We all have our own truths – truths about who we are and how the world is. In 2015, I have been inviting TOPS leaders to share their personal truths in a guest blog. Today’s contribution comes from Regional Director Mary Reed.

Real People… Real Friends

by Mary Reed

As I’ve been struggling with my own KOPS status recently, I asked two friends (one is a former KOPS and the other is a future KOPS) to pledge to join me in keeping each other motivated. We live in the same neighborhood and walk almost every morning for at least an hour. Sometimes, we walk in the evening, too.

This morning, Cathy and I dropped Lynn off at her house so she could get ready for a doctor’s appointment. It would have been easy for Lynn to have skipped today. As Cathy and I continued toward her house, she mentioned that she had so many chores to do today that she really did need to get on the road. Cathy owns her own business, and Monday is her only day off to run errands. My desk is always piled high, which requires me to spend lots of time there, so I could easily come up with multiple excuses as well. BUT…we didn’t make excuses. We honored our commitment to each other and ourselves! All of us decided that it’s time to take our mission seriously and take the time needed to keep ourselves focused.

As we live our busy lifestyles, it’s so important to take time for ourselves and focus on being healthy. Wherever we are in the journey, we are examples for each other. Cathy, Lynn and me, “walking the walk as well as talking the talk.” Supportive friends helping each other every day…the true TOPS way! Find a buddy, make a commitment and get going!

Thanks, Mary. My friends and I will see you and yours on the road to goal.

I Care, Barb