Today’s blog comes to you from Terri Ord, a TOPS retreat director.
“I think I can! I think I can! I know I can! Choo choo!”
Our lives changed when COVID hit our world. We all felt like an earthquake was shaking the very core of our existence.
I had felt a similar earthquake with more magnitude, feeling total destruction of my world, when I lost my oldest son in a boating accident.
It was during that massive earthquake that I self-taught myself how to grab on to what I could that was positive to keep me from being swallowed by what I called “the pit.”
I knew my son would not want me in that dark place. Those same tools have carried me safely through the pandemic.
I would like to share a few of my tools with you today.
My #1 positive attitude tool is PACE!
It is an acronym I created, which stands for Positive Attitude Changes Everything!
During the chapter shutdown from COVID, I created the PACE Express Train, and sent two emails weekly for 59 weeks with inspiration messages, cartoons, videos, TOPS education, and challenges, plus sharing and caring from passengers who, at the beginning, were fellow retreat attendees.
The goal was for all of us to help each other keep PACE (Positive Attitude Changes Everything).
With more chapters back to meeting, I send a PACE Express Train Special Edition once or twice a month.
If you want to become a passenger, just email me at Key2kops@aol.com and travel with us!
My #2 positive attitude tool is to stay active.
I have learned I cannot be sad or mad or frustrated when exercising. So, with earphones in, I walk or dance to country music!
My theme song is “Elvira,” and it is my go-to for getting me out of a funky mood!
I also exercise every morning for 30 minutes in our park pool, when the pool is empty, to “ground” myself with gratitude.
My #3 positive attitude tip involves the idea, “Why not make being at home productive?”
This was a total winner because I had wanted to clean out all my closets, drawers, cupboards, catch-all hiding places — and here was my perfect opportunity!
If you have ever cleaned out a closet that has been bugging you for years, then you know what I am talking about. You are totally happy with yourself, and how sparkly everything looks!
Plus, you have lots to give to those in need.
PACE thinking has helped me through rough times. I even made a physical reminder to keep handy. It is my “Instant PACE Fixer Upper.”
Go to any hardware section of a store and buy an inexpensive light switch. Put it together. Then, when your attitude needs adjusting, flip your PACE light switch and turn back on your positive attitude. It works!
Terri Ord
Retreat Director
By Thelma M. Johnson November 7, 2022
I have Loved having the PACE Train cone to my house these past few months.
I wish that I had known about it during the 2020 shut down. It would have been so helpful during those lonely times when we didn’t have our TOPS meetings.
Looking forward to the next PACE Train to come my way.
Thank You Mother Eagle
By Tamson Darland October 26, 2022
Thank you so very much for inspiring blog. Very uplifting and positive forward approach indeed.
By Ann Marquez October 25, 2022
Barb you are TOPS in my book. Thanks.
By Judy A Culbertson October 25, 2022
I have the tip for my next TOPS chapter meeting. Thank you for providing the material. You have touched so many lives with your outreach of compassion. Meeting you at my first TOPS Retreat was a life-changing experience for me. Your Newsletter during COVID and the Virtual Retreat were Godsends when so many of us needed a way to stay connected. Thank you for being you.
By Becky Malone October 24, 2022
Sharing with my chapter because we really need the boost!
By Gina Brueske October 24, 2022
Awesome message. Thanks for all
You do for all of us. You are appreciated.
By Ron Wenberg October 24, 2022
Thanks you once again for this great posting. I’m going to take it to chapter and encourage all of them to join the express Train as I have. Very touching to me as we both endured tragedy in our lives. Thanks so much!