Making the Right Moves with TOPS: King & Queen

Warning: This is not the last blog of this series called Making the Right Moves with TOPS, but we are getting close to the finale. This installment and the next two will hopefully make you see the clear ADVANTAGE of being a TOPS member. Reading this will not be hazardous to your health. 

The KING & QUEEN pieces in chess get much attention. The QUEEN is the most powerful piece as it can move any number of squares in any direction. The KING is the most important piece because once captured, the game ends. For the record, the KING can only move one square at a time in any direction.  

As in chess, the KING & QUEEN in TOPS also get much attention. This is a crowning achievement honoring members who gained KOPS status for the first time and, in that same year, competed to see who lost the most to goal.

You may not agree with what I am about to say, but in my opinion, I am in a good POSITION to do so. I was extremely fortunate to be the KING from Maine in 2002. I lost 101 pounds to goal, and although I am struggling now, I have had great DEVELOPMENT for most of my TOPS years.  

There were a lot of celebrations at the State Recognition Day. However, my success should not diminish the ACTIVITY of the two men who were the runner-up and third. There were also a few “past royalties” in attendance. Why? 

When I joined TOPS, I was truly not aware of the recognition ceremonies. Yes, I heard some things, but did not fully grasp what it meant. After doing one HOWLER after another, my health was a wreck. I was going to lose the game if I did not do something.  

The race to be a KING or QUEEN in TOPS can be a good motivator. Unfortunately, I noticed that sometimes, people become focused more on the title than on their health itself. Other times, some did not know how to manage all the attention. And once it shifted to the next round of royalty, they gave up or believed they could continue on their own.

I never thought I was more successful than other members just because I was awarded a ribbon, certificate, trophy or crown. My true reward was that I lost weight, got rid of medication, felt better (some said I even looked better), avoided diabetes and had no sleep apnea. I was well on my way in my journey for longevity.  

My fear has always been that if we paid too much attention to the glitter, the real reward would be lost. I congratulate all past, present and future members who achieved being a TOPS KING & QUEEN.  

I also congratulate all who joined TOPS. That makes you an automatic royalty in my eyes. Many say that TOPS members are getting older, and we need younger members. An increase in membership will be great; however, I say TOPS must be working if we are indeed getting older. We are on that journey for longevity.  

While I lost my KOPS status for the sixth time and no longer wear the crown, I joined TOPS to lose weight, get healthy and get older. Looks like I am still winning.