Today’s blog comes to you from Cynthia Mack, a TOPS retreat director.
To succeed on our weight loss journey, we need to focus on what truly matters, and create a plan to achieve it.
As the “Do the Math” retreat director, my mind gravitates to “the numbers.”
For me, TOPS is definitely a wonderful support group that I have been a proud member of for more than 35 years, but the bottom line for me is, “weight loss” (achieving lower numbers) used to be the goal — and now as a 28-year (and counting) KOPS, my focus has turned to “weight maintenance” (keeping the numbers in check).
Throughout my TOPS journey, the number on the scale has definitely been top of mind, whether I was losing weight to achieve my goal or working to maintain leeway once I had reached my goal.
As I have aged, my focus of being healthy shares the importance with the number on the scale.
Staying involved in my TOPS chapter, directing retreats, teaching the exchange way of eating, continuous learning about nutrition and making myself a priority, all contribute to keeping me focused on what I need to do.
Giving and receiving support from TOPS pals plays a significant role in my continued success — and keeping the motivation and focus to stay on this journey.
I keep top of mind the reminder that I don’t have to be perfect; I just need to keep showing up, learning and doing what I need to do, to be the best version of myself.
Being the best version of myself means working the program: Counting the exchanges that I eat every day. Counting the number of glasses of water I consume. Counting the minutes of exercise. Being involved with my chapter, helping to reinforce and sometimes simply remind myself of the importance of doing the basics well, day in and day out, no matter how redundant it may feel.
Finally, the KOPS pledge helps to remind me that “I am to be an example” — and that is a privilege that I take seriously.
Cynthia Mack
Retreat Director
By Loretta November 29, 2022
Thank you Cynthia. Your knowledge and skill have been very helpful. Each day no matter what must plan according to my food plan.
By Sharon McCumber November 27, 2022
Thank you for your words of wisdom. i really needed to read your message today as it has helped me to refocus on what I need to do.
it has been easy to encourage other members but never thought about encouraging myself.
i need to remember that i am important too. With this in mind, I WILL MOVE FORWARD in my quest to lose weight. No more yo yo dieting. the focus is back on me.
Thank you, thank you!!!!
By Val Webb November 25, 2022
Just got back from a holiday in the sun in Cuba . What a nice surprise to read your message as I returned home. Like you I am a numbers person as I am a 4 time KOPS reinstated in May 2022. I was a 26yr KOPS but health problems got in the way. This time around things are getting much better and I thank my many TOPS pals for their encouragement.
TOPS means everything to me it’s a wonderful organization. Love Moment of truth, Keeping focus. Hugs
By Janet Long November 21, 2022
Thanks for the information. I have to remind myself also to stay focused on things Tops is teaching me. I have been in Tops for 22 years. I haven”t become a Kop yet but still working on it. Tops is a great group to be a part of. It has given me lots of information. And I have met a lot of great people. Thanks Tops.
By Jeannie D Briney November 21, 2022
Thank you for reminding us of the role Tops plays in this journey and that when it comes to achieving weight loss success the responsibility is ours. #wehavethetools
By Ron Wenberg November 21, 2022
Thanks Cynthia, great message to all of us! I’m a 47 year KOPS and my long term goal is to reach that 50 consecutive years for KOPS and Century. I always work hard to keep focused on what it is I want and how to plan to get there! Thanks for the important message!
By Darlene November 21, 2022
You’ve always been an inspiration to me and a true gift to TOPS. Thank you Cynthia.
By Tamson Darland November 21, 2022
God bless you for all your inspiration and dedication to your health. Thank you for your support