Runner Insight

My Slapdown

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On Thursday I was interviewed by Dr. Andrew Shatte’.  He is on the faculty at the University of Arizona and is currently working on a book about people who have overcome adversities.  He’s interviewed lots of people who have been handed some sort of “slapdown” by life (his term). He was intrigued by my slapdown story, and we had an insightful and somewhat introspective conversation.  He asked me a lot of questions in reference to my reaction and the subsequent acceptance of my life with the eye disease RP (Retinitis Pigmentosa). 

But there was one question in particular that Andrew asked me, that I had a hard time articulating an answer for. It was “Did faith or spirituality play a part in how you handled your “slapdown”?”  I told him yes, it most certainly had, but I felt my answer was inadequate in expressing how much it truly has helped me to not allow myself to be limited by my vision constraints.  Even though I’m legally blind, and I do have to deal with that every day, I don’t define myself that way or see myself as “broken” or “limited”.

I’m constantly aware that I’m part of something much bigger than just myself.  It would be nearly impossible to continue on the journey that I’m on if I had chosen to live as a victim.  There’s an inner knowledge that we are all connected, and that gives me hope and a sense of security.  And it’s not just the hope that I will someday see again, but the knowledge that what we do here in this lifetime counts. It matters, and we are here for a reason. 

That reason may not be fully revealed to us until we are no longer a part of this physical world, but it doesn’t matter whether it’s made clear or not. I have the unshakeable faith that what I’m doing at this very moment in time is exactly what I’m supposed to be doing. 

There was no way for me to know what my life was going to bring me.  No way to know that it would take going blind for me to even begin to understand what being of service to others is all about. I’m absolutely confident that had I been living my life without this particular challenge, I would not be working on my current 1,222.25 mile fundraising run in an effort to raise $30,000 for Guide Dogs for the Blind, or have even considered running to the Ellen TV Show! 

I could have looked at my “Slapdown” through the eyes of a victim, but at the time, I chose this road, not because I’m more evolved or smarter, but because it was the only road I knew. And that journey would allow me to eventually end up where I am today.

I do have faith in the Universe and its infinite wisdom. Look where it’s brought me so far!! I live a beautiful and peaceful and contented life that is only getting better literally every single day.

 How ’bout it?

 - Vision Runner

P.S. If you’re getting value out of this blog, you can do me a favor by linking to us and mentioning my Run Over To Ellen’s fundraising project to friends and co-workers.  Here’s the link information for this article:
Title: My Slapdown

URL: http://runnerinsight.com/2009/06/22/my-slapdown/ 

P.S.S. Here’s an informational website all about guide dogs…www.Guide-Dogs.info

Popularity: 7% [?]

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When Mary offered to create a poem to promote my Run Over To Ellen’s Fundraising Project, I honestly had no idea what to expect…so imagine my surprise when we got this incredibly perceptive portrait of the project and myself…

Thank you so much, Mary! Words can’t express how special this is. I think T said it best: “Wow!”

A blind runner creating a new vision for life

Had an incredible vision one day

To push herself out of her own comfort zone

While doing great good along the way.

Her name’s Vision Runner and although eyesight is lost

Her vision is clear as can be

Guide Dogs for the Blind, her passionate cause

Run over to Ellen’s – yes be on TV.

Thirty thousand the goal to help those in need

For safety, independence and trust

One thousand two hundred twenty two miles, the distance she’ll run

Your financial support is a must.

Thirty six miles each week she’ll run with white cane

Her courage gives goosebumps to all

Despite the terrain, the weather, fatigue

She knows she is answering the call.

A website has she to inspire and share

The challenges with RP she must face

but she knows The Secret to creating her life

With humor, positivity and grace.

So join in the fun you’ll be thrilled that you did

And come to Burbank in December to cheer

An incredible woman who despite all the odds

Knows absolutely no limits or fear.

- Mary McManus

www.newworldgreetings.com

We only need 30,000 people to donate $1 each so click here to donate your $1 and then forward it on to everyone you know….This is one of those projects where we each can contribute a little and together do a World of Good!

How ’bout it?

-Vision Runner

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My virtual Run Over To Ellen’s is a fundraising run, and we’re raising $30,000 for Guide Dogs for the Blind. We only need 30,000 people to donate $1 (or more) – have you donated your $1 yet? You can click on the green FirstGiving widget in the sidebar or go to www.FirstGiving.com/VisionRunner Do it now and you’ll have access to all the special donors only benefits…and special giveaways! Everyone who donates by the end of this week is in the drawing for a special limited edition Vision Runner -”Dare to Envision a New Reality” pen. Motivation right at your fingertips! So hurry to www.FirstGiving.com/VisionRunner and donate now.

For more info on the project…check out www.RunOverToEllens.com

Below I share some thoughts about my first month of running and fundraising.

After the first month of my virtual Run Over To Ellen’s, I’m almost to the “B” pin on the map which is Red Rock, MT and the “C” pin is Lima, MT. We’ve raised $149 dollars so far for Guide Dogs for the Blind, and we’ve been on the local news. Still a long ways to go on all fronts, but I’m up for it…so let’s run!


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Popularity: 6% [?]