling and hydration. I thought greater than my circumstances as I thought to myself I should have cut my toenails and dismissed the inevitable soreness that was creeping into my IT band, quads and hamstrings.

We took our traditional selfie:

We made a pit stop at the Boston College Recreation Center to refill our water bottles and go to the bathroom when we were at about 4.5 miles. My right knee was crunchy. I imagined putting a washer into the joint to stop the bone on bone sensation and visualized lubricant moving through the joint. I even said to my knee -- there - that's better! When I got to 5.6 miles I said to Ruth Anne, "This is the farthest I've gone since 2018 when we ran the Bermuda Half Marathon together!" Ruth Anne was incredibly supportive and encouraging throughout the miles, especially when I hit this milestone reminding me we only had .6 miles to go. We called Tom to meet us with the medal from Gone for a Run Virtual 10K Challenge. 

 

 I had my third eye on the goal throughout the miles and when I approached the 'finish line', I felt a rush of emotion. It was clear to me that I was meant to finish the 10K on May the fourth! 

Tom put the medal around my neck coincidentally wearing the hat he bought at the Flying Colours in Bermuda:

And Ruth Anne was at the ready to take a photo of me with my medal:

Out of curiosity, I did an age grade calculation. My age graded time is 1:35:08. As Ruth Anne paced me to a strong finish, she suggested that my goal for 2025 should be a half marathon again. I suggested she let me recover from today's accomplishment and we'll see. I did love that incredible feeling that happens after a long run that I had not experienced since I crossed the finish line of the 2018 Bermuda Half Marathon.

Thank you Ruth Anne for going the distance with me to finish the 10K distance. I am so grateful to my body, mind, heart and soul for working together to achieve this new milestone. Thank you Candice for being the ray of sunshine that you are. Your strength, grit, grace, remarkable resilience and living life with an attitude of gratitude are an inspiration to all who are blessed to know you. Be sure to listen to her Episode on the On the Runs podcast.

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 interview with the amazing On the Runs podcast team of Erika Hamel and Eric Knuuttunen is Episode 56. Be sure to subscribe and download on your favorite podcast platform and subscribe to their YouTube channel.

Proud to BU is a podcast highlighting the illustrious achievements of Boston University Alumni. Here is the link to my episode.

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

***COMING MAY 25, 2024***  "A Most Unlikely Runner: Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior" Book Release Party 6/3  7-8pm at Livite Brookline in Washington Square

 

Sweat Cleanses From the Inside Out

 

Tom had to work this weekend on a special project that required ongoing attention throughout the weekend. I am so grateful he has this wonderful job that he enjoys especially as a 71 year old. Two years ago at this time we were wondering what was going to happen after Tom took his leap of faith leaving behind his 7 year Boston College career as a Systems Administrator. Would he get a 'retirement' job or would he continue to work in technology? We weren't sure but we were sure that the job at BC was no longer fulfilling and the stress was taking a toll on his health. 

We had to get up extra early on Saturday to ensure that Tom would be back home in plenty of time to monitor the system he was upgrading. It was a win/win since summer decided to linger well into September this year. The heat and humidity was palpable even at 7:30 in the morning! 

We had another 5 miles on tap on the road to the Bermuda Triangle Challenge 10K. As sweat poured, I made sure to hydrate and to also be mindful of my nutrition. I thought that we would have to dial back our pace but I kept a pace consistent with what we have been doing in recent weeks.

Ruth Anne continues to heal from an infection making her way back to wellness. We know that it can take time for med changes and for the body's natural ability to heal to take effect. I know that we can't rush the healing process although at times it seems to be painfully slow for everyone especially Ruth Anne.

Tom and I savor our training time together. We are unplugged and out in nature which nourishes our mind, body and soul. We always take time to soak in the beautiful surroundings of the Reservoir. We paused as we saw a solo goose serenely swimming on the near still water. We watched it turn around with such ease and grace; a reminder that we need to be in the flow accepting all that is right now going with the current of life.

We were grateful for the cloud cover for most of our run. When the sun came out, the heat and humidity really kicked in but fortunately we had only a mile left to run. Our emotions while Ruth Anne finds her healing path were getting wrung out with the sweat. Tom and I used Louise Hay's affirmation while we got in our miles: All is well. Everything is working out for my highest good. Only good can come out of this. I am safe. Louise recommends using it to clear away worries during a challenging situation to allow the Universe to create the solution. We shifted our attention to how Ruth Anne was when her mental status cleared and how Ruth Anne is when she is well saying a prayer "May Ruth Anne be happy. May Ruth Anne be safe. May Ruth Anne be well. May Ruth Anne be at ease!" It's amazing how troubles and worries are released out on a run in nature while sweat pours.

On our way home we were blessed to see two dear neighbors who hold Ruth Anne close in their hearts and prayers. We paused our Garmins to take time to chat with them and soak up their love and support.

One of the things I love about a sultry end of summer sweaty run is to feel the sweat continuing to pour even after the run has ended. George Sheehan has so many incredibly wise quotes about life and running. It's true what he said about sweat. Sweat cleanses from the inside out in a way no shower possibly can!

Another 5 miles deposited in the Bank of Bermuda. Let the excitement build about being a part of Race Weekend. I am always in awe of how the Universe speaks to me and sends me messages and signs. I 'just happened' to see on Instagram that the Grotto Bay, the property where we planned to stay was doing extensive renovations that would not be completed until Spring of 2024. I called to find out that the renovations would affect food service. We planned to have our pre-race breakfast at 6:30 at their Coffee Shop which is now closed. Breakfast wouldn't be served until 7:30 and they were not sure where they were going to serve breakfast. 

We decided to pivot and stay just for race weekend instead of the week long stay at Grotto Bay. We easily changed our flights. We are going to stay at the host hotel in Hamilton at the Hamilton Princess Hotel through Marathon Tours. They have a great VIP Package that is going to thoroughly enhance our Race Weekend experience and make Bermuda Race Weekend a true race-cation! Everything always works out for better than the best!

From my heart to yours
In health and wellness,
Mary 

Visit my ***NEW*** 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

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.

Be sure to also subscribe to their YouTube channel

On Intentionality and Synchronicity

 

  

"What do you want to do after your run?" I asked Ruth Anne when she called me during the cool down portion of her 4 Mile Race Pace intervals training run.

"Well it's too nice to go stretch in the pool as we planned. How about the beach? Or maybe breakfast out? No let's have breakfast and debated whether to 'hang out' at home or get some vitamin sea. We know how short summers are in New England so decided to head to the beach.

While I was fixing breakfast, I announced to Ruth Anne and Tom: It's a great day to have a great day. I am setting my intention for 1. Tom you are getting your offer letter today for full time employment. 2. Ruth Anne there's gonna be a lot happening with your fundraising campaign today and 3. Something is going to happen with your job finding journey. I felt so happy knowing that all of this would come to pass and so grateful for all of the blessings in our lives.

Tom called me over after I  set this intention and showed me his offer letter!

He got busy taking care of the onboarding process and transitioning from contract work to perm employee at the job where he has been for 8 months with great people doing what he loves.

Intention #1 - check!

Ruth Anne and I had to decide where to go to the beach. When I got to South Boston I said, "okay, where to?" and we opted for this small stretch of beach between M Street and Castle Island. There was one woman playing with her two dogs in the ocean but there was no one else on the beach on this end of summer sizzling hot day.

I read a wonderful fiction book, "Nora Goes Off Script" and what a delicious treat to have time to go off line and just veg with a good read. Ruth Anne spread out her beach towel and took a nap. Getting up at 6am and doing Half Marathon training and fundraising is exhausting. 

We went for a walk to the water but there were too many rocks between us and the water. We wondered about going to another beach where we'd be able to wade into the water.

"It's so peaceful here and there's no one here so why don't we just stay?"

I agreed with Ruth Anne.

We sat and chatted noticing it was getting close to lunch time. Tom said we should go out for a girls' lunch and go back to the beach but Ruth Anne and I didn't feel quite right doing that.

"Let's text dad and tell him we'll bring home lunch."

We saw two men coming close to shore in a kayak. One of them let out a squeal of delight as he dove into the ocean off of the kayak shouting, "I highly recommend it."

They brought the kayak to shore. As we walked to our car we heard, 'Behind you.' 

In retrospect that was odd because there was a wide stretch of beach without anyone else on the beach but there they were right behind us.

I looked down at the kayak. 

"We went out to Spectacle Island."

"Wow," I said.

"It's really beautiful out there. You should go!"

"I've been," I said. "I did my first trail race out there. I'd never done a trail race before."

The other person said from behind their vehicle, "I did that race."

 "He looks and sounds familiar. Do we know him?" Ruth Anne asked me. "I think I heard him call him Paul."

I agreed that he looked and sounded so familiar.

"I know. He really does."

Without thinking or missing a beat I said, "Excuse me. Is your friend's name Paul?"

"That's my son," he said, "and yes his name is Paul."

"Paul Epstein," Ruth Anne shouted. 

"Yes, from BHS," his dad said. "Go say hello."

"Hi Paul, It's Ruth Anne McManus." She took off her sunglasses and he said, "Oh my goodness I didn't recognize you with the sunglasses on." He embraced her in a big hug. 

"I used to come into your office all the time asking for Red Sox tickets." Paul is a social worker at Brookline High School. His brother Theo Epstein was the manager of the Red Sox when they won the pennant. 

"Did I come through?" Paul asked.

"No." Ruth Anne answered.

"Well..it's never too late," Paul said with a warm smile.

I nudged Ruth Anne but she was way ahead of me telling him about her fundraising campaign. She shared her health crisis journey with him. His compassion was palpable as he told her to send him an email with all of the information and he will do whatever he can to support her events. I cried as she recounted the journey feeling so blessed and grateful that we are here now. He said, "So that's why you want to pay it forward and help others."

As we parted ways he said, "So I am going to look for that email from you! Take care."

I received an email from a friend saying that she was delighted to hear from me and would absolutely support Ruth Anne's fundraiser for Victory Programs. There was a friend's Facebook post about the number of deaths due to overdose in Massachusetts during the last decade. I used it as a way to talk about the life saving work of Victory Programs and share the fundraising link. Another donation flowed in with many more to follow to be sure.

Fundraising intention - check!

Now this last intention took a very interesting turn orchestrated by the Universe. Ruth Anne has been discerning what next steps she wants to take in this next season of her life. She has worked in different roles and explored many different options. She feels a strong pull to being able to make a difference in people's lives and while she is doing so in a big way with her fundraising campaign for Victory Programs, she wants to have a direct impact in people's lives. She interviewed for one role and knew she could grow into the role but continued to have this sense that she needs a boost with more education. She has looked at many different programs and took two courses at the Masters Level at Boston College in Leadership and Administration. She loves learning! Just as we came to the conclusion that there was not a program out there that would not require her to take out more student loans, especially since there is going to be debt relief for her current loans or one that would bring her a good ROI, she found a Certificate in Human Services program at Mass Bay Community College. The people she spoke with were kind and helpful guiding her to what she needs to do to start classes next week. 

Intention for job finding journey - check!

Yesterday was a magical and miraculous day. When I woke up this morning, the gratitude in my heart overflowed with tears streaming down my face and stress releasing from my body.

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

Raise Your Vibration

There are times when I feel my energy wane and my mood shift to feeling edgy and 'down.' I limit my intake of news but do need to keep informed about the latest guidance from the CDC and local public health officials. In our little corner of the world, there are major changes happening with Tom's job and Ruth Anne's miraculous ongoing healing journey. While at times I feel incredibly hopeful and optimistic about these changes, at times my 'Negative Nancy' mind set takes over. Tears of gratitude that I know all is well and in Divine Order mix with an unsettling sense of fear. I focus my imagination on what I DO want rather than focus on negative outcomes.

When we were waiting for the results of Tom and Ruth Anne's COVID tests last year, Ruth Anne came up with a song called, "Raise Your Vibration".  She repeated raise your vibration several times and followed it with "You gotta plump plump plump your cells." It's a song we returned to this year while waiting for test results and one we often turn to to raise our vibration.

During these times, it can be challenging to always live in the higher vibrational frequencies. When I feel myself slipping into fear and worry, I nudge myself back to the gift of the present. Rather than harping on untoward outer appearances, I settle into dwelling in the present moment seeking out all that is right and good in my life. Sometimes I walk around my home giving thanks for the 'little things' like rolls of toilet paper, a refrigerator full of food, running water, air conditioning and a spacious home that is filled with love from my husband, daughter and our beautiful cat Jamie.

After dinner last night, we were feeling tired but knew how wonderful it would be to take a walk around the neighborhood. We breathed deeply letting go of any worry or fret and as our walk progressed, we were treated to the most incredible sunset accompanied by the sounds of the crickets' songs.

 

 

 

 

How could we possibly worry about anything when we bear witness to this expansive sky with incredible majesty reminding us of something far greater at work in the Universe. 

 I received a letter from Social Security telling me that I was denied for Medicare Part B. Part of Tom's leaving his job at Boston College has involved getting health care. I marvel at how the Universe led me to just right the person when I first looked at Medicare options. We were waiting for the Medicare Part B to be put in place so we could sign up for a Medicare Advantage Plan. I was just about to pick up the phone to call Social Security prepared for at least a 30 minute wait, when the phone rang. It was the health insurance agent I had contacted who called to inform me that I'd been approved for Medicare Part B and we could sign up for the additional coverage. I told him what happened and expressed deep heartfelt gratitude for him for his diligent follow up. Today, Tom received his new Medicare card and signed up for his supplemental coverage. We are healthy and don't often use our health insurance, but like car insurance, it is a comfort to know it's there should we need it. 

When I believe and see that everything is falling into place, worries melt away. I get out of the way and allow the Universe to work its magic. 

If I am stuck in the mire of worry, I am not open to those delicious feelings of love, gratitude and possibility.

In the midst of uncertainty and times when the headlines can make the hair on the back of your neck stand on end, it's the very time to raise your vibration!

Raise Your Vibration

Fear and worry can shake us to the core
flashbacks to trauma and all that went before
headlines about tragedy leave us bereft of hope
take deep breaths letting go to forge a path to better cope.

Have trust to believe what eye does not yet see
Source's well of Love bathes all Beings to be free
light and ease and grace raining down cup your hand
plant your feet unwavering in faith we take our stand.

Live as if the dreams you dream so deep within your heart
are playing out right here and now no waiting for their start
purposes and passions unveil Truth let beauty shine
abundance, joy and happiness inheritance now is thine.

Raise your vibration sing out clear and sing out strong
Divinity's proximity is right where we belong
safe harbor from tumultuous times once trembling heart now steady beat
a new day now is dawning open door to future greet.

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.

Unity

 

The above photo is from our morning run earlier in the week. We received a lot of comments on our Facebook post including "not ducks in a row but swans," "beautiful",  and "awesome photo."

Last night, Bernie Siegel commented, "no competition unity."

I replied, "yes  nature is so amazing . I just felt my heart and soul settle with your comment."

As I fell asleep last night, I reflected on the serenity of this moment and when I finished my morning meditation, wrote this poem:

Unity

Elegant
epitome of grace
swans serenely swimming
Instincts guide
poised and peaceful
a chorus line orchestrated by Divine
for heart and soul’s delight.
Powerful moment
movement as One
how we all can be
Being in harmony
rhythm of nature
flowing
growing
reflecting true essence
borne from God
breeding a new world order.

When we look to nature we discover our true nature. As Bernie was quick to point out, there was no competition among the swans. 

I am taken back to when vaccines first became available and everyone was in competition with everyone else to get their shot. Ironically, now, there is more than enough supply but not enough people eager to get vaccinated. 

May we all be in the rhythm and flow of life in unity heading in the same direction with grace and serenity.

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. 

Giddy with Gratitude - Heartful of Sadness - Heartful of Hope

 

"Didn't you almost feel giddy that you could be in a store without a mask?" my dear chiropractor and friend Dr. Lizzie  asked me during yesterday's treatment.

"Yes," I replied. "Giddy with gratitude!"

What a contrast to that moment on March 12, 2020 when we hugged goodbye not knowing we wouldn't see each other for 14 months. "As long as things are open, I'll be here," she said but things quickly shut down the next day.

We shared how thrilling it was to be able to enter and exit a store from whatever door we'd like and to be able to go up and down the aisles no longer needing to pay attention to the one way signs. I recalled with horror the scene at Star Market on Friday March 13th when panic was palpable and empty shelves greeted us at every turn.

Maintaining an attitude of gratitude is vital and was especially vital during the pandemic. I did not set resolutions for 2021 but set my hopes for the New Year: (from Hope is a Garden: Poems and Essays From the 2020 Pandemic":

May I continue to appreciate and savor moments of beauty, joy and laughter and work to create happy times regardless of circumstances.

 

May I continue to take time for sunrises and sunsets, breathing fresh air, anticipating Spring and having a daily practice of gratitude.

 

May I continue share the blessing of my journey to continue to spread a message of healing, hope and possibility. May I be open to opportunities to share my journey and be a beacon of healing light for others.

 

May I open my heart to fully appreciate getting my hair done again, gathering for races, going out to a restaurant, not having to wear a mask, hugging friends and family outside of our ‘bubble’, a President who governs and leads and hope for healing our country and the world.

 

May I continue to deepen my connection to Source and to nature and find new ways to ignite a sense of wonder and awe within me.

 

May I remember that I have endured so much in my life especially during this past year and I have the strength, the faith, the optimism, hope and resilience to overcome any challenges that may come my way. 

 

As I walked to my chiropractor's office at her new location, I savored the beauty of Boston in Spring, the quiet ambiance of Beacon Street away from her former office location in Copley Square. I loved how I could breathe in the fragrant air of Springtime without a mask. The waiting room is fully open with the tape removed to ensure social distancing on chairs, yet masks are still required for the office. My heart overflowed with gratitude to have regular chiropractic treatments again.

Dr. Lizzie and I shared in the joy of the shifting tide of the pandemic while also sharing in the sadness that lingers with favorite stores and restaurants that have closed, the collective trauma we all experienced in different ways and the fear and myriad of emotions that linger as we emerge from the pandemic world. While some shops, restaurants and places of employment have transformed for the better, there are many that have a cloud lingering from the trauma. Stress does take its toll sometimes bringing forth great transformation like coal to a diamond and other times bearing down wreaking havoc with what once was.

We chatted about the pandemic silver linings that we want to keep in our lives and not get swept up in an impossible goal of needing to make up for lost time.

I feel giddy with gratitude that all the metrics and statistics indicate that the pandemic, like one of the worst storms we have ever had to endure is "moving out to sea."  I am excited to be able to go to the beach, swim in the ocean, stay overnight at a hotel, go out for dinner and feel the freedom to choose our activities. Lunch dates and hugs with friends will be so incredibly delicious!

My heart feels the sadness of the loss and devastation that exists in the wake of the pandemic and yet is filled with hope that we can rebuild with great resilience moving forward in our lives.

Gratitude and Grace

A joyous jubilation
a jamboree
freedom
and yet…
a heaviness in heart
empty store fronts
empty seats at dinner tables

How do we heal from the carnage?

Gratitude heals the hole
making us whole
grace reigns from clouds of despair
sifting and sorting through rubble
treasures found.

Strength and resilience
beyond what we ever believed
was possible.

 

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.

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.  

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.

 

 

It's World Book Day 2021 - To Share a Story!

 

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 and expect an accelerated decline as I aged as a result of the polio virus I contracted at the age of 5.

I got still and asked for Divine Guidance as I had always done when facing life's challenges. I had an out of body experience during the acute phase of paralytic polio and felt touched by grace. It was a cold dark day in February of 2007 as I sat quietly at my dining room table experiencing the dark night of mind, body and soul. I wore a toe up leg brace and had my cane propped on the back of my chair. I had papers spread out all over the table; print outs from mind/body luminaries and "New Age" teachers. Gratitude was the theme that every writer touched upon. One phrase seemed to leap off of the page: "I am so happy and grateful now that I can create..."

"Create?" I thought to myself. I have two grown children and my award winning career as a VA social worker is coming to an end because of my ill health.

And then this poem flowed out of me:

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.

 

It was as though a spigot turned on in my soul. Everywhere I went I had to have pad and pen nearby as poems flowed out of me in which I helped the past of paralytic polio and severe child abuse through forgiveness and gratitude, and created a future for myself very different than the ones the doctors predicted for me.

 

On  May 25, 2007, I took a leap of faith leaving behind my award winning career just 3 years shy of when I was eligible for retirement to "heal my life," and follow my bliss as a poet and my passion as a writer. My undergraduate degree is in Public Relations. One of my professors was a Boston Globe reporter who ignited the passion for writing in my soul.

 

A note about those first poems I wrote that were in the cadence of Dr. Seuss. Before every painful physical therapy session, my beloved therapist, Miss Holly, lovingly lifted me up into the red leather chair in the waiting room and had me choose a Dr. Seuss book to read with her. She took my hand in hers as we walked into the treatment room. As she coaxed my muscles and nerves back to health, she had me recite Dr. Seuss back to her in tandem to distract me from the excruciating pain of the treatments. It was no wonder that when faced with the challenge of a diagnosis of a progressive neuromuscular disease, the healing cadence of Dr. Seuss emerged from my heart and soul.

"Running the Race" foreshadowed my 2009 Boston Marathon run.

After crossing the finish line, I realized I had a story to share. I wrote "Coming Home: A Memoir of Healing, Hope and Possibility."

I wrote a 2nd book "Going the Distance: The Power of Endurance" to continue the story of my healing journey after suffering a serious knee injury in December of 2014.

And before I knew it, I had a Trilogy of Transformation written that expanded on stories shared in the previous two books and went on to share my Adventures as Runnergirl 1953.

After releasing Adventures in April 2019, I was quite content to rest on my writer laurels with my Trilogy and "Feel the Heal: An Anthology of Poems to Heal Your Life".

When the pandemic swept across the Globe in March 2020, I knew it was time to harness the power of my pen, what I call my divining rod for healing to help me navigate an unprecedented time in American history. I feel blessed and grateful that I was able to chronicle that year in poems and essays:

It's wonderful to celebrate World Book Day 2021 with you and to share my story of how I came to be a writer after 25 years of working as a social worker. 

 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.