Let's Be Adventurous!

Before the diagnosis of Post Polio Syndrome in December of 2006, I would not be described as an adventurous person. I clung to safety and to routine which was no easy feat after giving birth to twins in 1987. Having grown up in a violent household, taking risks and being bold were not a way of life that I could embrace. I lived on the edge for far too many years.

But after the diagnosis of a progressive neuromuscular disease, I was at a crossroads in my life. The old ways were challenged as the walls of my past came crumbling down as I wrote poetry and opened my heart to forgiveness, gratitude, healing, hope and possibilities!

As the howling wind rustled the trees outside and rain pelted against my window in yesterday's early morning hours, I hoped that the weather would subside enough so we could get in our morning 5K.

We vowed that unless there were a blizzard outside, we would not run on a treadmill.

The rain and wind miraculously stopped at 9am when the forecast predicted it would!

The clouds were breaking as the sun tried to peek through the grey overcast day.

As we were getting ready to head out on our run, we had the great debate.

"Should we bring our jackets?"

"No I think it's going to clear!"

"What does the forecast say?"

I finally declared, 'Let's be adventurous and go without our jackets.'

It was unseasonably warm for the last day in September. We expressed our gratitude for being able to still go out in shorts and a t shirt.

When we arrived at The Reservoir, Ruth Anne commented on how mysterious the water looked after the storm.



The wind left gentle waves on the water in its wake with a blue green hue to the water.

We savored these moments together and being together in nature:


Geese lined the path and we played dodge the geese and the puddles on our run.

"Hey mom..look we have the whole place to ourselves."

"That's because people were afraid of the forecast."

"But not us."

We took our mid run selfie:


As we finished our lap around the Reservoir, Ruth Anne spotted ominous looking clouds in the sky. Being the eternal optimist I said, "Oh don't worry. They are moving out."

And that is why I am not a meteorologist!

A few raindrops quickly turned into a deluge about a half mile from the end of our run at our house.

The only thing to do was to laugh and splash in the puddles that quickly formed around our feet.

Ruth Anne was quick to remind me, as she does whenever we get caught in a downpour, "Well you had that image of splashing in the puddles after you were diagnosed."

Ruth Anne referenced the poem, "Come Out and Play" from "Feel the Heal: An Anthology of Poems to Heal Your Life":

One night I had a dream that I came out of my leg brace and was splashing around in the rain much like Gene Kelly did in Singin’ in the Rain. When I woke up, I penned this poem:

Come Out and Play

Arms flung open wide dancing in the rain
pure abiding joy to feel alive again
healing tears fall and blend in God’s puddle
no time to sit in a corner and huddle
all the old rules driven by fears
washed away now by God’s loving tears
the imprint dad left no longer remains
rain washes away all of the stains
baptized with love, Truth lights my way
the sun shines through on this rainy day
splashing and laughing my heart opens wide
embracing and flowing I’m one with the tide
God takes my hand release the old way
bathe in my glory come out and play!

I was happy we didn't bring jackets or hats. I loved experiencing the delightful feeling or running through the rain, of getting soaked to the skin; a simple pleasure that I never knew as a child. I had never run a day in my life before the age of 53. The medical community would have me believe that, as a survivor of paralytic polio, I was fragile and needed to take special precautions avoiding the elements lest I end up with a fracture or pneumonia.

But for me...that's not living! As Helen Keller said, "Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all."

Here is our post we are soaked to the skin selfie:


Intrigued by my journey to health and wellness after the diagnosis of Post Polio Syndrome? Be sure to visit my website at www.marymcmanus.com

My books are available on Amazon

From my heart to yours
In health and wellness
To great adventures in living
Mary

Thirteen Years Later: Sail Away From Safe Harbor

May 25, 2007 -- I began my tenure on December 5, 1988. I was hired as the Visual Impairment Services Team Coordinator. I received a Certificate of Appreciation from the Blinded Veterans Association after I was reassigned to give my job to a member of the all male management team despite my outstanding performance in that role. I contemplated leaving the VA but I knew in my heart I belonged serving those who served until it was time for me to heal my life from the effects of paralytic polio and trauma. It was a beautiful summer's day kicking off Memorial Day Weekend in Boston. Instead of heading into Boston as I had done for the past almost 20 years, I drove to the Jamaica Plain VA Campus. I parked in a handicapped space grabbing my cane, wearing my toe up leg brace as I carried a piece of paper that each person had to initial to ensure a proper exit from the VA. I saw many familiar faces as I walked the halls for the last time as an employee. There were hugs, tears and joy that I was going to take care of myself.

After the final stop at personnel, I turned in my ID badge, took a deep breath, and headed out into the sunshine. I sat in my yard clutching my manuscript for "New World Greeting Cards: Inspirational Poetry and Musings for a New World" and editing it. I was preparing it for publication with PublishAmerica. I was in awe of the synchronicity that was happening in my life as I learned about the world of getting a book published and connecting with people who were inspired by my journey.

Many thought I was crazy to leave the security of my career and salary to follow my bliss as a poet author and and to heal my life. Two quotes that stayed with me during those initial days and weeks of retirement were:


and



I was able to transform and transcend my past during these past 13 years.

I have had adventures through the sport of running and made friends that I probably would not have met had I not found the courage to take that leap of faith.

I carry many fond memories of my veterans and their families in my heart and am blessed to be in contact with some of them through social media. I've reconnected with some of my colleagues who continue to serve those who serve and those who have retired after me.

Thirteen years ago I found the courage and strength to sail away from safe harbor with the unconditional love and support from my family.

I have been blessed to explore different life after the VA iterations, dream about running the Boston Marathon and crossing the finish line on April 20, 2009 and discover who I am and who I was always meant to be. I've been blessed to share my journey in books, magazines, in radio interviews and as a motivational speaker. I've been able to touch, bless and help people heal their lives in new ways after leaving my social work career.



Sail on and dream on dear friends!

Take a risk and find yourself land in the middle of the most wondrous adventures.

Be sure to visit my website at www.marymcmanus.com

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

From my heart to yours
In health and wellness
Mary