“We are Family” by Sister Sledge was a disco hit in the late 70’s that was adopted by the Pittsburgh Pirates as their theme song. The 1979 Pirates, led by Willie Stargell, who was known as “Pops” by his teammates, capped their season by winning the World Series. It was a year in which everyone on the team seemed to have career seasons – when one player was down, another would seem to pick him up. Their collective efforts on behalf of each other and the Pirates organization was, indeed, built on the family concept.
The 1979 Pirates World Series championship reflects just how strong a team can be when each of its members surrenders his self-interest for the greater good. When a player isn’t forcing individual goals or imposing his personality on the team, his gifts as an athlete most fully manifest. Paradoxically, by playing within his natural abilities, he activates a higher potential for the team that transcends his own limitations and helps his teammates transcend theirs. When this happens, the whole begins to add up to more than the sum of its parts.
This is the culture we strive to achieve in each TOPS chapter; a culture in which the collective efforts of everyone on behalf of the team’s values will greatly magnify their abilities. Toward this effort, we are creating an unbreakable bond; one which brings out the best in every member.
I will leave you with the following Japanese proverb, which I believe illustrates this process very well. The samurai warrior wanted to teach his sons about the power of teamwork so he gave each of them an arrow and asked them to break it. No problem. Each son did it easily. Then the samurai gave them a bundle of three arrows bound together and asked them to repeat the process, but none of them could. “That is your lesson,” the samurai warrior said. “If you three stick together, you will never be defeated.”
Let us resolve to work together toward a common goal…like a family, not as a group of individuals concerned only with themselves. Together, we are unstoppable!
I care, Barb
By Janet C. Blickle October 3, 2016
I joined TOP’s in Feb. 2016. I love my chapter. Susan’s note made me want to make an effort to be sure and say thank you to my group leaders for all the hard work they put into our meetings each week.
By Jean Boyd August 31, 2016
I love your thoughts today. Thanks for the encouragement. From the new WY Coordinator, Jeanne Boyd
By Barb Cady September 3, 2016
So glad to have you with our field staff team again!!
By Ellen R. Alston August 23, 2016
I love what you are saying, because like a team bonds together, we can be stronger. And as a chapter or a TOPS Family as a whole together we can beat this disease of obesity, of emotional eating, or of just not being strong enough to walk away from those bad foods. If one fold gives some support, 2folds keeps you from falling and 3 folds strong enough not to break,then imagine what 10 members in a chapter could do. And to go farther just think what 100’s in an Area, 1,000’s in a state or better 10,000’s in TOPS together can achieve. If we bond together we CAN make this journey to weight loss,… to a better us,… to better health a little easier. WE ARE FAMILY, TOPS FAMILY.
By Barb Cady October 26, 2016
Indeed we are, Ellen!
By Susan M. Marik August 22, 2016
After being leader for 3 1/2 years, felt let down when the new officers were installed. Expected a “thank you”. I did a lot of things to show appreciation to our members over the past years. Thought it was my turn. When our previous leader retired, she was given a warm thank you and flowers and a poem. I envied how thoughtful her supporters were. Logically it made sense that nothing was done for me on installation day because my coleader and treasurer were not there. I know that my emotions should not control me, but I (regretfully) commented about it to a few ladies that I felt bad about it. I know that people are not mind readers and that someone would have had to feel the urge to step up to handle a thank you. Eventually, weeks later they did, but I can only wonder if it was sincere. That is my fault for not letting go gracefully I guess.
By Gloria J. Murphy August 22, 2016
I’d like to add my thank you also for the service you did for your chapter. I too am a leader, a few times over, and I know the dedication and amount of work it takes to be a good leader. I know we do it for our chapters, but a thank you is always appreciated. Just feel proud of yourself and proud of the difference you made in many of the lives of your members. Thank you for a job well done. Gloria Murphy, leader TOPSWA1082.
By Barb Cady August 22, 2016
All of us appreciate a “thank you” four our service to our chapters! May I please say THANK YOU on behalf of our TOPS organization for your dedication these past 3 1/2 years! Those two words are so important and while late in coming, please accept them as sincere if belated! Your commitment and caring made a difference each week of those 208 weeks.
Gratefully, Barb