I’ll jump in here to share one of the many lessons that I’ve learned. It is my privilege to serve as Chairman of such a remarkable Board of Directors during this time.
Barb Cady’s Lesson
Find the Way
Of the many life lessons lived during this year, the most significant one is that we have to keep looking for a solution. We cannot let obstacles, challenges, problems, detours, roadblocks and events stop the journey.
This has been a year of not-so-terrific “firsts” in TOPS. For the first time in 72 years, chapters were forbidden from meeting throughout the U.S. and Canada. For the first time in 65 years, we were not permitted to host an international recognition event. Many people offered negative opinions about what the future might hold for us. However, these people and circumstances have not defeated the TOPS spirit. In fact, we became stronger, closer and more determined as each circumstance was faced, addressed and resolved.
Chapters both got back to basics and moved into the future with equal ease. Folks began writing and sending actual letters and calling each other or the phone again. Reassurance was found in long-tested ways. People learned new skills to teleconference and hear each other’s voices in a group setting and even added seeing each other as we talked. We reported in during the times of our weekly meetings to keep accountability present, discuss progress and share how we were doing. We found ways to stay active together and still social distance. We found ways to share and encourage eating healthy. Drive-by events acknowledged each other’s accomplishments. We would not let “no” be the answer. We kept on meeting, supporting and caring every week. Our commitment to our mission is stronger. Quarantine was not an “excuse.”
When events had to be delayed or reformatted, we saw great creativity expressed to assure recognition of success achieved and efforts made. We were determined to find a way to honor achievements appropriately.
Using social media offered even more ways to show how much we care at every level. Using messages, memes and live feeds, we openly shared support and kept each other’s spirits high. Just like times when you know you have honestly worked your plan but the results do not seem to show, we leaned into it, breathed through it and kept looking for the way. We affirmed our determination with each other and kept reporting in. Moreover, the activity is continuing even though restrictions are lessening in some areas.
We are definitely getting back together and are stronger than ever.
I Care, Barb
By Michelle September 28, 2020
I would like to know how to become part of Tops.
Thank you
By Kim Greene September 30, 2020
We’d love to have you, Michelle! Check out this page and let us know if you have any other questions: https://www.tops.org/tops/TOPS/TOPS-Membership.aspx
By Gina Brueske September 28, 2020
Awesome words Barbara. TOPS is family and we do have a way to prevail. We are TOPS strong. Thanks. Our members are finding all kinds of ways to stay connected and support each other during this difficult time.
By Barb Maas September 28, 2020
Thank you for the reminder of what TOPS is during this unprecedented time. I use you as my mental ‘anchor’ & do my best to follow your thinking because it IS TOPS. Sadly, I had to resign from my chapter despite our efforts to adjust. We did Zoom plus met outside. Two members tested Covid positive later, masks below noses, no sanitizing, etc. The leader set up winter indoor mtgs in a favored local restaurant room & suggested some might like to stay for lunch there. I had to resign to use online resources. Can’t survive restaurant mtgs & lunch (optional) temptations. The chapter has done what you described in several older blogs…unknowingly morphed into complacency, low weight loss expectations & a social gathering that discusses weight. I have you & onlne resources to keep me on track despite all this so thank you from the bottom of my heart for being here. I’ve never needed support more & while the chapter didn’t provide any, I have everything I need for my weight journey here on the TOPS website with people like you. Thank you again.
By Donna Ferguson September 16, 2020
I like reading you Monday moments of truth.
By Janet Long September 15, 2020
Thank you for this encouragement. I have had problems staying positive during this time.Its always good to hear from Tops leaders & staff. Keep up the good work. Tops is a great group of people. Thanks again.
By Sylvia Duncan September 14, 2020
Thank you for your optimism.
Supporting healthy ways for each other shows respect and honors all of our leaders who are doing the very best they can.
By Glenda wegleitner September 14, 2020
Sorry my spelling The word is people not ripple
By Barb Cady September 28, 2020
No worries… My mind gets ahead of my fingers often too!
By Glenda wegleitner September 14, 2020
I am enjoying your articles. Tops is going to survive thanks to enthusiastic ripple such as yourself.