Springtime in the hills of West Virginia often has very foggy mornings. As the sun appears over the mountains and the fog begins to lift and eventually burn off, what was murky and vague becomes crisp and clear against a bright blue sky. Sipping a cup of coffee on the back porch as this unfolds helps clear my mind as I plan for the new day. This simple pause to think begins to bring focus to the events of the day.
Yet, I have found that when I want to change anything, that real concentration of thought is needed. This requires much more energy than it seems. There are so many other things running through my mind, taking place in my life and happening around me, that what I really want to change often gets shoved aside and forgotten in the day-to-day events that flow in a steady stream.
As the day passes, the “weather” may change and with it, many plans alter! That is where the fight really begins. I have to ask myself if I am just hoping things will change.
I find jotting my thoughts down really helps me. Do I have a clear idea of what I want? Do I believe in my own ability to make things happen? What things can I point to as proof to keep me going when the going gets tough?
Do I have a plan to turn my wishes into reality? Have I assembled what I need to get started? What is my first checkpoint to see how the plan is working? When does it begin? How will I modify the plan if needed? Is now the time to roll up my sleeves and get busy? If not now, when?
I invite you to get out your notebook and join me by starting to write your own success story today. We can do it if we stick to it!
I Care, Barb
By Arlene Clayton July 2, 2019
There are no Smoky Mountains in Kansas to enjoy the early m orning mist. However there are many hills and valleys that maintain the haze of river valleys. The view along 24 Highway west from 81 Highway in the early am and late afternoon is relaxing and helps to remind the attitude that there is more to life than those who only want to complain about any thing they can complain about and those who want to impress the other members with their social life while the members are asking what does this have to do with those who are here tonight other than you are not carrying your share of the reason and purpose of the reason that you joined TOPS. This attitude can and does sabotage the purpose of the reason the organization was founded.
The attitude of the masses has to be left outside the meeting door and left there to make every meeting meaningful and every member successful.
By LIBBY DURHAM May 28, 2019
Thanks Barb! You know we don’t take time to really appreciate the beauty around us. I like to get out in my sun room early in the morning with a cup of coffee and watch the sun come peeping up through the trees an just feel thankful for all the blessings of my long life! I have had such a wonderful BIG family and an army of good friends which so many are TOPS members. As a military wife for 21 years and a TOPS Area Captain 27 years I did a lot of traveling and have seen a lot of God’s beautiful world so I truly have been blessed a thousand times over and am so grateful.I keep a journal and is amazing how i have been blessed.
LIBBY DURHAM
By brenda May 28, 2019
Great ideas, very helpful, thanks
By Robin O May 28, 2019
I agree that writing down our goals is powerful. Seeing our success story written down on a page in front of us can help it become reality. Thank you for the CLEAR motivation!
By Janice May 28, 2019
I enjoy reading your notes Barb, uplifting!
By Lynda Pattison May 28, 2019
Love this, thanks for the inspiration, doing a program at chapter tonight and going to read this and get people working on their own book. Will give each member a small notebook and pen so no excuses LOL
By Janice May 28, 2019
Great idea,will give at our meeting in the morning!
By Louise Winland 832 Eastlake May 28, 2019
Great idea , we are trying new things and I think we will start with this