"I hated every minute of training, but I said, 'Don't quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.'" Muhammed Ali
As a polio survivor I learned shame and embarrassment about what I could not physically accomplish. I am amazed that I found the strength and dignity to stand in gym class every day facing the taunts and jeers of my peers. Having had a vision of God when I was 5, somewhere deep inside I felt God's presence and knew the Truth that they could not touch my soul. But needless to say, this disrupted my relationship with my body. Running the Marathon was an incredibly healing journey and now, in the quiet of my home, I continue the healing journey deepening my relationship with my body which of course is deepening my spiritual awareness.
When once I surrounded myself with random photos or pictures on the wall, I noticed that I now surround myself with reminders of champions. I have an autographed photo from Johnny Kelly Boston Marathon champion, and Tedy Bruschi,a Patriots defensive lineman who overcame heart surgery and stroke to return to the football field, a signed poster from Team Hoyt, incredible champions, Red Sox and Celtics memorabilia and a reminder of my own champion status - my Hyannis Half and Boston Marathon medals. Despite or maybe because of the diagnosis of post polio syndrome, I have emerged as a champion or more aptly put, I discovered the champion that was inside of me all along.
As I live my life as a champion, I notice a transformation in the way people respond to me. Last year when I attended the Health and Fitness Expo sponsored by Channel 7 in Boston, I wanted to meet Tedy Bruschi and be a part of the 'inner circle'. I did meet Hoda Kotb and gave her my press kit; she said she would be in touch with me. How I visualized sitting on the set of the Today Show the morning after I ran the marathon. But it was not meant to be because I had not yet internalized my feeling as a champion. I was seeking the validation from the outside rather than being able to claim my championship status. When I detached from needing to be recognized from the outside as a champion and began to celebrate myself as a champion; when I decided to let go and have fun at this year's Health and Fitness Expo, I found myself in the midst of amazing adventures.
I met former Red Sox pitcher Bill "Spaceman" Lee and his lovely wife Diane through my friend who is producing The Joy of Sox Movie, Rick Leskowitz, M.D. It is along story of synchronicity as Rick and I trained at the VA together over 25 years ago. I had written a poem at the suggestion of my husband to help bring David Ortiz 'Big Papi' out of his hitting slump. For some reason, I slipped a copy of the poem into my pocketbook before heading out the expo along with several of my books. While I was writing my poem about Big Papi, Bill Lee was meeting with Larry Ledoux to discuss Big Papi's slump. They worked together to make his bat heavier near the handle. Both events occurred simultaneously and since June 6th, Big Papi's slump ended. Bill Lee 'just happens' to know Big Papi and said he would be delighted to give him a copy of my poem along with my business card. We celebrated joy and synchronicity and were amazed at the Universe had brought us all together. Bill Lee and I did a book trade - he is now the proud owner of "New World Greetings:Inspirational Poetry and Musings for a New World" along with feeling inspired by my journey. I am the proud owner of the Little Red (Sox) Book which is humorous, informative, creative and the year after he wrote the book, the Red Sox won their first penant in 86 years!
On Sunday, I had not planned to return to the Health and Fitness Expo. I was exhausted from Saturday's adventures and being on my feet all day and was going to just sit out in the sunshine and relax. When I woke up, the day was overcast and then I had this overwhelming feeling I should go back to the Expo - just to have fun, meet the stars from the Biggest Loser TV show and hang out. I had no idea that I would be meeting Tedy Bruschi and giving him a signed copy of my book. I had no idea that I would be reconnecting with Channel 7 anchors and that on Monday I would receive a phone call from Channel 7 telling me they want to do my story for their Health Cast segment. I had no idea that I would be meeting with two therapists from Spaulding Rehab who would want me to come into their class of graduate students in Speech and Language and Physical Therapy to help teach the students through sharing my journey with post polio syndrome. I had no idea I would meet the marketing executives for Partners Health Care who want to share my story shining the spotlight on the International Rehab Center for Polio. All these things I had imagined and once I let go, stopped forcing outcomes and felt wonderful about myself, the Universe responded to my song of "I am a champion". I will confess that the unfolding of events is even more magical and mystical than I could ever have imagined.
The funniest part in all of this is that I didn't have to run the Boston Marathon to become a champion - I already was one. I am reading Tori Murden McClure's book, "A Pearl in the Storm". There are no accidents and no coincidences. I would not even know about this book had Jordan Rich of WBZ radio not scheduled us both to be on the show at the same time because there just happened to be a Bruins playoff game that night and he was pressed for time. When I first found out I had to share the time with someone else, my ego was bruised - hey I need the time to share my story and the story of Team McManus. But as always, God knew exactly what She was doing. Little did I know that we are two kindred spirits - both pushing ourselves to the edge of our limits (and Tori almost died in the midst of her quest) to find what was True all along - what is True for all of us - no matter how we may be buffeted by life's storms, our essence remains pure and perfect. We are all champions!
To purchase a copy of my book, "New World Greetings:Inspirational Poetry and musings for a New World" overflowing with love, healing, grace and whimsy and which helps me and others to experience healing and inspiration, visit www.newworldgreetings.com I generously donate 20% of the proceeds to Spaulding Rehab's Polio Fund.
And while you're there, visit my sumptuous samples of customized poetry. Enter a new world of greeting cards and celebrate, commemorate and allow me to create a customized poem for that special someone and that special occasion.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Denial is not just a River in Egypt
I decided that it's time to acknowledge how beat up my body was through marathon training and running the Boston Marathon and to take some time to heal and recover. I will not bore you with the list of tender areas of my body nor the sense of fatigue that I experience as I ponder going out for another intensive training run. Instead, I will share with you the importance of honoring my body not just as a polio/post polio survivor but as a woman who is learning to connect and love her body in a whole new way.
I am overjoyed that I was able to overcome the symptoms of post polio syndrome to embark on an incredible journey on the road to the Boston Marathon. It truly was about the journey, not the destination although I will admit -- what a beautiful sight coming down Boylston Street with the floodlights looming in the distance and putting one foot in front of the other to inch ever closer to the finish line. What a blessing to have my beloved family surround me along with my personal trainer, Janine Hightower. Just as I learned to push my body beyond its limits during marathon training, I am now learning to acknowledge what I need to do to create a balanced health and fitness program. Once again I am embarking in new territory and am so blessed to have the guidance of Janine Hightower of www.bostonhomebodies.com.
Janine reminded me that after I crossed the finish line, I revealed to her all the pain I endured during marathon training as well as areas that were injured. She continues to remind me that she is amazed that I never shared anything with her of what I was going through. We both agreed I was not going to stop any way and I needed to keep those thoughts and feelings at bay to accomplish what I was called to do. But now, I no longer need to deny and worked with Janine to design a program which will enable me to achieve cardiovascular and strength training benefits without burning out and allowing my body to heal.
I don't know what the future holds in terms of returning to running and road races; I do know that my future holds a health and fitness program and a lifestyle which will prevent further disability from post polio syndrome. I do know that I will continue to be a part of the running community. The future holds a time for healing and strengthening and for now I am getting reacquainted with my body. I am so blessed and overjoyed with this body and I am falling in love with my body all over again. The present holds peace, joy, happiness, gratitude, feeling incredibly blessed with the knowledge that I can let go of denial because denial is not just a river in Egypt.
To purchase a copy of my book, "New World Greetings:Inspirational Poetry and musings for a New World" overflowing with love, healing, grace and whimsy and which helps me and others to experience healing and inspiration, visit www.newworldgreetings.com I generously donate 20% of the proceeds to Spaulding Rehab's Polio Fund.
And while you're there, visit my sumptuous samples of customized poetry. Enter a new world of greeting cards and celebrate, commemorate and allow me to create a customized poem for that special someone and that special occasion.
I am overjoyed that I was able to overcome the symptoms of post polio syndrome to embark on an incredible journey on the road to the Boston Marathon. It truly was about the journey, not the destination although I will admit -- what a beautiful sight coming down Boylston Street with the floodlights looming in the distance and putting one foot in front of the other to inch ever closer to the finish line. What a blessing to have my beloved family surround me along with my personal trainer, Janine Hightower. Just as I learned to push my body beyond its limits during marathon training, I am now learning to acknowledge what I need to do to create a balanced health and fitness program. Once again I am embarking in new territory and am so blessed to have the guidance of Janine Hightower of www.bostonhomebodies.com.
Janine reminded me that after I crossed the finish line, I revealed to her all the pain I endured during marathon training as well as areas that were injured. She continues to remind me that she is amazed that I never shared anything with her of what I was going through. We both agreed I was not going to stop any way and I needed to keep those thoughts and feelings at bay to accomplish what I was called to do. But now, I no longer need to deny and worked with Janine to design a program which will enable me to achieve cardiovascular and strength training benefits without burning out and allowing my body to heal.
I don't know what the future holds in terms of returning to running and road races; I do know that my future holds a health and fitness program and a lifestyle which will prevent further disability from post polio syndrome. I do know that I will continue to be a part of the running community. The future holds a time for healing and strengthening and for now I am getting reacquainted with my body. I am so blessed and overjoyed with this body and I am falling in love with my body all over again. The present holds peace, joy, happiness, gratitude, feeling incredibly blessed with the knowledge that I can let go of denial because denial is not just a river in Egypt.
To purchase a copy of my book, "New World Greetings:Inspirational Poetry and musings for a New World" overflowing with love, healing, grace and whimsy and which helps me and others to experience healing and inspiration, visit www.newworldgreetings.com I generously donate 20% of the proceeds to Spaulding Rehab's Polio Fund.
And while you're there, visit my sumptuous samples of customized poetry. Enter a new world of greeting cards and celebrate, commemorate and allow me to create a customized poem for that special someone and that special occasion.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Happiness is....
Do you remember that song from You're a Good Man Charlie Brown - "Happiness is..." - it speaks to all the simple pleasures in life and the final lines to the song are: "FOR HAPPINESS IS ANYONE AND ANYTHING AT ALL THAT'S LOVED BY YOU." I will confess that after running the Boston Marathon, I had expectations that I would go on to be competing in road races, beating my personal records, getting up early to attend breakfast meetings... I had the expectation that I had beaten post polio syndrome as if post polio syndrome or any disease is something to be beaten. I believed that I had eliminated post polio syndrome from my body and this was the message I was to share with the world. It's funny how I have come full circle but always spiraling upward. I went from rejecting and hating my body, to loving it in its state of total immobility to then denying all that I had been through and a belief that I had eliminated disease from my body. I didn't need to see a primary care provider for a physical; I didn't need to have my annual mammogram because after all, I am all powerful, all knowing - the mighty and magnificent Oz (and what a magnificent allegory for our ego). Oh how a part of me wanted to believe that but God sent me some wonderful loving friends who did not challenge me but wondered if perhaps I had gone a little off the deep end. And truth be told I had-and that's okay because it is all a part of the human part of human Being. God's plan for me was not to demonstrate my invincibility but rather to share my being human. I had to ask God, well if my purpose was not to show how I could eliminate post polio from my body, then what was the purpose in all of this? During yesterday's "Its All About You" Blog Talk Radio Show www.blogtalkradio.com/itsallaboutyou God had me hear this phrase during the affirmation portion of the show, "What is my highest purpose? God speaks to my heart in language I understand." I am smiling, feeling overjoyed with my life and my purpose.
I ran the Boston Marathon as a mobility impaired runner. That's the story - that's the purpose. I conquered the symptoms of post polio syndrome in order to run the Boston Marathon to raise money for Spaulding Rehab Hospital and to also be a beacon of hope and inspiration to others. I live with the challenge of post polio syndrome every day. We all live with challenges every day and I am so happy and blessed. I am so grateful because every challenge that I face be it with my health or my business or book promotions or relationships or money puts another notch in my spiritual belt of faith, hope, courage, determination and gratitude.
Gratitude the flaming torch that lights my journey way
The lessons and the blessings woven into every day.
Grateful for just who I am, each precious part of me
A happiness perspective is the key to feeling free.
Love who I see and who I am erase the shoulds and must
Adversity helped pave the path and now with faith I trust.
If I swerve and lose my way, God helps to set things right
Head of my construction crew, from heart She sheds the light.
My ego can be stubborn, shrieking look at what I did
But there's a higher purpose not post polio should we rid.
For those who are complaining, and lose sight of their own gifts
I help them count their blessings, they find their spirit lifts.
For those in midst of challenge, I'm a voice of strength and hope
Someone who has been there and found a way to cope.
I'm grateful for this wondrous life each scar and bump and bruise
I'm grateful for the Power my perspective I can choose.
I can laugh and love myself for my beautiful vulnerabilities and missteps, for going off the deep end at times and for always coming back to Center, anchored in God's amazing Love and Light. I am so blessed to share it with all of you because happiness is indeed "Anyone and anything that's loved by you."
To purchase a copy of my book of inspirational poetry, "New World Greetings:Inspirational Poetry and Musings for a New World" which helped inspire me to heal my life, mind, body and spirit, and become a Boston Marathon finisher, go to www.newworldgreetings.com
And while you're there check out my sumptuous samples of customized poetry. Communicate, commemorate, create a beautiful keepsake and enter a whole New World of Greeting Cards.
I ran the Boston Marathon as a mobility impaired runner. That's the story - that's the purpose. I conquered the symptoms of post polio syndrome in order to run the Boston Marathon to raise money for Spaulding Rehab Hospital and to also be a beacon of hope and inspiration to others. I live with the challenge of post polio syndrome every day. We all live with challenges every day and I am so happy and blessed. I am so grateful because every challenge that I face be it with my health or my business or book promotions or relationships or money puts another notch in my spiritual belt of faith, hope, courage, determination and gratitude.
Gratitude the flaming torch that lights my journey way
The lessons and the blessings woven into every day.
Grateful for just who I am, each precious part of me
A happiness perspective is the key to feeling free.
Love who I see and who I am erase the shoulds and must
Adversity helped pave the path and now with faith I trust.
If I swerve and lose my way, God helps to set things right
Head of my construction crew, from heart She sheds the light.
My ego can be stubborn, shrieking look at what I did
But there's a higher purpose not post polio should we rid.
For those who are complaining, and lose sight of their own gifts
I help them count their blessings, they find their spirit lifts.
For those in midst of challenge, I'm a voice of strength and hope
Someone who has been there and found a way to cope.
I'm grateful for this wondrous life each scar and bump and bruise
I'm grateful for the Power my perspective I can choose.
I can laugh and love myself for my beautiful vulnerabilities and missteps, for going off the deep end at times and for always coming back to Center, anchored in God's amazing Love and Light. I am so blessed to share it with all of you because happiness is indeed "Anyone and anything that's loved by you."
To purchase a copy of my book of inspirational poetry, "New World Greetings:Inspirational Poetry and Musings for a New World" which helped inspire me to heal my life, mind, body and spirit, and become a Boston Marathon finisher, go to www.newworldgreetings.com
And while you're there check out my sumptuous samples of customized poetry. Communicate, commemorate, create a beautiful keepsake and enter a whole New World of Greeting Cards.
Friday, June 19, 2009
The Ballet-Let God Lead in the Dance of Life
I wrote the poem The Ballet as I reflected on how perfect nature is. If only we could allow ourselves to flow with nature rather than try to push, speed things up, wonder when things are going to appear in our lives, why haven't we gotten that email reply, send another text message or voice mail - I haven't heard back - we'd breathe so much more freely and live a much more peaceful life.
The Ballet
Everything contained within the seed it needs to know
How long to stay in soil's dark and then which way to grow.
Unfolding beauty slow with grace a rhythm without time
Breaking ground without a sound performing life in mime.
Waking to the morning sun to gently stretch and rise
In all its morning glory - a feast before my eyes.
And when life's dance is over, with a silent gentle sigh
The petals fold and wither as the flower bids goodbye.
This poem which I wrote two years ago reminds me of how important it is for me to let God lead in this beautiful dance of life. I take time to be still and to breathe with God. I release the pressure I put on myself and I move to God's music. I give myself room to dance, to create, to bask in the sunshine, to feel the rain and to know that God's Love is at the center of it all. I trust that when the wind is blowing hard, my roots are secure. God's Love is ever present even when I feel so alone and vulnerable. As God and I dance together to the music of life, I am free to grow and blossom. Just as I cannot speed up the growth of my flowers in my garden, I know that everything is unfolding in my life exactly as it should and I am patient, trusting and incredibly grateful for all that was, all that is and all that is yet to be. I turn my face to God's sunshine and experience the glory of this moment!
I invite you to purchase a copy of my book of inspirational poetry "New World Greetings:Inspirational Poetry and Musings for a New World" which helped me to heal mind, body and spirit and go on to run the 113th Boston Marathon. You can purchase it at www.newworldgreetings.com
And while you're there, be sure to check out what I have created for customers of New World Greeting Cards, customized poetry for all occasions. Let me help you say what is in your heart for that special someone. At New World Greeting Cards, it's more than a card, it's a gift from the heart.
The Ballet
Everything contained within the seed it needs to know
How long to stay in soil's dark and then which way to grow.
Unfolding beauty slow with grace a rhythm without time
Breaking ground without a sound performing life in mime.
Waking to the morning sun to gently stretch and rise
In all its morning glory - a feast before my eyes.
And when life's dance is over, with a silent gentle sigh
The petals fold and wither as the flower bids goodbye.
This poem which I wrote two years ago reminds me of how important it is for me to let God lead in this beautiful dance of life. I take time to be still and to breathe with God. I release the pressure I put on myself and I move to God's music. I give myself room to dance, to create, to bask in the sunshine, to feel the rain and to know that God's Love is at the center of it all. I trust that when the wind is blowing hard, my roots are secure. God's Love is ever present even when I feel so alone and vulnerable. As God and I dance together to the music of life, I am free to grow and blossom. Just as I cannot speed up the growth of my flowers in my garden, I know that everything is unfolding in my life exactly as it should and I am patient, trusting and incredibly grateful for all that was, all that is and all that is yet to be. I turn my face to God's sunshine and experience the glory of this moment!
I invite you to purchase a copy of my book of inspirational poetry "New World Greetings:Inspirational Poetry and Musings for a New World" which helped me to heal mind, body and spirit and go on to run the 113th Boston Marathon. You can purchase it at www.newworldgreetings.com
And while you're there, be sure to check out what I have created for customers of New World Greeting Cards, customized poetry for all occasions. Let me help you say what is in your heart for that special someone. At New World Greeting Cards, it's more than a card, it's a gift from the heart.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Let Your Ego Go!
Ever since I was diagnosed with post polio syndrome, I have had a lot of time to slow down and experience nature. What a blessing to sit by the ocean shore and watch the ebb and flow of the tide. Just as I could no more control the ebb and flow of the tide, I cannot control the ebb and flow of my body. For so many years, I would push against what my body needed until it said, 'hmph..if that is the way you are going to treat me, I'm out of this game.' But then, as I gave it tender loving care and honored what it was telling me, it responded - much like a flower that has wilted - once I watered it and gave it love and sunshine, it flourished again.
But like a flower that is fragile and beautiful, I cannot trample on myself and expect myself to thrive. I realized that I was beginning to get into some old habits that were not supportive of my balanced, healthy lifestyle. My ego believed that I had conquered post polio syndrome like it is something to be conquered. I attended a 7:30 am breakfast meeting of the Brookline Business Forum. After four weeks, I found myself experiencing fatigue, muscle weakness, tremors, irritability and a general feeling of malaise. I no longer felt alert and refreshed when I woke up in the morning - I was pushing myself beyond limits by setting my alarm clock for 6:10 am once every week. My body's natural rhythms and its need for restorative sleep was interrupted. You know after running the Boston Marathon I believed that my body was invincible. I had eliminated post polio from my body and I could do anything. It's not about defying or eliminating or conquering or curing (a lesson Bernie Siegel MD taught me and one which I had easily forgotten). It's about being grateful for everything I CAN do and accepting what is with grace and love and dignity. And so, I realized that when I did not care for my body the way it needs to be cared for, the symptoms of post polio emerged. It is a wake up call telling me that I need to get my life back into balance.
The great news is that with honoring what my body needs, I can feel good and I can accept my limits and be so incredibly grateful for what I do have. I am 55 years old and this body has been to hell and back but the Spirit shines and flies and so what if I can't do a morning breakfast meeting. Yes, the people are lovely and it was an opportunity to network and bounce ideas off of people about my business but it does not support my healing so - I have to let it go. And so what if I stop pushing myself for a personal record when I run the Tufts 10K again this year? I am so lucky to be able to walk never mind, run and it's so easy to get swept up in the perception of others and what should be that I forgot that I am on my own path with my own goals. Just the fact that I am out there, letting my Spirit shine for all I have overcome is all that matters. I felt frightened this past Tuesday when my daughter and I were on our power walk. Everything strained and my legs felt weak but when I began to reflect on what was going on, I realized that I had brought this on by not honoring what my body needs.I know there are so many post polio survivors who would trade places with me in a minute because they are wheelchair bound, ventilator bound, tube fed - and so God is guiding me and teaching me another lesson - let your ego go! It was not so long ago that I could not even take a walk on the beach - I've been there and when I was there I found ways to love life despite the limitations. God is lovingly guiding me back to that place - a reminder so important that no matter what, life is Good!
And last night, as I was talking with a dear friend who is a three time cancer survivor, she looked at me with such warmth and love and compassion for what I have been through. I was able to internalize that love and compassion and to honor myself and ask, 'what is really important here?'
When Bernie Siegel, MD was a guest on the Jordan Rich show a few weeks ago, a caller had called in suggesting that there needs to be a support group for long term survivors. I'll admit it, I'm new in the survivorship game. I am only two years out from having been in a wheelchair, wearing a brace, a wrist splint and using a cane and my body needs incredible tender loving care or it quickly goes awry. So I can celebrate what I have overcome, honor what my body needs and focus on what is really important. What is really important is that I am living my own life, running my own race and focusing on my path and staying true to myself!
One of the things that is also so important to me is being able to give back to the Spaulding Rehab Polio Fund - so please visit www.newworldgreetings.com and order a copy of my book of inspirational poetry - the book that helped me to heal mind, body and spirit and go on to finish the Boston Marathon for Spaulding Rehab.
And while you're there, please check out the sumptuous samples of customized poetry I have created for the customers of New World Greeting Cards where It's More Than a Card, It's a Gift from the Heart.
But like a flower that is fragile and beautiful, I cannot trample on myself and expect myself to thrive. I realized that I was beginning to get into some old habits that were not supportive of my balanced, healthy lifestyle. My ego believed that I had conquered post polio syndrome like it is something to be conquered. I attended a 7:30 am breakfast meeting of the Brookline Business Forum. After four weeks, I found myself experiencing fatigue, muscle weakness, tremors, irritability and a general feeling of malaise. I no longer felt alert and refreshed when I woke up in the morning - I was pushing myself beyond limits by setting my alarm clock for 6:10 am once every week. My body's natural rhythms and its need for restorative sleep was interrupted. You know after running the Boston Marathon I believed that my body was invincible. I had eliminated post polio from my body and I could do anything. It's not about defying or eliminating or conquering or curing (a lesson Bernie Siegel MD taught me and one which I had easily forgotten). It's about being grateful for everything I CAN do and accepting what is with grace and love and dignity. And so, I realized that when I did not care for my body the way it needs to be cared for, the symptoms of post polio emerged. It is a wake up call telling me that I need to get my life back into balance.
The great news is that with honoring what my body needs, I can feel good and I can accept my limits and be so incredibly grateful for what I do have. I am 55 years old and this body has been to hell and back but the Spirit shines and flies and so what if I can't do a morning breakfast meeting. Yes, the people are lovely and it was an opportunity to network and bounce ideas off of people about my business but it does not support my healing so - I have to let it go. And so what if I stop pushing myself for a personal record when I run the Tufts 10K again this year? I am so lucky to be able to walk never mind, run and it's so easy to get swept up in the perception of others and what should be that I forgot that I am on my own path with my own goals. Just the fact that I am out there, letting my Spirit shine for all I have overcome is all that matters. I felt frightened this past Tuesday when my daughter and I were on our power walk. Everything strained and my legs felt weak but when I began to reflect on what was going on, I realized that I had brought this on by not honoring what my body needs.I know there are so many post polio survivors who would trade places with me in a minute because they are wheelchair bound, ventilator bound, tube fed - and so God is guiding me and teaching me another lesson - let your ego go! It was not so long ago that I could not even take a walk on the beach - I've been there and when I was there I found ways to love life despite the limitations. God is lovingly guiding me back to that place - a reminder so important that no matter what, life is Good!
And last night, as I was talking with a dear friend who is a three time cancer survivor, she looked at me with such warmth and love and compassion for what I have been through. I was able to internalize that love and compassion and to honor myself and ask, 'what is really important here?'
When Bernie Siegel, MD was a guest on the Jordan Rich show a few weeks ago, a caller had called in suggesting that there needs to be a support group for long term survivors. I'll admit it, I'm new in the survivorship game. I am only two years out from having been in a wheelchair, wearing a brace, a wrist splint and using a cane and my body needs incredible tender loving care or it quickly goes awry. So I can celebrate what I have overcome, honor what my body needs and focus on what is really important. What is really important is that I am living my own life, running my own race and focusing on my path and staying true to myself!
One of the things that is also so important to me is being able to give back to the Spaulding Rehab Polio Fund - so please visit www.newworldgreetings.com and order a copy of my book of inspirational poetry - the book that helped me to heal mind, body and spirit and go on to finish the Boston Marathon for Spaulding Rehab.
And while you're there, please check out the sumptuous samples of customized poetry I have created for the customers of New World Greeting Cards where It's More Than a Card, It's a Gift from the Heart.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
From Reaction to Creation-It's All About Perspective
If you look at the letters of reaction and creation, you'll see they are the same - all you have to do is reshuffle them. It's so easy to get caught up in a whirlwind of reaction but today's post is going to help guide us to a new perspective.
In my book, "New World Greetings:Inspirational Poetry and Musings for a New World" I wrote:
The Pinball Machine
Put in the quarters - feel the flippers
I can now take hold
Feeling in control more valuable than gold.
For many years that little ball bouncing from side to side
Racking up points for others and risking my own hide.
Now I'm the only one who plays - the game of life is MINE
To win I feel my freedom and I let my spirit SHINE!
I still have times when I am that little pinball bouncing all around rather than taking control. I have the power to create outcomes rather than react to deceiving appearances. When I live in a state of reaction, I am coming from a place of fear. I can feel the buzzing of anxiety in my body and my thoughts racing. I check emails, check mail,look at what others are doing and find myself in a flurry of activity without purpose, goal or clear direction. I listen to the news or read the paper and I am drawn like a moth to a flame to read articles about the very things I am fearing. I feel that solar plexus clutch and I know that I am separated from God. I know that I am allowing the beliefs I internalized to dominate my thoughts. I know that I am punishing myself and believing that I am not worthy to succeed.
When I am in the nosedive of panic, I know that I must right the plane or I am going to crash and burn. In that state of panic, there is a feeling that there is not enough time to get everything done so I have to work harder and faster and do more. It is counter intuitive to STOP and find a way to right the plane rather than randomly push and pull all of the controls.
Here are some of the ways I use to move from reaction to creation:
I put out a mayday call to my family and friends and ask for support and help. I share my feelings and through laughter, love and a few hugs, I am ready to steady the plane. I surround myself with people who are supportive of my journey.
I go to websites where I am going to find inspiration and good news. I seek out information which uplifts my soul, provide perspective and helpful tips for moving forward in the direction of my dreams.
I become still. I feel my inner strength, I feel the Power and the Love from the Divine. I journal, meditate, and refresh my soul with the stillness. I write poetry. I reflect on my triumphs and successes, take a deep breath, put both hands on the steering wheel and continue on my journey.
I listen to music. I have a wide variety of music genres in my iPod and choose whatever is going to help me flip the switch from reaction to creation.
I exercise. Nothing helps me move out of the reaction mode to the creation mode faster than exercise. I have a health and fitness schedule for each week. Beyond that, if I'm feeling restless and anxious, I take a time out and go for a gentle walk. I breathe in fresh air, I notice the beauty of the world around me, and give thanks that I am able to walk! I go to the beach to feel God's abundance of love and supply reflected in the vastness of the ocean.
I ask myself, is this activity that I am doing right now helping me to stay on the path of creation or is it fanning the flames of reaction? Are my thoughts paving the way to success or do I have the brakes on believing that I do not deserve to succeed? What steps do I need to take right now to move from reaction to creation.
I take time to list my intentions, my affirmations, and to visualize and imagine the life of my dreams while expressing all that I have to be grateful for right now, in this very moment. I take control knowing that I have the power, faith, trust, confidence and strength to steer my plane in the direction of my dreams.
Yesterday, my husband and I went on a run. I had to ask myself, what is my goal for this run? I can at times place unreasonable expectations on myself. I have achieved running the Boston Marathon and now I want to strive to experience my health and fitness best. Janine Hightower, my wonderful personal trainer gave me a great sheet outlining what I need to do to be healthy and fit. It did not say, 'you must run a ___ minute/mile on your challenging training runs' or 'you must do a ___ minute/mile on your recumbent bike or do ___ many miles on the bike'. No, it talks about balance and overall fitness. So when Tom and I set out on our run yesterday, my goal was for a good cardiovascular workout of having my heart rate in target range and exercising for 20-60 minutes. We ran slower than the prior weeks but I had to take into consideration the weather and that I am now creating a new health and fitness regimen so there are different outcomes and goals. I had a choice: to either look at the fact I ran slower than the previous weeks and beat myself up about it or celebrate that 1. I was running which is a miracle in and of itself 2. I was achieving my health and fitness goals and 3. To honor that that's what my body was capable of doing yesterday - period - no judgments - just celebration and a pat on the back for what I did accomplish!
So rather than reacting and seeing the glass half empty and asking who drank my half? - I choose to create my vision of a glass that is overflowing with God's blessings.
To order a copy of my book of inspirational poetry which helped inspire me to heal mind, body and spirit, visit www.newworldgreetings.com You are also supporting a good cause - 20% of the proceeds of book sales are donated to Spaulding Rehab's Polio Fund.
And while you're there, check out my sumptuous samples --
New World Greeting Cards IT'S MORE THAN A CARD...IT'S A GIFT FROM THE HEART!TM
Welcome to New World Greeting Cards come see what we can do
A whole new world of greeting cards is waiting just for you.
Easy and affordable from the comfort of your home
Weaving what you want to say into an original customized poem.
A recipe for laughter and for smiles, happy tears
A cherished loving keepsake to be treasured through the years.
For weddings-invitations, save the date you'll be all set
Customized poem in a thank you note your guests will be thrilled to get.
Check out sumptuous samples and we even go green for you
Collaboration with others enhances-here's an eCard for you to view:
http:http://cooldogproductions.com/BirthdaySample.html
In my book, "New World Greetings:Inspirational Poetry and Musings for a New World" I wrote:
The Pinball Machine
Put in the quarters - feel the flippers
I can now take hold
Feeling in control more valuable than gold.
For many years that little ball bouncing from side to side
Racking up points for others and risking my own hide.
Now I'm the only one who plays - the game of life is MINE
To win I feel my freedom and I let my spirit SHINE!
I still have times when I am that little pinball bouncing all around rather than taking control. I have the power to create outcomes rather than react to deceiving appearances. When I live in a state of reaction, I am coming from a place of fear. I can feel the buzzing of anxiety in my body and my thoughts racing. I check emails, check mail,look at what others are doing and find myself in a flurry of activity without purpose, goal or clear direction. I listen to the news or read the paper and I am drawn like a moth to a flame to read articles about the very things I am fearing. I feel that solar plexus clutch and I know that I am separated from God. I know that I am allowing the beliefs I internalized to dominate my thoughts. I know that I am punishing myself and believing that I am not worthy to succeed.
When I am in the nosedive of panic, I know that I must right the plane or I am going to crash and burn. In that state of panic, there is a feeling that there is not enough time to get everything done so I have to work harder and faster and do more. It is counter intuitive to STOP and find a way to right the plane rather than randomly push and pull all of the controls.
Here are some of the ways I use to move from reaction to creation:
I put out a mayday call to my family and friends and ask for support and help. I share my feelings and through laughter, love and a few hugs, I am ready to steady the plane. I surround myself with people who are supportive of my journey.
I go to websites where I am going to find inspiration and good news. I seek out information which uplifts my soul, provide perspective and helpful tips for moving forward in the direction of my dreams.
I become still. I feel my inner strength, I feel the Power and the Love from the Divine. I journal, meditate, and refresh my soul with the stillness. I write poetry. I reflect on my triumphs and successes, take a deep breath, put both hands on the steering wheel and continue on my journey.
I listen to music. I have a wide variety of music genres in my iPod and choose whatever is going to help me flip the switch from reaction to creation.
I exercise. Nothing helps me move out of the reaction mode to the creation mode faster than exercise. I have a health and fitness schedule for each week. Beyond that, if I'm feeling restless and anxious, I take a time out and go for a gentle walk. I breathe in fresh air, I notice the beauty of the world around me, and give thanks that I am able to walk! I go to the beach to feel God's abundance of love and supply reflected in the vastness of the ocean.
I ask myself, is this activity that I am doing right now helping me to stay on the path of creation or is it fanning the flames of reaction? Are my thoughts paving the way to success or do I have the brakes on believing that I do not deserve to succeed? What steps do I need to take right now to move from reaction to creation.
I take time to list my intentions, my affirmations, and to visualize and imagine the life of my dreams while expressing all that I have to be grateful for right now, in this very moment. I take control knowing that I have the power, faith, trust, confidence and strength to steer my plane in the direction of my dreams.
Yesterday, my husband and I went on a run. I had to ask myself, what is my goal for this run? I can at times place unreasonable expectations on myself. I have achieved running the Boston Marathon and now I want to strive to experience my health and fitness best. Janine Hightower, my wonderful personal trainer gave me a great sheet outlining what I need to do to be healthy and fit. It did not say, 'you must run a ___ minute/mile on your challenging training runs' or 'you must do a ___ minute/mile on your recumbent bike or do ___ many miles on the bike'. No, it talks about balance and overall fitness. So when Tom and I set out on our run yesterday, my goal was for a good cardiovascular workout of having my heart rate in target range and exercising for 20-60 minutes. We ran slower than the prior weeks but I had to take into consideration the weather and that I am now creating a new health and fitness regimen so there are different outcomes and goals. I had a choice: to either look at the fact I ran slower than the previous weeks and beat myself up about it or celebrate that 1. I was running which is a miracle in and of itself 2. I was achieving my health and fitness goals and 3. To honor that that's what my body was capable of doing yesterday - period - no judgments - just celebration and a pat on the back for what I did accomplish!
So rather than reacting and seeing the glass half empty and asking who drank my half? - I choose to create my vision of a glass that is overflowing with God's blessings.
To order a copy of my book of inspirational poetry which helped inspire me to heal mind, body and spirit, visit www.newworldgreetings.com You are also supporting a good cause - 20% of the proceeds of book sales are donated to Spaulding Rehab's Polio Fund.
And while you're there, check out my sumptuous samples --
New World Greeting Cards IT'S MORE THAN A CARD...IT'S A GIFT FROM THE HEART!TM
Welcome to New World Greeting Cards come see what we can do
A whole new world of greeting cards is waiting just for you.
Easy and affordable from the comfort of your home
Weaving what you want to say into an original customized poem.
A recipe for laughter and for smiles, happy tears
A cherished loving keepsake to be treasured through the years.
For weddings-invitations, save the date you'll be all set
Customized poem in a thank you note your guests will be thrilled to get.
Check out sumptuous samples and we even go green for you
Collaboration with others enhances-here's an eCard for you to view:
http:http://cooldogproductions.com/BirthdaySample.html
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Divine
Yesterday I was blessed to be able to attend the Eighth Annual Shelby Cullom Davis Award for Caregiving Excellence at Spaulding Rehab Hospital. I was there to share my patient story and honor the caregivers at Spaulding Rehab. Imagine my surprise and delight when my beloved energy healer, Janice Wesley was a nominee. In my book, she should have won the award for all the love and care she provided during my journey on the Road to the Boston Marathon and beyond. I know Janice though and for her, being nominated was truly an honor. She does not do her work for honors or awards; she finds the reward in her watching her patients heal.
I decided to write a poem for this special occasion and after Ashley Bronson, special events coordinator handed me the mike, I noticed my hand tremor decided it was time to make itself known. Whenever I have to tightly grip something, it can reappear. There was a podium in the corner but I could not stand behind it so I had to hold the mike and read my poem. I tried to put my poem on the podium but had difficulty reading it because of the angle it was at. So I bravely took the poem, held the mike and worked the room reading my poem. Everyone loved the poem and I had wonderful conversations after the formal program and luncheon with a board member of Spaulding and Diana Spencer who created this award and luncheon to honor her late husband who died from complications of MS.
In the past, I would have been apologetic about the tremor and been self conscious asking if anyone noticed it, making excuses but instead I felt God's Presence and also thought about Katherine Hepburn - she was so classy with her tremors and what have I learned on this journey about being authentic and not needing to apologize for who I am - perfect in all of my imperfections.
Divine – extremely pleasant, delightful; supremely good or beautiful, magnificent, heavenly perfect
We've all been battered by life's tempestuous times both in the past and in the present. We can either perish in the wake of the storm or discover that we have strength, courage, determination and a capacity to weather any of life's storms when we are anchored to the Divine and our divinity within ourselves. We all experience times when we are frightened, feeling doubtful, anxious or worried, especially as we take risks to step out of our comfort zone. It is easy to listen to the noise in the world around us and let that static interfere with the frequency of what we know to be true about ourselves. As we grow and transform, expand and grab the brass ring of life, we leave behind old beliefs and allow ourselves to be....
Divine
Awaken to hear God's Voice so clear,
the compass to guide who you are
Look up to the heavens, the dazzling lights,
you can outshine any star.
The brilliance within a source of great love –
pure, untainted and true
In no one's shadow shall you walk behind,
step into the spotlight of you.
The old self so frightened needs compassion and care
as she's tenderly laid now to rest
The blame, shame and guilt, the armor she wore –
she did her absolute best.
The price that she paid to sacrifice true self –
to give until she just gave out
Trying to please, fueling all others' needs,
of her own power she had such doubt.
She's now awake and healing tears shed,
polish this diamond so rare
The light cannot hide, it can't be contained
on center stage with the world she must share.
The success of her life is found deep inside,
the courage to step out and shine
Unveiling True Self perfection and flawed –
a woman who's simply Divine!
To purchase a copy of my book of inspirational poetry, "New World Greetings:Inspirational Poetry and Musings for a New World" which helped me to heal mind, body and spirit, visit my website at www.newworldgreetings.com
And while you're there, be sure to check out the sumptuous samples of customized poetry I create just for you to bring joy to all of your special occasions.
If you are in the Boston area on 6/24 be sure to come and celebrate Poetry in Motion - an evening of inspiration and cheer at Marathon Sports Brookline 1638 Beacon Street Brookline, MA
I decided to write a poem for this special occasion and after Ashley Bronson, special events coordinator handed me the mike, I noticed my hand tremor decided it was time to make itself known. Whenever I have to tightly grip something, it can reappear. There was a podium in the corner but I could not stand behind it so I had to hold the mike and read my poem. I tried to put my poem on the podium but had difficulty reading it because of the angle it was at. So I bravely took the poem, held the mike and worked the room reading my poem. Everyone loved the poem and I had wonderful conversations after the formal program and luncheon with a board member of Spaulding and Diana Spencer who created this award and luncheon to honor her late husband who died from complications of MS.
In the past, I would have been apologetic about the tremor and been self conscious asking if anyone noticed it, making excuses but instead I felt God's Presence and also thought about Katherine Hepburn - she was so classy with her tremors and what have I learned on this journey about being authentic and not needing to apologize for who I am - perfect in all of my imperfections.
Divine – extremely pleasant, delightful; supremely good or beautiful, magnificent, heavenly perfect
We've all been battered by life's tempestuous times both in the past and in the present. We can either perish in the wake of the storm or discover that we have strength, courage, determination and a capacity to weather any of life's storms when we are anchored to the Divine and our divinity within ourselves. We all experience times when we are frightened, feeling doubtful, anxious or worried, especially as we take risks to step out of our comfort zone. It is easy to listen to the noise in the world around us and let that static interfere with the frequency of what we know to be true about ourselves. As we grow and transform, expand and grab the brass ring of life, we leave behind old beliefs and allow ourselves to be....
Divine
Awaken to hear God's Voice so clear,
the compass to guide who you are
Look up to the heavens, the dazzling lights,
you can outshine any star.
The brilliance within a source of great love –
pure, untainted and true
In no one's shadow shall you walk behind,
step into the spotlight of you.
The old self so frightened needs compassion and care
as she's tenderly laid now to rest
The blame, shame and guilt, the armor she wore –
she did her absolute best.
The price that she paid to sacrifice true self –
to give until she just gave out
Trying to please, fueling all others' needs,
of her own power she had such doubt.
She's now awake and healing tears shed,
polish this diamond so rare
The light cannot hide, it can't be contained
on center stage with the world she must share.
The success of her life is found deep inside,
the courage to step out and shine
Unveiling True Self perfection and flawed –
a woman who's simply Divine!
To purchase a copy of my book of inspirational poetry, "New World Greetings:Inspirational Poetry and Musings for a New World" which helped me to heal mind, body and spirit, visit my website at www.newworldgreetings.com
And while you're there, be sure to check out the sumptuous samples of customized poetry I create just for you to bring joy to all of your special occasions.
If you are in the Boston area on 6/24 be sure to come and celebrate Poetry in Motion - an evening of inspiration and cheer at Marathon Sports Brookline 1638 Beacon Street Brookline, MA
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