Acceptance -- Flexibility -- Connection

Ruth Anne and I were registered to run the Colin Joy's Project 5K. After 7 weeks in the hospital, Ruth Anne and I realized we needed quiet time together while we got in spectacular Saturday miles! After we did bib pick up and as people gathered for the kids' races, we knew we needed to run our own race.

And run our own race we did! Ruth Anne paced me to a 5K PR with negative splits. We breathed in the sea air and felt the healing power of nature and the ocean. We laughed together and let the sound of the seagulls delight our heart and souls.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We transformed a stressful pre-race experience into a joyful and exhilarating run. I got in a solid training for Bermuda. It would be so easy to allow the stress of Ruth Anne's hospitalization weigh us down. With acceptance sprinkled with flexibility, we were able to pivot. If you have ever listened to the On the Runs Podcast, you will hear a lot of talk about a #codebrown. It's a runners thing but for you non-runners out there, it's a reference to when  a runner has to go to the bathroom and there's no bathroom or porta potty readily available.

"Mom, I hope the bathrooms are open at Carson Beach or I'm going to have a #codebrown.

"Oh no! I hope so too because I have to pee." 

We turned our attention to the beautiful ocean despite the gray misty weather. We were supposed to have a rainy day so we were grateful that it was only misting.

"How ya doing?" Ruth Anne asked.

"I'm okay but I'm glad we are almost to the bathrooms."

The door was locked. It was the end of the summer season. 

Ruth Anne said "Oh no how bad do you have to go?"

"Never mind me. Don't you have to poop?" 

I didn't realize how loud I said it just as a runner passed by. 

We both burst into laughter and can you guess what happened? I had what runners affectionately call a #codeyellow. There was nothing I could do but to laugh and know that I'd finish going pee when we got to the Curley Center and take a shower when we got home.  Ruth Anne said that there was no #codebrown in her future.

While Ruth Anne was in the hospital, while accepting the 'reality' of what was happening, I visualized us going on a run together and hearing her words of support and encouragement while I train for the Bermuda Triangle Challenge 10K. I knew that some how and some way we would make it through those very dark days. The transition back to life after 7 weeks in the hospital is a gradual process that we have to honor! No two days are the same and we honor what Ruth Anne needs mind, body and soul to move forward in her life.

This morning, Ruth Anne wanted to get her run on a bit later in the day. Flexibility is key and is a companion to acceptance. Tom and I continue to cherish early morning runs. We were blessed with a warm morning for the 2nd of October here in New England. We had chilly days that we thought signaled an early Autumn but this morning the gift of summer returned. I was even over dressed.

Yesterday was a day rife with intense emotions. We know that those kinds of moments and days pass. We are stronger and more resilient after navigating them but in the midst of stress, it an sometimes be a challenge to stay connected to the goodness of the Universe and the Love of Source. Last night the three of us shared what we are grateful for. Tom and I added our own feelings of gratitude before bed followed by our prayers. I did something I'd not done before. In the morning, we do a meta meditation from Dr. David Hamilton's Personal Development Club. I always place my hand on my heart as he cues during the meditation. .As the anxiety and intensity of the day slowly creeped in, I was moved to place my hand on my heart. I got in touch with knowing and feeling the Power of Source within me. The realization that love is greater than fear filled every fiber of my being. My heart rate slowed. Deep gratitude flowed through me blessing the challenges and knowing how much I have to be grateful for. I sent love to Ruth Anne and our family expanding and extending it to all Beings everywhere.

For the first time in months, Team McManus slept through the night!

Despite the haze from the Canadian wildfires, we were treated to a beautiful start to the day:

I felt a profound connection to Source having seen the half moon as we set out for our run, seeing the serenity of the water, the majesty of morning's first light and the beams from the sunlight gleaming through the trees. What a wonderful and wondrous way to start a new day, a new week and a new month as Team McManus navigates life after a 7 week hospitalization with acceptance, flexibility and the most vital element of all, connection to Source.

From my heart to yours
In health and wellness,
Mary

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

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

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

A Joy Shared...

 Last Thursday morning was the first time in 7 weeks that we went on an early morning run and Ruth Anne was home from the hospital. She stayed at home to do strength training and went on a run later in the day. I felt joy and gratitude swell from deep within my heart and soul as I saw the sunrise over the Reservoir.

Tom and I reflected on the past 7 weeks and all the people who prayed, sent emails, texts and commented on Facebook posts just when we needed an extra boost of support and faith. Our friends were incredibly in tune with our journey. We rejoiced in knowing that Ruth Anne was safe at home doing her strength training. I expressed my gratitude that I was able to share miles with Ruth Anne after she was discharged on Tuesday.

 It's truly incredible how the things we so often take for granted like going out on a run with a loved one becomes a sacred experience. We weren't sure about the outcome of the hospitalization. We held onto faith and hope. 

There was an incredible outpouring of joy in social media when Ruth Anne announced her homecoming. The joy was multiplied as we responded to all of the comments that reflected how much love surrounds Team McManus. During those very dark times, the grief was divided and diminished in the light of others hearts that poured out love and support.

On Saturday, we had our first run together in 8 weeks as Team McManus. Ruth Anne was so supportive and encouraging of my training for the Bermuda Triangle Challenge 10K. It was as though we picked up where we left off yet so much had changed. The love that we share was rekindled. We talked about compassion and forgiveness for the treatment team and how everything happened as only it could because that's how it happened. We took a lot of photos to celebrate healing and appreciating the healing power of nature:

On the run, Ruth Anne decided that she wasn't going to travel to Bermuda with us. She feels it would be too much to experience the excitement of travel right now, is getting ready to finish her Masters Certificate next semester at Boston College and wants to get a dog sooner rather than later. We planned to get a dog after we returned from Bermuda since we wouldn't want to leave so soon after bringing new pet into our home. Ruth Anne said she will be thrilled to have the time to bond with our newest family member. Wonderful conversations and clarity come during 5 fabulous miles!

Tom and Ruth Anne are fired up to run the Bay State Half Marathon on October 15th. They are going to run with their heart as Ruth Anne wraps up her Trilogy of Half Marathons for Victory Programs. She raised $10,500 during this amazing fundraising campaign.

This is a photo from Ruth Anne's 3 mile tempo run on Thursday.

It is a magnificent miracle to be in the brilliant sunshine after 7 weeks of stormy tumultuous times. Running and the amazing friends we have met through running along with family helped us to weather one of the most challenging times in the life of Team McManus. My heart went from being broken to full and overflowing with gratitude. The grief diminished as people touched our hearts with an outpouring of love and prayers, neighbors stopping by with hugs and encouraging words during Ruth Anne's hospitalization. Our dear 86 year old neighbor kept saying, "This will all happen in God's timing." The joy of Ruth Anne's homecoming was multiplied sharing it with our neighbors, and through social media posts. Here's to many many more blessed miles of health and well-being for Team McManus.

From my heart to yours
In health and wellness,
Mary

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

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

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

Hard Days Are the Best...

 

Even though Boston was only mildly affected by Hurricane Lee, last Saturday's run was a hard run for me. There were gusty headwinds at times but it was my stormy internal state that made it a hard run. When our daughter gets an infection, she experiences concomitant neuropsychiatric symptoms that are deeply distressing for her and for us. Last Saturday we were in the darkest of times not knowing how/if/when she was going to experience wellness again. I have an incredibly strong faith. Our village was praying for her and Team McManus; people were sending Reiki and healing energy. I did meditations and visualizations seeing her as healthy, whole and healed. I imagined her crossing the finish line with Tom at the Bay State Half Marathon to complete her Trilogy of Half Marathons for Victory Programs.

I had to find a way to find comfort in the discomfort of uncertainty holding onto hope, accepting everything as it was. There were abundant signs from the Universe that everything was going to be okay. I would see just what I was supposed to see on social media and friends' messaging me videos and quotes to support me during the time of uncertainty. We created imagery to imagine Ruth Anne's healing like this Unicorn and rainbow:

We imagined the healing powder from the Unicorn's horn helping to bring Ruth Anne to a state of wellness and well-being. The rainbow is a wonderful symbol of hope and our connection to the Divine. 

We were grateful that there hadn't been any more disconcerting phone calls as there had been during the previous Saturday's run but I was clearly feeling the cumulative effect of the stress of Ruth Anne's hospitalization.

It was the first cool, cloudy and drizzly run we had in a long time. The weather could easily be like that on race day in Bermuda although I am visualizing a perfect sunny yet cool dry day. Training in all kinds of weather, especially while having a hard run is great physical and mental preparation for race day. Up until Saturday's run, I hadn't realized how much I was missing Ruth Anne on our training runs. It was also the first time that I wasn't sure how Team McManus was going to be able to emerge from the darkness that descended as a result of Ruth Anne's infection. I reflected on how excited Ruth Anne was to have me take on this goal and having us train together. My heart was heavy but I kept focusing on how vital it was for me to train hard even when/especially when it was a hard day!

We focused on the contrast between the delicate flowers that dotted the path around the Reservoir and how the powerful wind created waves on the often still waters of the Reservoir. I breathed deeply knowing that in the midst of mist, a grey sky and clouds the sun still shines somewhere. I remembered a recent fortune I got at our favorite Chinese restaurant that said, "It's always darkest before dawn."

I felt accomplished and empowered after getting through those 5 miles. It wasn't my best pace but it was a pace that was well within finishing before the 2 1/2 hour time limit. 

Saturday afternoon we received a call from Ruth Anne. She wasn't quite back to being/feeling herself yet but she was certainly better than she was the week before. And then...after 7 very long hard weeks...all of a sudden Ruth Anne was ready to come home!

To celebrate her homecoming, we went on a run together. It was the perfect weather day with warm sun, blue skies and puffy clouds:

What a blessing to be able to take a selfie together:

Team McManus navigated through seven weeks of mostly hard days. We feel like champions after weathering those storms and are so deeply grateful to have a loving, supportive village surrounding with prayers and healing energy. We know we can get through anything with our faith, our love and the healing power of running in our lives.

From my heart to yours
In health and wellness,
Mary

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

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

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

The Joy in the Journey

Even though we can see and feel that summer in New England is preparing to make its exit, we are so blessed and grateful that we can continue our early morning runs. While it is exhilarating and exciting to focus on Bermuda Marathon Race Weekend, especially since we are going to stay at the host hotel for Race Weekend, as we went out our front door, I felt this sense that the joy is in the journey. 

In our email receipt from Marathon Tours and Travel, it said, "Bermuda is hilly! You will find Front Street Mile to be flat, however the other races – 10K, half marathon and marathon are hilly. It is highly recommended that in your training you prepare for the hilly terrain."

Even though we have been training on hills, I felt inspired to suggest to Tom that we incorporate the hill we used for hill training during the 2009 Boston Marathon. Ruth Anne has been going through a rough patch on her ultramarathon healing journey back to wellness. I remembered her words of encouragement and support when I started training for the Bermuda 10K and said a prayer that focused on seeing her healthy, whole and healed experiencing all the joys that life has to offer; the joy she exuded when she supported my training on the road to the Bermuda Marathon 10K and her joy and zest for life. I remembered when we trained for the 2009 Boston Marathon together and how exhilarated we felt when we crossed the finish line together. There were so many incredible joyful moments in the journey on the road to the 2009 Boston Marathon with our Tufts 10K race together, the Hyannis Half Marathon when we met running greats and runner friends that we are still friends with today.

As Tom and I conquered the hill, we said "What do we eat for breakfast? Hills!"

 

 

What joy we felt experiencing the dawn of a new day overflowing with healing, hope and infinite possibilities:

I allowed the gentle ripples of the Reservoir's water to create ripples of joy in my heart and soul feeling the expansion of the scene before me reminding me of God's great love. It is so easy to get caught up in fear and worry in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges. Worries are dispelled by feeling gratitude and then joy that despite all appearances, all is well.

Before heading to the downhill (since downhill training is as vital as uphill training) there was spectacular sunshine peeking through the trees:

We took the downhill with ease:

before taking the right to head home while we tackled the long gradual hill to end our morning miles.

 

While we visualize how we are going to feel as we come into the Stadium and cross the finish line at the Bermuda 10K, we are making sure to find the joy in the journey.

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 for links to podcast interviews, speaking engagements and where you can find my incredibly inspirational story.

 

I had a great time sharing my journey and announcing my new goal of taking on the Bermuda Marathon 10K on the On the Runs podcast. Here is the link to my Episode 56.  Be sure to download and subscribe to their podcast on your favorite platform.

 

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

I'm So Grateful....

 

 

 

I've recently been reflecting on how grateful I am for all that my body gives in the wake of the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome now almost 17 years ago this December.

Let me take you back to how limited my functioning was in the months and years leading up  to the diagnosis.

 

I had difficulty walking and hugged the banister as I walked up the stairs. I had difficulty breathing and swallowing. I walked with a limp. I had difficulty sleeping because I was in adrenal overload. I couldn't carry the laundry up and down the stairs to the cellar. We used Pea Pod for grocery delivery or Tom and the kids would get the groceries. I was depressed and anxious yet soldiered on for the sake of my family, my Team at work, my veterans and their families. What is noticeably absent from that equation is myself and self-care!

I was blessed to meet an earth angel of a physical therapist and then a personal trainer. They told me I was not destined to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair. They helped me find my way back to myself! I went on to run the 2009 Boston Marathon and have many adventures as runnergirl 1953.

In 2021/2022 I had a setback in my healing journey. I had to curtail training, running and had to conserve energy again. 

Training for the Bermuda Triangle Challenge  10K has given me such a boost. There's momentum building both on and off the roads. 

Last weekend as I mentioned in my previous blog, Tom had to work last weekend starting at 6pm on Friday. I did the groceries Friday afternoon, did a 5 mile run on Saturday, laundry and cleaning on Sunday and being 'support crew' while Tom focused on a server upgrade. We both marveled at how I was able to have the endurance to take care of the chores and train!

My heart overflows with gratitude for all that I am able to do. I remember how I felt in the months and years leading up to the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome and how I felt during the 2021/2022 setback. What a blessing to feel healthy and vibrant as I get ready to celebrate my 70th birthday on Christmas Day.

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. https://mikereilly.net/mary-mcmanus-stories-from-the-finish-line-presented-by-curad-performance-series/

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

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

With a new day...

 

It was another glorious start to the day on Thursday for early morning miles. I am going to miss the days of putting on a singlet, shorts, water belt and heading out the door and having the blessed opportunity of seeing the dawn of a new day! Soon it will be time to have the hats and gloves bag arranged and have our layers of clothing laid out the night before an early morning or afternoon run depending on the temperatures. We will head out for early morning runs for as long as we are able to as the season makes its transition to summer to fall and eventually to winter. I am beyond thrilled and excited to be heading to Bermuda in January for a week long race-vacation. I am imagining perfect weather for the entire time we are there especially on race day. But back to the present. The light was absolutely breath taking on our way to and around the Route 9 Reservoir.

 

There were only a few other runners beating the heat of the day with an early morning run. I set an intention to carry the serenity and peace from the still water of the Reservoir with me throughout the day. Trusting that all is well with Ruth Anne and that the Treatment Team is taking outstanding care of her can be a challenge at times. But when my eyes behold the magnificence of the colors of dawn and the sun rising in the sky, I KNOW that all is well. 

I know how hill training is a critical part of my training for the Bermuda 10K. After a lap around the Reservoir, I did speed work going up the hills on the way home.

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Isn't it absolutely amazing that at almost 70 years old and in the wake of the diagnosis of a progressive neuromuscular disease in December of 2006 that I can continue to build strength? In addition to building physical strength, I am also building mental and spiritual strength as we navigate Ruth Anne's hospitalization and journey back to wellness. While I have always practiced meditation and prayer, it has become a deeper practice during this challenging time. My gratitude and affirmations practice have also deepened. I have traditionally been a giver and love to give to others but during this difficult time, I have learned how to receive love, care, support and prayer from others. I am so deeply grateful for our incredible village!

Every morning after meditation, as I put my feet on the floor, I take a deep breath and give thanks for the gift of a new day overflowing with infinite possibilities. If any insights come through during meditation, I jot them down in the Notes on my phone so I'll remember them. Often times, insights come through during the magical time of an early morning run with new thoughts and new strength to greet the day.

Fridays are my rest days and a more leisurely morning routine. The phrase, "The only thing you need to prepare for is good things happening," came to me. As one who survived childhood trauma and more recently the trauma of what happens when Ruth Anne's body has an infection, I tend to 'brace myself' for what if's and what negative things might happen. But it's time for me to make a shift with new strength and new thoughts. 

I haven't written poetry in quite awhile. It's an old friend that brings such comfort during challenging times

I started writing poetry after the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome in December of 2006. I called my pen my divining rod for healing. This poem flowed out of me this morning:

Release

Release all thoughts of worry fear and doubt and dread

pounding pummeling happiness in my heart and head.

Transform all the darkness Source is here to light the way

embarking on infinite possibilities of this glorious brand new day.

Honoring the trauma on my body mind it took a toll

focus only on all wellness the path to being whole.

Peace and equanimity let my aching heart open wide

expanding feeling gratitude knowing the Universe is always on our side.

Courage strength and ease and grace when I turn to loving Source

compassion loving kindness self-love through all my cells now course.

Appearances accepting yet I know the tide does ebb and flow

while navigating challenges a time to learn and grow.

When those thoughts of disaster impending rear their ugly head

take deep breaths and make a shift ask what shall I think instead?

Snuggling with Source knowing I am Source's beloved child

harness power of positivity let my imaginings run wild.

Reeling in my future heart's delights are now in sight

magic and miracles abounding as everything turns out all right!

 

Five magnificent early morning miles on tap for tomorrow as I continue my journey on the road to the Bermuda 10K greeting every day with new strength and new thoughts tapping into the infinite possibilities that await us all.

 

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 newYouTube 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