You Are Here – Celebrating the Moment and Giving Thanks

You Are Here – Celebrating the Moment and Giving Thanks for What Is!

Last Saturday I was blessed to do a book signing at Wonderland Books in Putnam, CT. It is an old fashioned independent bookstore. The owner, Patty, knows every one by name. In addition to books, the shop is overflowing with items to please everyone’s taste. And right next to the table where I did my book signing was a round circle akin to a dart board with a bright red arrow and in red letters YOU ARE HERE. I kept bumping into the sign wondering what God was trying to tell me.

I am here – right now in this moment celebrating this moment and celebrating all the moments that have gotten me here. I celebrate all the pain and the grueling physical, emotional and spiritual challenges I experienced during the 15 months of training for the Boston Marathon. I am so grateful that God gave me the strength, faith, courage and determination to overcome all of the challenges of the past and move forward in joy. The finish line is a starting line and I am here.

I am so grateful that for the first time in my life, I am able to walk freely and enjoy a glorious Spring day. I remember all too well, not too long ago when every step I took was painful. I could feel the adrenaline pumping within me as I tried to push myself beyond what I was physically capable of doing. I hated myself and rejected the body I thought had betrayed me. I did not realize that I had betrayed my body by rejecting it. The long road from post polio syndrome to the finish line of the Boston Marathon was paved with self love. I am here.

In addition to receiving the sign “You Are Here” God is also sending me a sign with turtles. During my post marathon walks around a pond and a reservoir, I am seeing turtles – everywhere! We all know the story of the turtle and the hare. Who wins? The humble, modest turtle who moves along at his own pace not thinking I better speed up and beat out that hare. I am going to resume strength training with my personal trainer and do 5K and 10K races feeling comfortable running a good pace FOR ME. I celebrate that I am the turtle, moving along, enjoying life, embracing the moment and taking absolutely nothing for granted! I am here!

The Present
Right now is the present and that’s where I live
To precious life’s moments, my attention I give.

The past is over I say with a sigh
And cheerfully bid it a farewell goodbye.

The future’s not here yet, so pull back the rein
And focus attention on the present again.

From “New World Greetings:Inspirational Poetry and Musings for a New World” by Mary McManus, Publish America 2007 All rights reserved

Mary McManus
www.newworldgreetings.com
www.firstgiving.com/teammcmanus