Thanks to Regional Director Judy Pettit for the following message.

Real People— Real Key

by Judy Pettit

The greatest gift that TOPS gave me was the gift of learning how to love myself. I required major surgery that changed my life forever. I was at a very low point, I felt unattractive. I did not feel good about myself at all. However, I quickly learned, through the support of my TOPS pals, that beauty comes from within. I learned that no matter what life hands us, if we believe in ourselves and accept the love and support from our chapters and Field Staff, we can do whatever it takes to become livelier and healthier. And, we are beautiful as we are.

Losing weight and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are not easy tasks. Daily habits cannot be changed overnight. Change requires continuous effort; we must eat sensibly, find the time to exercise and stay motivated long enough to learn better lifestyle choices. Managing our weight concerns more than food; it requires taking control of our lives. Having others care for and see the best in me was critical. Nothing is more powerful than the effect a group of caring individuals can have on each other.

I opened up to be the recipient of so much caring concern. Doing so made a huge difference in my life. Now, I work to be aware and give that same support to others as they travel the road beside me. Each of us has the key to our success. Sometimes, that key gets misplaced, and it takes the help of others to find it again. We can turn that key and open the door to make our chapter meetings fun, inspirational and fruitful. If I work my program, the program will really work. I ask myself daily how I can help others find their keys.

Thanks, Judy for opening a door to a room filled with insight.

I Care, Barb