I trust that you have thoroughly enjoyed the 2022 series of blog topics in The Monday Moment of Truth, and being introduced to our TOPS Team through them. We have a wonderful crew of caring people helping guide us through the pathways and around the pitfalls toward our best health. This year our Board, Service Program Administrators and Retreat Directors were invited to add their voices to mine. To paraphrase an old Beatles ballad I know that “We will continue to get by with a little help from our friends!” Each member of the team shared a key message on a specific topic during the year that included:
- The importance of listening not just to others but to yourself as well
- Decluttering your environment and life in general to make room for change
- Staying aware of behaviors that are developing into habits and determining how helpful or unhelpful they may be
- Making a plan to get you started in the right direction and keep you going
- Staying focused on what you wish to change, modify and accomplish
- Identifying and finding effective ways to deal with stressors that may be roadblocks to progress
- How to restart when you get off track and need to reroute to continue the journey
- Being supportive of yourself and seeking support throughout the process of learning and changing
- Sharing moments of joy and happiness as you find the path that works best for you
- Keeping a positive attitude each day in every way about the wonderful life journey you are traveling
Each added so much to our yearlong discussion. It is clear to me that that traveling the road together is so much better than going it along.
Connecting with you for over 10 years through the Monday Moment of Truth featured on www.tops.org has been one of my favorite TOPS’ experiences. I am excited to conclude this personal blog series, and look forward to continuing to hear from President Rick as well as others in the months ahead. There is so much more to learn!
Please, take time to treasure the priceless gift of each moment of every day. Be fully present in your own life and appreciate all around you. I will definitely still be around, encouraging you and traveling beside you.
“Today”
Author unknown
Outside my window, a new day I see,
Only I can determine what kind of day it will be.
It can be busy and sunny, laughing and gay,
Or boring and cold, unhappy and grey.
My own state of mind is the determining key,
For I am the person I let myself be.
I can be thoughtful and do all I can to help,
Or be selfish, and think just of myself,
I can enjoy what I do and make it seem fun,
Or gripe and complain and make it hard on someone.
I can be patient with those who may not understand,
Or belittle and hurt them as much as I can.
But I have faith in myself And believe what I say.
And I personally intend to make the best of each day.
As Mary Anne Radmacher so succinctly stated, “Live with intention. Walk to the edge. Listen hard. Practice wellness. Play with abandon. Laugh. Choose with no regret. Appreciate your friends. Continue to learn. Do what you love. Live as if this is all there is.”
You are TOPS!
Learning as I go, Barb
By Susan Rogers January 10, 2023
I want to sincerely thank you for all the blogs that you posted that help to start off each meeting of my Tops night. I am the leader of my Tops group and found your blog always something I could use to start off our meetings on the right foot. I will truly miss your words of encouragement and straight forward messages the helped me to get back on to the real reason I joined Tops so many years ago! You are truly a very special woman and I applaud you and thank you!
By Kathleen Schlesser January 6, 2023
Barb,
You have been a blessing to so many these past 10 years. I wish you well and able to enjoy some new, great experiences as you go forward and a blog file we can go back to read your encouragement when it is needed. Enjoy Life!
By Catherine Bowen December 22, 2022
I will miss your blog. You have such a positive outlook on weight loss. Thank you for your Moment of Truth. Blessings, Cathy
By Carri Scott December 8, 2022
Love discussing your blogs and our “feelings” at our meetings You have always been a shinning star for many of us on our weight loss journey. So glad I had the opportunity to be in one of your Retreats–many years ago. Blessings to you.
By Darlene L Ehinger December 7, 2022
I hope well still hear from you! Change is hard, may you keep your smile going.
By Judy A Culbertson December 7, 2022
Oh, No!! I always look forward to the Monday Moment of Truth!! It will be a big miss. I often take it to my TOPS chapter to share with fellow members. Please stay in touch.
By Shirley Renaud December 7, 2022
We will definitely miss your blogs Barb. They have been such an inspiration for our membership. Thank you doesn’t seem enough. Keep in touch. Looking forward to hearing about your NEW ADVENTURES! ♥
By Tina Laubach December 6, 2022
Thank you, Barb, I really enjoy your blog. will miss them .
By Virginia December 6, 2022
I will miss your blogs. They have been such an encouragement! Enjoy your next adventure.
By Kim Murdough December 5, 2022
Thank you, Barb. I’ve enjoyed your blog.
By Amy Smith December 5, 2022
Fantastic! Very thought provoking and inspiring…truly.
By Gina Brueske December 5, 2022
Awesome read. Thanks much. Lots to think about and absorb.