It's All So Possible!

 

I could fill a blog with motivational quotes about possibilities but then I wouldn't have any space to share this week in our training cycle on the Road to the 45th Hyannis Marathon Weekend 10K. But first, let me ask you a question. Did you know the runner within me was born in my imagination? In December of 2006 I was given the once devastating diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome,  a progressive neuromuscular disease. 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 possibly needing a feeding tube. I was also told that I should leave my award-winning social work career; the stress and strain of my work would accelerate the worsening of symptoms.

In February of 2007, knowing I was at a crossroads in my life, I got still and asked for Divine Guidance. I prayed as I so often had when facing other challenges in my life, drawing from the spiritual strength I experienced when I contracted paralytic polio. I had an out of body experience and felt the presence of my guardian angel. I chose to return to my body with the promise from this Being that no matter what happened, I'd make it through. As I sat at my dining room table with printouts spread out from the 'new age' but really ancient wisdom, the poem "Running the Race" flowed out of me. It foreshadowed my 2009 Boston Marathon run! Poetry flowed out of me as though a spigot had been turned on in my soul. My pen became my divining rod for healing. My imagination stoked the flames of the power of the mind/body connection. 

Saturday was an unexpected hot and humid day. Temperature when we finished, despite what we thought was an early start, was 84 degrees with 71% humidity. There was a sea breeze in Southie with some shade, but everyone running on Saturday was melting with sweat. I knew this was going to be my longest run of 5.5 miles in this training cycle and longest run since 5/4 of last year when I ran the Gone for a Run Virtual 10K. I've had to move the line of my thinking from limitations to expansive possibilities; that I can and will go the distance of a 10K and then a half marathon next year. I allowed the expansiveness of the ocean to fuel my mental toughness. 

I love this quote from Paula Radcliffe:

 I was fully present in the mile we were in leaning into the discomfort of the weather conditions. I am savoring every moment of this training cycle. I was grateful I remembered to bring pretzels in my fuel belt and to pack an extra Gu waffle 'just in case.'  

We ran by a table with trophies on it. I had to pause for a moment. "Did I win?" I asked of no one in particular. Tom asked what was going on. "It's our annual horseshoe tournament," was the reply. Tom turned to me and said, "Only in Southie." On our way back, we could see that this group was very serious about their horseshoes. They had trophies for first, second and third place! Wow! 

As we passed two women with bouquets of helium balloons I asked, "Where's the party? Are we invited?" They ignored us but two women walking their dogs laughed with me.

In the midst of pouring sweat, needing to adjust our pace and stopping at the newly renovated Curley Center to make a pit stop and fill up our water, I felt this surge of gratitude flow through me. We paused for a moment in the air conditioned comfort of the Curley Center knowing that no matter what, we were going to finish our 5.5 miles. I realized how I beat the odds of having to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair!

Here are scenes from Saturday's fabulously fantastic 5.5 miler in challenging weather conditions:

You can see how hazy it was despite having turned the page on the calendar to September. During my recovery, I used the visualization of having Normatec boots on my legs along with the mantra, "My body recovers with ease." Tom and I took a long afternoon nap in our air conditioned room. I felt sore and satisfied. 

Kristin Armstrong's quote captures how I felt after Saturday's long run:

Sunday was our rest day to ensure our bodies fully recovered from Saturday's miles and to get ready for a Monday morning run. Tom's work schedule required us to do a runchie which was a delightful change. For those not in the know, a runchie is a run over lunch. Fortunately, the more seasonable temperatures prevailed. At this time of year it is such a challenge to not over or under dress. By mid-run, I peeled off my jacket and was comfortable in my shorts and t-shirt. 

We were blessed with another glorious September day with hints that Autumn is on its way.

 

 

 

 

Just look at those rich blue hues painted by the Master Artist. The Reservoir was a canvas that captured late summer beauty in all her glory. What a gift to have such a great running route from our home.

Tuesday was our strength training day; 45 minutes of a rigorous workout that, 18 years ago would have been impossible for me to do. 

Wednesday was a wonderful rest day. Tom and I cooked Turkey Bacon, spinach and tomato sandwiches for lunch. We always take time after lunch to do what we call a "scrubbing"; we do a guided meditation from Dr. David Hamilton. Wednesdays are when a new episode of The Optimism Institute Blue Sky podcast drops. If you aren't familiar with it, I highly recommend that you subscribe so you don't miss another episode. Bill Burke's guests are uplifting and inspiring as we all work together to meet the moments of these challenging times. I was his guest on Episode 99. Feeding ourselves well mind, body and soul and being diligent about rest days are a vital part of the training plan.

Thursday morning marked the 24th anniversary of 9/11. Tom and I dedicated our miles to all those whose lives were lost and those whose lives were tragically altered on that day 24 years ago. You can read my reflections that I wrote in a blog 11 years ago "A Day of Remembrance-My Hope For Today". My words are as true today as they were then. It was a glorious gift of a morning to wrap up another week of our training cycle.

 

As I looked up and saw the moon, my first thought was that of unity. We are all one under the moon and I said a prayer for healing and unity in our world. I wrote "Under the Moon" during the pandemic. It's included in "Into the Light: Emerging From the 2020 Pandemic." 

Under the Moon

Under the moon
We are all One
under the light of the full moon 
wintry barren branches frame its beauty

She beams inviting us to look up

Divisions must cease
who is right or wrong
transform these wayward passions
Come with compassion 

In darkness and silence Source reigns 
reign in conflicts 
listen closely to heart’s promptings
 
Prompting us to be light

Not right
foolishly clinging 
digging in

Reach out

Building bridges
a time to heal
judgments fade into the fog
truth comes into view

A world made whole and new
Under the full moon
Where we are all One.

My second thought as I gazed for a moment on the setting moon was how impossible it seemed at first blush when humans contemplated going into outer space and having a human walk on the moon. Yet now space travel is common place. What once was only a glimmer in someone's imagination, is now all so possible. Coincidentally, the guest on this week's Blue Sky podcast is a retired NASA Astronaut, Nicole Stott.

What once was a glimmer in my imagination of winning a 10K race despite being in a toe-up leg brace, using a cane and at times a wheelchair for mobility AND having been told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair never having run a day in my life has now come into being.

As the words to the song "Impossible" from Cinderella say:

But the world is full of zanies and fools
Who don’t believe in sensible rules
And won’t believe what sensible people say,
And because these daft and dewy- eyed dopes
Keep building up impossible hopes,
Impossible things are happ’ning every day!

 

Going the distance of the 10K and then half marathon again? After Saturday's 5.5 miler I feel in every fiber of my being that it's all so possible! 

 

 In health and wellness - Mary

Visit my website to learn how poetry, optimism, gratitude and the mind/body connection helped me to transform my life. After having been told in December 2006 that I should prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair, I went on to cross the finish line of the 2009 Boston Marathon and have many adventures as runnergirl 1953. Be sure to visit the recently updated News and Events Page for links to podcast interviews, speaking engagements and where you can find my incredibly inspirational story.

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.

 

My books share a powerful message of healing, hope and possibilities; what's possible despite all appearances to the contrary and are available on Amazon.  My 6th book, "Into the Light:Emerging From the 2020 Pandemic" and my 7th book, "A Most Unlikely Runner:Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior" are selections of the WBZ News Radio Book Club. "Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior" is also a selection Bill Rodgers Running Center Billy's Bookshelf: Recommended Reads for Every Runner. Visit my Amazon Author Page for book descriptions and rave reviews.

 

 

 

 

Feels Like 7 Degrees

The polar vertex came to Boston last week. During the 2020 pandemic we would have no choice but to run outdoors. Our old cranky treadmill conked out early on in the pandemic. It was also an invitation to injury as we all tend to run way faster when we'd go on the 'mill. Last week, when we knew it was going to feel like 7 degrees, we checked the calendar for the BU Fit Rec Center where we ran many many training miles for the 2009 Boston Marathon. But I only had 2 miles on tap for my run and Ruth Anne had only 4 miles for her training run on the road to the Boston Marathon for Spaulding Rehab. We calculated how many times we'd need to go around the track to get in our miles. Surely it was nothing like the day we ran 119 times around the track to get in our 17 miles in 2009!

We had our gym bag packed and were ready to head out to the BU Fit Rec Center. We opened the front door and as we were blasted with the polar vertex, we put down our gym bag and went upstairs to layer up to get our miles in outdoors. We saw that our friend Candice had been out earlier that day to get in her miles. She is such an inspiration; this was not the first run that she inspired. (See "Finishing Unfinished Business")

We embraced the blast of cold air feeling invigorated and exhilarated by our decision to run outdoors instead of being in the stuffy track. We felt incredibly free and deeply blessed knowing that every step is a gift and every mile is a blessing. We even stopped to take pictures to express our joy and gratitude celebrating beauty even in the midst of winter conquering the Newton Hills:

After the run, Ruth Anne and I talked about where we felt the cold. Ruth Anne felt it on her face;  I felt it on my feet despite having put vaseline on my feet before I put on my socks. Yet we also talked about the power of the mind to both acknowledge and minimize the discomfort; how the joy and blessing of being out in the elements, whatever the weather, overrode any discomfort.

It's been 18 years since I was diagnosed with Post-Polio Syndrome and told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair. One of the hallmark symptoms of Post-Polio Syndrome was cold intolerance. The initial polio virus caused my body's thermostat to have difficulty regulating my temperature in either extremes of heat or cold. With meditation and visualization, harnessing the  power of the mind/body connection, I was able to reset the thermostat and build tolerance for weather extremes. Running was just the therapy I needed to heal from the late effects of childhood paralytic polio and trauma.

We've still got a bit of winter weather ahead of us. Unless it's not safe to go outside, we will be getting in the miles, embracing the elements and feeling incredibly grateful that even when it feels like 7 degrees there is much joy to be experienced in moving outdoors.

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

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.

For the 2nd year, Mary is an Ambassador for The Boston Run Show happening 3-1 and 3-2 at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center.  Use FREE Ticket Code MMCMANUS It's colocated with The Boston Outdoor Expo this year and is sure to be a jam packed weekend of inspiration and interactive exhibits. It's FREE and fun for the entire family!

 

When Turbulence Hits -- Throttle Up Gratitude...

 and stay tuned to your DGS (Divine Guidance System)

We did not expect turbulence in our first miles of 2025 but we fastened our seat belts, locked in a lot of gratitude and held each other close. Ruth Anne was recovering from an infected cyst on her back. The last Sunday of 2024, we spent the morning in Urgent Care to have a procedure done but we still got out in the afternoon to get in our miles. With the fog, puddles, and patches of ice around the Reservoir, we opted for an out and back route on Beacon Street. On the way back, I stopped as I saw an angel on the sidewalk. It was the exact same angel Ruth Anne had spotted a few months ago in almost the same spot! It was a sign that we are Divinely protected. A message that would hold us in good stead as we navigated the last week of 2024 and the first week of 2025.

 

 

Ruth Anne and I had a wonderful run on New Year's Eve. Tom had been ill for several days with a hacking cough and he needed to stay home and rest. The cough worsened as the week wore on but he went back to work on the 2nd. He took Friday afternoon off from work. I hadn't slept in a few nights because of his cough. I felt depleted despite my best efforts with meditation and self-care so I opted to try to get some sleep downstairs on the couch. I put on a series of visualization meditations to boost my immune system. I heard grunts and a thump and ran upstairs to find Tom on the floor with an altered mental status and a temp of 102.9. My heart raced and I called 911. Ruth Anne and I went into crisis mode getting information for the first responders and praying that Tom would be okay.

Once we learned that they had ruled out a stroke and would continue tests throughout the early morning hours, we came home to pray and get some rest.

Fortunately I had access to Tom's on line medical record and learned that he had Influenza A. The altered mental status was due to encephalopathy due to the virus. We all breathed a sigh of relief that he would need lots of rest and hydration, but would make a full recovery!

On Saturday, Ruth Anne wasn't feeling well She was running a low grade temp with ear pain. She had to change providers because her insurance would no longer cover her previous pcp. Ordinarily we would have gone to Urgent Care close to our home. I stayed close to my DGS to figure out what the next best steps would be. I wasn't feeling well but knew that I was feeling the best out of the 3 of us. Ruth Anne started feeling better by the afternoon  but when she woke up Sunday morning, she suspected she needed antibiotics.

There was one appointment at 8:45 at urgent care, but I needed to have breakfast remembering how important it is to put on my own oxygen mask. At first Ruth Anne said she wouldn't take the appointment but I told her to call back and she could use an Uber. It was definitely a communication from my DGS. Fortunately the appointment was still available.

Ruth Anne had an amazing physician who suspected she had a sinus and ear infection but had to rule out COVID and the flu. They were able to fill her prescription at the clinic pharmacy. We spent the rest of the day resting and feeling gratitude deep in our hearts for good health care, insurance, Uber, antibiotics, caring professionals, a warm home, good food and being together as a family despite feeling under the weather. We were so grateful for the outpouring of prayers from our fellow passengers.

On Monday, my body experienced congestion and a nagging cough but no fever and no signs of any bacterial infections. I did, however, need to reschedule the recording of my podcast interview for The Optimism Institute. My only choice was to surrender to the circumstances and know that everything happens in Divine Timing. Bill Burke's Virtual Assistant is a delight and made the process of rescheduling the interview so easy. With meditation, visualization and rest, I am getting ready for my talk next Wednesday at Cohasset Elder Affairs. I've experienced spasms which has affected my speech; it has happened before when I get a rare upper respiratory virus and is a result of Post-Polio Syndrome. I am bringing compassion and kindness to my body realizing that the turbulence has set into motion this cascade of symptoms. I use my mantras and affirmations trusting once again in my body's tremendous capacity to heal. I focus on feeling grateful for all my body has given me through the years and continues to give me. I remind myself of how I have witnessed my body's process of transformation and healing and most recently, watching the transformation of the once infected cyst on Ruth Anne's back be reduced to a small scar! I feel Divine Love course through my cells riding the waves of emotions and physical symptoms as I eagerly anticipate seeing the seat belt sign turn off.

I look forward to getting back on the roads but know that I need to create time and space for healing in the wake of these recent stressors and upper respiratory infection. 

I appreciate that the turbulence we experienced is relatively minor compared to what the people of LA are going through. My gratitude is intensified as I focus on all the blessings in our lives. The other night, Tom and I shared how what we went through could have been so much worse if... We took it to the theater of the absurd and laughed so hard we went into coughing fits.

2025 may not have begun as we hoped and visualized. We certainly did not anticipate trips to the ER, Urgent Care and an upper respiratory virus wreaking temporary havoc with speech and spasms but with the throttle up on gratitude, a close connection to my DGS and being surrounded by the love and warmth of our fellow passengers, we are once again at cruising altitude feeling blessed and grateful.

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

On January 15th, I will be speaking at Cohasset Elder Affairs to share my journey and have a book signing details on my website.

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.

When Worry Seems to Take Hold....

 

 

In the wake of Tuesday's elections results, the what if's are taking center stage on many social media posts and in the news that feeds the worries in many people's thoughts and hearts. I am a worrier by nature that stems from childhood trauma. This election cycle has been a trigger so I really have to double down on using what's in my toolbox.

Worrying puts us into survival mode. Worried thoughts can feed upon themselves and release stress hormones that can then produce more worried thoughts. It drains our energy and leaves us less prepared to handle adverse situations. Did you know that there is a 90-second rule? I HIGHLY recommend this article from April 26, 2020, that explains that a circuit of reaction lasts for only 90 seconds. After that, it is our paying attention to that thought that keeps the reaction going. It's not always easy to break the cycle but what a wonderful feeling of freedom lies in being able to do so. 

"Life’s curve balls will slam you at lightning speed from all angles, from time to time, throwing you off your path. The question is, “What are you going to do about it?” This is a question many of us never stop to think about. If you want to thrive in this world, the 90-second rule offers a mindful way to override your hardwired survival reflex of reaction and cope with life's unexpected events—no matter how dire the circumstances—in a calmer, healthier, more mature way." In truth, no good ever comes from imagining worst case scenarios. It only adds energy to a negative outcome.

There is also a reference to Victor Frankl who was a Holocaust survivor. I came to know his work when I worked as a social worker and was working to heal my own PTSD. “When we can no longer change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves... Everything can be taken from a human but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.”  

Mark Twain was a genius when it came to quotes about worries:

And speaking of imagination:

By the same token, we can use our imagination to create something we DO want. Even if the outcome we want is not apparent, while we are imagining a positive outcome we are producing feel good chemicals. The mind cannot distinguish real from imaginary and react whether the situation is in our thoughts or happening in 'real time.'

I have unsubscribed from all news sources. I am unfollowing (but not unfriending)  friends who are posting about their concerns sharing the latest hair raising news and have blocked or pulled back from people who are not like-minded or like-hearted individuals. I meditate 3 times a day - sometimes more, exercise, am mindful about my nutrition, listen to podcasts that are uplifting and inspiring and think to myself, "What's the best that can happen?"

I know many might 'fight' me and say that I'm being naive. Look at what happened before. I look to how I can live in the present moment. If things that happened before happen again 'or worse' as many people predict, then I will not have spent all this time drained and in a state of dread. And, as Simon Sinek said, "Optimism is different than positive and it's definitely not naive. Optimism is a belief that the future is positive, that there's a light at the end of the tunnel and we're heading there together."

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.

In The Face of Adversity...What's in my Toolbox?

 

We agreed that this year, unlike in 2016, we would go to bed early and wait for any election results in the morning. Everything seemed so different from 2016 once Kamala Harris became the nominee. Even her campaign manager was confident that there was a clear path to victory. She had the money, a brilliantly executed campaign, throngs of supporters at her rallies, backing from members of the Republican Party and his own staff from when he was 45 organizing to vote for Kamala. It was quite a shock when Tom, Ruth Anne and I checked my email to see the Globe headline that he was on the cusp to become the 47th President. We all felt gutted, shocked, angry, frustrated and confused. It was incomprehensible a) that he was allowed to run for office and b) anyone would vote for a felon among all the many labels he and his followers carry. Fear and racing thoughts took hold until we all took a collective breath and moved forward with our day. 

We connected with like-hearted individuals in social media and in real time. We were blessed with "chance meetings" in the neighborhood with two neighbors who we've known for years. We shared a laugh, tears, anger and hugs. Ruth Anne also visited a dear friend whose daughter is critically ill in the hospital. They made it a political free zone. 

On Wednesday evening, Ruth Anne received notification that her dream of the past 5 years to run the Boston Marathon for Spaulding Rehab had come true. She has been accepted to the Race for Rehab Team. She is well enough to take on the challenges of running Boston and fund raising. She wants to give back to the place that has done so much to help her find her strength and fully recover from her incredible challenges of the past 5 years. The outpouring of love and support on Facebook for her announcement touched our hearts and souls. On Thursday, we kept very busy with chores, fund raising and continued connections with like-hearted friends and family. We had morning miles with a mission as we mailed off Ruth Anne's contract with Spaulding.

 

On Friday, after all that busyness on Thursday, we took a lot of time for meditation and prayer. I realized that I needed to reflect on what do I have in my toolbox to navigate this time of adversity and challenge. We poured our time, treasure and talent into the campaign and would do it all over again in a heartbeat but I needed to dig deep into my toolbox to maintain equanimity, and not be swallowed up by fear, anger and disappointment. I have known adversity and trauma since I was 5 years old. After the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome at the age of 53, I had to take a deep dive into how to radically improve my physical, mental and spiritual well-being.

Perhaps these tools will be helpful to others. Feel free to add comments and share your own.

I started with gratitude. I looked through my Mac and Facebook photos to find gratitude quotes. Writing poetry about gratitude opened the portal to healing after the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome. In November, I post about 30 days of gratitude. This year I am amplifying those posts and honing in on what I am grateful for. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shortly after I contracted paralytic polio at age 5, I had an out of body experience. That touch of grace enabled me to endure recovery from paralytic polio and abuse at the hands of family members. I knew that the darkness would not prevail. I knew that there was something within me greater than my circumstances. I have faith that we all have the capacity to navigate these challenging times as we did in 2016. Staying connected with like-hearted people as we ride the waves of emotions and feeling a collective sense of determination based in faith and hope is an anchor.

It's sometimes easier to do this which is where my meditation practice comes in. I've been following Dan Harris on Instagram who wrote the book, "10 Percent Happier" and has been offering wonderful words of wisdom on his account. "Action is an antidote to anxiety," and "Don't do anxiety alone" are two gems. He also shares wisdom from the meditation teachers he has studied with through the years. Ruth Anne and I are reading "Make Every Move a Meditation" by Nita Sweeney. I love Divine Timing that we 'just happened' to be reading this book when we need it most. She even references her reaction to seeing yard signs during the 2016 election cycle. I put a time limit on my catastrophic thinking greeting my thoughts with compassion but not allowing the doom and gloom scenario to swallow me up. I am not watching the news and came up with a saying, "No news = less blues." I know that I will find out what information I need to be informed but not inundated.

A quote I heard years ago is, "If you're feeling helpless, help someone."

Did you know that kindness is an antidote to stress? And choosing kindness during these times where there are so many unkind words and actions being spoken is not an easy feat. BUT it is vital for our health and well-being. I am so blessed to be friends with Dr. David Hamilton. His latest book is, "The Joy of Actually Giving a F***."

Not only does he talk about the joy of caring for others but how vital it is to care for ourselves. He addresses those kindness conundrums such as how are we kind in the face of unkindness. It is a perfect time to pick up his book where he uses science to address the health benefits of kindness and why kindness is needed now more than ever. He is also offering a FREE 21-day kindfulness experiment that combines meditation and kindness practices. As I said earlier, I am in awe and so grateful for the Divine Timing of having these books and people coming into my life.

I've been friends with Tom D'Angora on Facebook through our mutual love of Barry Manilow. He played a major role in Hillary Clinton's campaign in 2016. We each shared the view that Kamala Harris' short yet extremely effective campaign had such a different feel from 2016. Despite his own feelings of devastation, he became a beacon of light emphasizing the need for self-care and expressing the feelings of his collective village. He suggested that we begin a daily journal of things that make us smile; where can we find the joy and a few moments of respite and relief while we process what happened. We then share on his page. 

And speaking of Divine Timing.. I saw a post from my friend Lee Woodruff that she was a guest on the Optimism Institute's podcast, "Blue Sky." That was back on September 25th. I had on my to do list that I wanted to listen to it and also reach out to the host, Bill Burke to see if my journey would be a good fit to share on his podcast. I finally got to it last week. We connected on LinkedIn and his assistant scheduled a time for us to meet. I follow the Optimism Institute on Instagram and Bill shared Reasons To Be Cheerful Post. I highly recommend following both those accounts and listening to the Blue Sky podcast.

Lee talks about her toolbox of navigating that horrific time in her life after Bob was critically injured in Iraq. She could write a book about resilience. Oh and she has! 

Chocolate - yes chocolate is in my toolbox but not just any chocolate, FlavaNaturals.

Let me close on this longer than usual blog post with two quotes:

and...  “Optimism is different than positive - and it's definitely not naive. Optimism is the belief that the future is positive, that there's a light at the end of the tunnel and we're heading there, together.” ~Simon Sinek

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.

 

 

Chocolate -- FlavaNaturals