My journey to a healthier lifestyle needs to be a sensible one. It is difficult at times to follow the SAFETY FIRST credo and stay within my SPEED LIMIT. I need to consider all the ALTERNATE ROUTES, avoid getting stuck in a ROUNDABOUT, and find the right INFORMATION.
It is helpful that TOPS provides a CROSSWALK to serve as a safe place to vent about frustrations, brag (politely) about my success, seek support and find the right INFORMATION for me.
A CROSSWALK denotes how a chapter, either in-person, virtual or online, serves as a safe place for members to flourish. A venue where, while in the CROSSWALK, members are free from being ridiculed, judged, dictated to or scolded. A chapter CROSSWALK provides a protected spot to ask that question I may think only pertains to me.
![A chapter crosswalk provides a protected spot to ask that question I may think only pertains to me.](https://blogs.tops.org/refracted-fridays/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/08_02_24_rick_blog.jpg)
There are many items within the CROSSWALK. However, one of the most appealing to me and has helped of late is the chapter programs dealing with different foods. Recently at my CROSSWALK, members have shared what they use to spice up different meats, shared INFORMATION on various brands of keto-friendly breads and, my personal favorite, how to make salads more interesting.
Each time I attend these food events, I learn more about how to eat sensibly. Also, with a small taste, I can determine whether I genuinely like a particular item. Since healthier options seem to cost more, this is a terrific way for me to save money. Now I can purchase items that I know I will like.
Because of these events, I am now eating food items I never thought I would buy due to the fear they would be wasted because I did not like them.
This is just one example of what can be within a CROSSWALK. I’m sure you have your favorites in your CROSSWALK as well. Just remember, a chapter is a great CROSSWALK to get what you need, just be careful of the cross-talk.
The “Crosswalk” was another great post. Basically, this idea of one individual raising a question on a topic of interest or curiosity to her / him for feedback from other members has been our summer programming. It has worked very well. An individual pre chose a date to raise his/her question that was not introduced until that date. Lots of sharing has happened and nobody had to put a lot of prep time into planning. Much valuable info has come from members’ personal experiences or exposure to material on the wide variety of useful topics raised. Team participation is a good thing! We, not only, gained info on several common weight management
matters but got to know other members better from stories they shared. (TOPS NS 4801 Bedford NS)
Thanks Rick
Good advice.
I’m loving the signs …thanks Rick Great program material.
Carol