The Icing on the Cake

 

As the page on the calendar turns over to November 1st this weekend, we are 5 months away from the 2026 Hyannis Marathon Weekend. As Bill Rodgers said, "The proverbial icing on the cake - has always been racing." My first race was on June 1, 2008. It was the Corrib Pub 5K; a friendly race that welcomed all paces and supported the West Roxbury Community. What a wonderful introduction to the running and racing community. In July of 2008, we ran the Marathon Sports 5 Miler. It was a highly competitive field; an evening race with hot and humid weather. I knew that if I quit, I would never be able to run the 2009 Boston Marathon. Because the staff at Marathon Sports knew my story, they celebrated me crossing the finish line as if I had broken the finisher's tape. 

Fast forward to Hyannis Marathon Weekend 2009 when I ran my first race at the half marathon distance. Because it was a race for the 10K, Half Marathon and Marathon distances, my being a back of the pack runner didn't matter; I was a mid-packer for the marathon distance. I'm using visualization again to both draw from anchor race memories and to create a magical day on 3/1/2026. 

Tom and I wrapped up another week in the training cycle with a 4 mile run on Saturday, an invigorating strength training session on Monday and two wonderful early morning pre-breakfast training runs.

Saturday's run took us twice around the Cleveland Circle Reservoir. It was a quiet run in contrast to the previous week's run when it seemed as though everybody was outside soaking up the sunshine and warmer temperatures.

Tom and I took notice of the still water and Fall foliage with hearts overflowing with gratitude for being together, unplugged and out in nature. I appreciate every step and every mile and never take my movement for granted. There was a crew cutting down the growth of bushes that line the Reservoir and we had to take a detour. We weren't sure how that would affect our mileage. We were just a tenth of a mile over 4 miles when we got back to the car.

 

While I am looking ahead to Hyannis Marathon Weekend and reflecting back on amazing race experiences, I am also looking ahead to my 72nd birthday on Christmas Day. Birthdays bring a time of reflection along with celebration. On Monday's strength training workout, I reflected on this quote:

I've known struggles since contracting paralytic polio at the age of 5 1/2 followed by enduring years of abuse at the hands of family members until my father ended his life by suicide when I was 17. There was no time for me to say "I can't do this" as I headed off to Boston University the month after he died. Throughout my life, whenever faced with struggles and challenges, my resounding mantra has been I must do this. I am incredibly fortunate that I found my soul mate in my mid-20's who also believes in an "I must do this" mantra for navigating life's struggles. We had an invigorating 45 minute strength training workout that complements our miles on the road.

Another one of my favorite Bill Rodgers quote is how running as a sport unifies us. "That's why we're the greatest sport," he is quick to say whenever the opportunity presents itself. Tuesday was a shining example of how running unifies us. Despite gray skies and a chill in the air, we exchanged smiles and said good morning to many runners like us, enjoying early morning miles.

 

A warm bowl of oatmeal, a cold glass of juice, toast and a banana made for perfect post-run fueling. By 8am our hearts and bellies were full.

The forecast did NOT predict rain for early Thursday morning. When the alarm went off at 6am, the weather app showed light drizzle ending in 21 minutes - NOT! Fortunately we decided to wear our ponchos and set out to feel the unbridled joy of the gift of running in the rain. There was no wind and the temperature was in the upper 40's. I love how these early morning runs help our bodies to adapt to the change in seasons. With fog and mist, the morning miles had a mystical quality to them. 

 

Despite all the chaos happening in the world right now; all the pain and tragedies, these morning runs fortify us to figure out how we can best use our time, talent and treasure to make a difference in the world. Taking care of ourselves by taking time in nature, unplugged and being fully present gives us the ability to be present in the world without becoming overwhelmed by circumstances.

 

We are looking forward to a sunny run on Saturday for 5 miles. The theme for the next week of this training cycle is shaping up to be It's More Than the Miles. 

 

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.

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.

 

 

Three Years Later

 On March 8, 2020, Team McManus hosted a water stop for L Street Running Club, our beloved running club since 2009. There was a din in the background about the Coronavirus that was growing louder with each passing day. We were in blissful denial as we had our table set up at the corner of Commonwealth Avenue and Centre Street, exchanging sweaty hugs while runners shared cups of water and Gatorade. They scooped up handfuls of goodies to keep them fueled for one of their last long runs before the Boston Marathon.

We were still on a high after Tom and Ruth Anne ran the Bermuda 10K in January, the Hyannis 10K in February and I was the guest speaker sharing the podium with  Bill Rodgers in Hyannis. Hyannis Marathon Weekend was in all its glory and as we left the weekend with high fives and hugs we said, "See you in Boston." 

At the water stop, everyone asked where we would be watching on Marathon Monday. "Where we always watch ... at the corner of Beacon Street and Dean Road." 

There was no way to predict that there would be no Boston Marathon until September of 2021.

The next time we would gather as a Club when we would share hugs and break bread together was on 9/11/2022. Every moment and event since emerging from the pandemic has been filled with gratitude overflowing from our hearts.

We got up at 6am to make sure we were set up and ready when the first runners arrived to our table at the corner of Commonwealth Avenue and Centre Street. L Street was leaving Cleveland Circle heading out along the course to Wellesley College for a total of 20 miles. The sun was out to start the day but once the clouds and wind moved in, it felt quite chilly. Seeing our beloved L Street Running Family and other charity runners out on the course in full force along with the Heartbreakers group of 600 strong kept us warm.

While waiting for our L Street runners to return, we cranked up the car heater and watched a wonderful social science experiment as runners debated whether or not to partake of the goodies at our unattended table. Since there was a small group of L Street runners, we were delighted that runners could refuel and hydrate with our windfall of treats. Tina, one of our dear friends, an OG of L Street ran by with her posse of runner girls. I scooped up this photo from her post from the day:

This year's running of the Boston Marathon marks the 10th anniversary of 4/15/2013. We collectively feel how we are Boston Strong. In addition to the 10th anniversary of 4/15, we continue to emerge from the pandemic feeling the strength and resilience we have as individuals and in the power of our amazing running community.

We greeted the runners on their way to finishing their last long run before Boston and London. We hugged while they chugged Gatorade and water and took provisions for the last 2 1/2 miles back to Cleveland Circle. After we broke down the water stop, we brought 'leftovers' to Heartbreak Hill Running Company where staff reflected the glow of having Coach Dan out on the Hills cheering on 600 runners soaking up the energy that you feel only on the Newton Hills a few weeks before Boston Marathon weekend.

Our hearts were so full after being reunited with old runner friends and making new runner friends during a water stop on the Newton Hills. Being able to hug each other is something we took for granted three years ago but three years later, those hugs are precious gifts with moments to treasure.

Two weeks from Friday, the Boston Marathon Expo kicks off. Last year the Expo and the Boston Marathon were still emerging from the pandemic. This year it's going to be in high gear as we have a deep appreciation for all we have been through and the joy and celebration of the 2023 Boston Marathon.

"As marathoners we know about pacing, about hard days, about broken dreams and yet we keep showing up. We hang onto hope.  We can beat this current storm. We will win this race. And the after party will be glorious!" ~Anonymous

 

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.

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.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

 

 

 Wait? What did she just write? Christmas? It's March 23rd.

In Boston, we call Boston Marathon weekend Runners Christmas. For the past two years, this annual tradition was cancelled. It's been a part of my life since I ran the 2009 Boston Marathon as a mobility impaired runner defying the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome. I've been blessed to become a part of the running community that grows exponentially every year as we meet friends of friends. I've often said that running friendships are like instant oatmeal - just add water or in this case - just add running and friendships are forged. 

The hills have been alive with the energy of runners exhilarated that Boston runs again in April. The Facebook feed is filling with bib numbers and statements like "Can't wait to see you in April." I feel goosebumps just typing that phrase. 

One of our dear runner friends shared the photo of one of the banners for the 126th Boston Marathon celebrating 50 years of when women were first 'allowed' to run in the Boston Marathon. 

It is exhilarating to begin planning meet ups with friends coming in from out of town and meet ups with friends from Boston who I haven't seen in what seems like forever. There was a taste of the excitement of the Boston Marathon in October but it did not have the rite of Spring and the feel of Runners Christmas that the running of the Boston Marathon has in April.

Two years ago our City and the world was in a state of shock and fear seeking ways to navigate life turned upside down. While trees were beginning to bloom and flowers poked through the once frozen ground, there was an eerie silence to Springtime in Boston. I began to write poetry again as a way to cope with the all pervasive anxiety set against the backdrop of yellow caution tape on the silenced playgrounds and all but essential businesses closed. My pen became my divining rod for healing once more as it had after the diagnosis of Post Polio Syndrome 15 years ago. I channeled messages of healing, hope, optimism and seeing a future that transcended the current circumstances at the time. Those poems and essays blossomed into Hope is a Garden: Poems and Essays From the 2020 Pandemic.

 Facebook reminded me today of all that I was grateful for a year ago:

I am so grateful and appreciative of:

Toilet paper

Upcoming appointments with my chiropractor after 14 months

A hair stylist appointment after 13 months

Children having fun on the playground

School in session

Hope for ending the pandemic with the vaccines

Economic relief for restaurants and small businesses

So many things we once took for granted that now we can appreciate in deeper ways.

 

The quote I chose to share on this day in 2021 was: "I still remember the days I prayed for the things I have now." ~Anonymous

 

Tom received his first vaccine on March 23rd last year.

 

Restaurants are buzzing with activity again and the whole city is coming alive in anticipation of Spring and the 126th running of the Boston Marathon. Runners have one more long run before they taper and count down to the first Boston Marathon Weekend in April in two years.

 

Boston Marathon weekend is a time when reunions happen and the magic of the Unicorn fills the air. As the daffodils line the Boston Marathon route, the City comes alive with blue and yellow colors. This year those colors take on even more significance as we pray for and support Ukraine. May the Spirit that fills our City during this time of year create ripples of joy, peace, strength, resilience, love, harmony and unity for the rest of our world.

Merry Runners Christmas!

 

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

 

 

Under the Full Moon - Reflections on Unity

 

 

Divisiveness has once again dominated the headlines; a virus that can do more harm than the pandemic. I must say that it is quite easy to find myself 'taking sides' and make judgments about what is right or wrong. I can only do what feels right for me and our family and release making judgments on others' choices lest I contribute to this pandemic of divisiveness.

We were struggling with whether or not to get our booster shots. Boston College where Ruth Anne attends graduate school requires it. We decided to schedule appointments as the studies show that immunity wanes after 6 months. There were boosters required for the polio vaccine and many other vaccines for potentially life threatening illness. In my heart, I know had I not had the polio vaccine, I could have experienced more debilitating symptoms as did my friend's mother who was unvaccinated. Collectively we are exhausted from the news of the pandemic especially as we see that Broadway Shows have had to cancel performances and restaurants have had to close due to staff testing positive.

It would be easy to focus on the problems. 

After the diagnosis of Post Polio Syndrome, 15 years ago this month, I learned how vital it is to focus on the healing, not on the wounds; on how to make things better rather than focusing on how bad things appear to be.

I started listening to a podcast that I thought would be healing and bring comfort and peace to my quandry about boosters and it only served to leave me scratching my head wondering how is it possible that people criticize people about having immovable opinions which they say are wrong and yet they are doing the same thing.

I turned it off and took a deep breath and then I saw a post that resonated with my heart and soul from Dr. Michael Rocha. He works in New Bedford and dedicates his life to bringing wellness programs to his patients and the community. He started Walk with a Doc in the area, a program promoted by Dr. Vivek Murthy as Surgeon General. He chose to become a physician but continues with his passion for music playing trombone as part of the Buttonwood Brass and Southcoast Brass Band, the latter raises funds for the Boys and Girls Club.

"December 16, 2021
We find ourselves all in an uncomfortable time, again. A prolonged period punctuated by intermittent increases of disease, despair, and disconnect. We are all well beyond what is tolerable regardless of our varied views.
We are seeing our world crumbling again, feeling like we could get together more safely, then cruely, the virus decides otherwise. We are seeing hospitals fill up and feeling the strain in all areas of medicine. Breakthrough cases are disrupting our lives, work, families, and our holidays.
Everyone is angry and burned out. We must realize in the moment, it doesn't seem like the suffering will get better. It will. Why?
 
Science and compassion for one another will win out despite our exhaustion. Unfortunately, science in this moment is telling us to be more careful and make some short term sacrifices when we feel like we have done this too many times already. There are those out there that can not afford to get the virus and there are those with other medical issues that need care that is being diverted towards resources for COVID.
Vaccines save lives, are safe, and prevent people getting sick enough to be in the hospital or in the ICU. There are some exceptions to these rules but I see this first hand playing out everyday regardless of what is on any news channel or political camp. I don't watch news stations. What I see is real life not virtual. Additionally, masking indoors can make a difference when we are all consistent despite our extreme fatigue from doing this for 2 years.
 
As for real reasons that we will get through is our friends and family. Yes, in the last week it has been tough and I have felt it, but when that happens, people have shown up. They check in. In turn, we do the same for others. That is how we break this cycle when we take a closer look.
 
This holiday season, be present even when not physically there and please listen to one another. Pick up the phone or Facetime when you sense someone needs a call. If you are going to get together, consider testing before hand to cut the risk. If you are struggling with mental health, please reach out to your doctors or professionals for help as you are not alone.
 
May everyone be safe, healthy, and well during these times. May we all find some peace."

I have been focusing my meditations on peace, comfort and ease often times using the guided Meta Meditation from Dr. David R. Hamilton. At the end of the meditation he offers, "And let's send this one out to all sentient Beings. May all sentient Beings be happy. May all sentient Beings be well. May all sentient Beings be safe. May all sentientBeings be at ease." At the end of the meditation he states, "Whatever you do today. Go well and go kindly."

On Friday night I looked out of our window and saw the almost full moon.

Before I fell asleep, this poem flowed out of me:
 
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.

As the year comes to an end, I will focus on gratitude, healing, possibilities, HOPE, joy, love and peace. I will cherish the moments with loved ones and celebrate my 68th birthday with gusto. I will focus on Unity knowing that underneath it all we have so much more in common than what divides us.

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

Countdown to the Boston Marathon: Packet Stuffing & Boston Strong

 

Why would I stand on my feet for 3 hours helping to stuff the packets that 20,000 runners will receive next weekend when they pick up their bibs, packets and shirts before running Monday's Boston Marathon? I know how I felt when we picked up our packets, bibs and shirts before the 2009 Boston Marathon. It's the final moments leading up to crossing the starting line in Hopkinton. There's the program book filled with history and anticipation along with coupons, spectators' guide and memorabilia to cherish. 

For everyone, training for a marathon is a journey of transformation. Mine was a journey of transformation on steroids after having been told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair after the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome. Packet stuffing is a wonderful way to give back and celebrate the Boston Marathon.

As one of my friend’s posted Facebook on October 2nd, it’s been 901 days since the last Boston Marathon. We are now 9 days away from when Boston runs again. It is a surreal time as we try to find our bearings as we sort of emerge from the pandemic. Sharing Maureen’s story reminded me of the strength, courage and resilience our city shared in the wake of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombings. We are now in the wake of a pandemic that shook our City and the world to its core yet we continue to experience the turbulent currents in our lives. 

When we registered to volunteer, we were overjoyed that with vaccinations, we would experience life as we had before the pandemic. Hugs, no masks, being together side by side and anticipating one of the premier events in Boston. The emails from the BAA arrived in our inbox talking about safety and precautions along with the need to be vaccinated or have a negative COVID test in order to volunteer.

 

During this time of emerging (sort of) from the pandemic, everyone talks about risk tolerance. I knew everyone would be vaxxed or tested, masked and the packet stuffing takes place in an open air warehouse. I hadn't seen running family in what seemed like forever and knew that any minor risk I was taking with my husband and daughter paled in comparison to the rich rewards of volunteering and seeing friends I had not seen in a very long time.

 

During my meditation before bed on Saturday night, I remembered how I felt about being a spectator at the BAA 10K in June of 2013. I knew that I could not allow fear to keep me away from my beloved running community - then - or now.

 

It was quite a different scene at Gentle Giant Warehouse as we stood in line waiting to be checked in with masks up and vaccination cards in hand. The former 'madame President' of L Street Running Club greeted us with both her no-nonsense laser focus on the task at hand and such kindness and love in her voice as she checked us off with hands that had beautiful blue and yellow perfectly manicured nails.

 

Tom Licciardello who has been the leader of the pack for packet stuffing through the decades greeted me with a warm hug. "How were you able to recognize me with my mask?"

 

"Oh Mary, I'd recognize you from anywhere!"

 

His wife Lyn came up and warmly greeted Team McManus.

 

We reunited with friends from the Merrimack Valley Striders and L Street Running Club. One of our friends from L Street sported a t-shirt that had Resilience on the front with a definition of Resilience on the back. 

 

The scenes from 2013 and 2021 were quite different. There were many more volunteers to get packets ready for 36,000 runners versus 20,000 runners for 2021. We had more space between volunteers and of course we all had to wear masks throughout the entire shift.

 

But one thing that doesn't change is the love running family shares no matter how much time may have passed since we see one another and our deep desire to be a part of the Boston Marathon tradition.

 

From April of 2014:

to October 2021:

 

 

 

Conversations flow with ease among runners and I was blessed to share my table with a Strider who went to Bermuda one of the years we went for Bermuda Marathon Weekend. It was great to reminisce about a time before; when we could travel to destination races needing only our passports and running gear.

 

Music kept us pumped up while we did the tedious work. We tried our best to keep the conversation light although at times our conversation turned to sharing our experiences during the pandemic. I was blessed to have a few heart to heart moments with Tom with whom I have been friends for 12 years.

We were tired and happy at the end of our shift knowing that we achieved our goal to have the packets ready for the runners this weekend when they arrive at the Expo.

 

It was glorious to see people in person, sharing the Spirit of the Boston Marathon remembering that we ARE Boston Strong.

  

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.

 

 

Plot Twist - Be Kind

 On May 29th, all restrictions were lifted in Massachusetts. The vaccine was touted as highly effective. The vaccinated population was told to go forth and resume all their activities. The unvaccinated population were encouraged to get vaccinated and mask up. Cases of COVID plummeted and then "plot twist" - the Delta Variant.

As new data emerged, new guidelines for mask wearing and social distancing were put in place to try to contain the sharp uptick in cases.

With an uptick in cases came an uptick of anger and frustration. It seems as though soul lessons that were learned during the pandemic of 'we're all in this together' with kindness and compassion breaking through the once vile diatribe of the previous Presidential administration, is slowly eroding. People expected that with the vaccine, a carefree life would resume just in time for summer. 

The pandemic to date has left restaurants short staffed and tempers flaring. It's sad to hear horns honking as soon as the light turns to green. Fear and confusion seem to prevail alongside a sense of bravado in the face of the variant as people attend concerts and go unmasked indoors.

There was an article in the Boston Globe about people lying in an attempt to get a booster shot even though there is no data to support the potential benefit of a booster shot before the end of September.

The anger, fear and panic can be infectious. We noticed that we were getting impatient with our neighbors who have a tendency to walk through our yard and not respect the boundaries of our property. We were going to have a fence installed but then opted for small trees to create a 'natural' boundary. The day came for installation and we were anxious about spending the money with the general uncertainty of the economy these days and realized that we needed to be more open-hearted and kind even when others were not acting in kind.

Kurt Vonnegut's quote came to mind:

We called the contractor and explained our concerns. He had done our walkway earlier this year and we gave each of his team extra money. We opened our yard to them while they ate their lunch making sure they had what they needed for their big noonday meal. We explained the situation to him and Tom asked him what he wanted for his trouble since he was about to get the trees to plant. He said, "You are my friend. You don't have to pay me a thing. Let me know when you need me." I cried as he spoke from his heart in his thick Brazilian accent.

We had a ladder down on our yard where the trees were going to go to mark the boundary. We took it up. It felt liberating to open our hearts and realize that we ARE all in this together. We are all One. 

The divisiveness and rancor from a year ago when the pandemic was raging has returned. We are blessed with strong leaders in President Biden and Vice President Harris. It is up to each and every one of us to do our part to promote kindness and practice compassion especially ourselves as we ride the waves of emotions and experiences that the pandemic has left in its wake.

The pandemic 2.0 is definitely a wake up call for us as a family. We are going to be kind and compassionate with ourselves opening our hearts and trusting the Universe provides as it always has throughout our lives. 

I discovered this meta meditation in my Facebook memory:

May I be happy and have peace of mind
May I be healthy and strong
May I be free of suffering and safe from internal and external harm
May my life be of ease and well-being
May I have a compassionate heart filled with loving kindness
May I be free
May all beings be happy and have peace of mind
May all beings be healthy and strong
May all beings be free of suffering and safe from
 internal and external harm
May all beings have a life of ease and well-being
May all beings have a compassionate heart filled with loving kindness
May all beings be free

As we navigate COVID 2.0 may we all dig deep to have patience, compassion and kindness with ourselves and one another.

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.

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.