My goodness! Over 1,600 members were in Little Rock, Arkansas, to celebrate at our 69th International Recognition Days, where more than 500 KOPS formed a brilliant Circle of Light to help all of us find our way to our healthiest, most active life. New TOPS friendships were formed and long-time friends reconnected. All of our hundreds of winners Sparkled like Diamonds with the cheers and applause of fellow members inspired by the successes each shared.
A wonderful walk along the river was attended by hundreds of early morning walkers. Our speakers and Medical Research team shared information, insights and updates that captured the attention of all attendees. Each session had unique shining moments that formed memories to last forever…just like diamonds! Century Award members who are maintaining 100-pound losses and Before and After size participants who had lost 75+ pounds opened up this sparkling event. Royalty from almost all states and provinces shared so many victories. Our TOPS Royalty came from throughout TOPSland. Queen Jennifer Noyes who lost 178.25 pounds to her goal hails from Ontario; King Bob Lee calls Georgia home and lost an impressive 140 pounds. Runners-up Lynn Craig from Minnesota and Bob O’Hara from Oil City, Pennsylvania, shed 161.80 pounds and 138.25 pounds respectively to reach their goals!
The update at the halfway point of our TOPS Million Pounds Mission is outstanding and so encouraging. The chapters who reported their progress by June 30 had amazing news. TOPS chapters from Canada have already dropped over 65,583.60 pounds, while chapters in the United States show they are 277,714.70 377,714.70 pounds lighter. KOPS are maintaining losses totaling 544,754.50 pounds! This totals an impressive 988,052.80 pounds which is only 11,946.20 pounds from the Million Pound target. WOW! We can definitely do this and maybe add another half million pounds in the next half of the year. Keep on cutting a bit more and burning a bit more, TOPS Team! We are going the distance together to a brilliant total yearly loss. Sparkle and Shine, but Above All, Be Kind!!
By Sharon Nihoff July 26, 2017
I always read the Monday morning Blog. It is very inspirational to me. I feel like they speak directly to me.
We can meet your Million Pound Challenge and more. IRD was very inspirational and the speakers were awesome. I was awed at how many members lost 100 pounds or more to reach their goal.
We are Brilliant! I sincerely starting to live by the quote “What you say is not as important as what you do everyday.” I want to be the example and I am working hard at it!
By Lisa G. Richardson July 25, 2017
As a TOPS Online member I was amazed at all of the brilliant people I met this year. I reconnected with people I met at previous IRD’s and came back home more motivated than ever before. All of the Royalty looked amazing and their stories inspired me. I was very happy to meet with TOPS online coordinator Carol and to snap a selfie with Barb. These are two amazing and brilliant women! I had a nice time during the a.m. walk where I met Rob D. We had good conversation which made the walk seem very short. My plan is to be in Montreal, Canada next year! See you all then.
By Janet Pratt July 25, 2017
Barb I can hear your excitement. I’m so glad Donna Gauthier and Liz Lundstrom were their to shine for our area⭐️⭐️⭐️ too. Parry Sound ON 5466 just being a group for 1.5 years now is proud of our collective efforts. I’m Janet Pratt, the leader, that just stepped down, ,and I’m always spreading the word about our TOPS group!!! We even have one KOPS Heather, who made her goal on her one year anniversary. We have several loser, if that’s nice to say!!! I’m trying to get more to come to the northern rally. It’s easier for us to travel to. So proud of everyone and looking forward to new members and everyone becoming healthier and lighter on the weigh scale
By Timothy Mallard July 25, 2017
This was my first IRD but it wont by my last. I REALLY felt honored to represent Missouri as State King and met many wonderful people. The most important thing I left with was a desire to inspire as many people as I can to get healthy and reach their goal. See you all in Montreal.
By Barb Cady July 25, 2017
I am so glad that you enjoyed IRD and are planning on another one in Montreal! TOPS folks are the best and there are so many lives to be saved! Thank you for the inspiration and encouragement you provide!!
By Judy kenmir July 25, 2017
THANKS FOR THE BLOG so refreshing. I really enjoyed IRD in Florida had a great time. Was unable to attend in Little Rock I hope I will be able to attend in Montreal
By Bonnie Merkley July 24, 2017
IRD was sure a good one by all who attended. Our chapter leader was there she said it was great . Hope to go to Montreal next year
It’s on my bucket list. Thanks for all the blogs you do and the inspiration that comes from them
By Teena Conrad July 24, 2017
IRD was my 3rd. I was in Wisconsin 2011, San Diego 2012 and 2017 Arkansas…..I made a personal decision and commitment to attend all future IRD’s as long as I am physically able.. I am so glad I did not miss and it was BRILLIANT. I came home ready to sprinkle my shine where ever I go. Thank you for all you do for TOPS organization.
By Rachel Rankin July 24, 2017
Thank you for the blog, I always enjoy reading and conveying to our chapter. Congratulations TOPS and KOPS from all over . Keep up the tremendous successes. I really wanted to be at IRD. My first was in Florida and has left lasting impressions on me. I certainly will be in Montreal in 2018. Thank you for all you do for TOPS also.
By Joy bergeron July 24, 2017
It was great seeing old friends and meeting new friends. The work shops were awesome . promotion room had tons of great items. But the stories from ird international winners and state royalty were very motivating .that was the high light for me. Wish they could come to chapter and visit .and share their stories. Hugs to all
By Judy Culbertson July 24, 2017
IRD was wonderfully inspiring and rejuvenating! I always come back pumped up and raring to go! It is a wonderful time for learning new practices to bring back to our members, reconnect with TOPS friends from all over the U.S. and Canada, and celebrate the successes of State and International Royalty and Division Winners. Our NY State Royalty had a great time and were so glad they attended and took part in it.
By Lois Reed July 24, 2017
This is Fantastic, Thank You Barb for such a wonderful report on IRD 2017. Will read at our Chapter this morning. I am so proud to be a KOPS, Thank you for being you & the great work you do. Love your Mondays Blogs.
Love & Hugs Lois TOPS OR 1116, Brookings
By Sunny Fox July 24, 2017
The word Brilliant describes my whole IRD experience.
By Eunice Bellingrath July 24, 2017
I love the new two day format at IRD. The speakers were wonderful. It is so inspiring to see the KOPS with such longevity. Making new friends and seeing friends from last year was great.
Being Alabama State Queen was fun and it was interesting talking to the royalty as we waited in line for pictures and our turn on stage. I am really inspired to keep my weight at goal or below. When I see members who do it I know that I can do it too. I am going to Montreal next year and would like to encourage everyone to go to IRD.
By Gladys Bailey July 24, 2017
I really like the the 2 day IRD. The speakers were great and I learned alot. That we all are brilliant. The promotion room was great with so many different tops items. I meet was new friends and rekindle with my tops pals. See you all in Montreal.
I would encourage you to attend at least one IRD to see all the winners and listen to their stores.
We can make the million pound loss this year. Brilliant we are !!!
By Barb Cady July 24, 2017
Please, note that in the last paragraph. there is an error in the total pounds lost to date for the US. The correct total is 377,714.70 pounds.
By Wanda Jewett July 24, 2017
Thanks, Barb! I always enjoy your Monday Mornings! I’ll be reading this one at our meeting tonight. Wow almost to a million pounds…that is so awesome!