I hope you have enjoyed my Refracted Friday blog series over the past few years as much as I have enjoyed putting them together. Finding a theme to write about helps convey a message. Whether it’s Aim for the Stars, A SENSE-ble Look at Healthy Living or the recent Periodical Table of TOPS, each blog had a different theme (that can also be used as talking points at a chapter meeting). However, they all have essentially the same message: how my nearly twenty-two years as a TOPS member have impacted not only my health but how I live my life.
My goal is to present my views on how to achieve a healthier lifestyle. It is my refracted look that I hope may provide a spark to ignite your own journey. Also, as President, I must ensure the stability of our organization for years to come.
I prefer live presentations at a chapter meeting, SRD/PRD/ARD or a conference. I can weave my stories and adapt them to any question or comment from the audience or immediately clear up a misunderstanding.
However, I can reach more members by using the written word, which can be a challenge. Trying to be “punny” or use “tongue-in-cheek” remarks may cause me to “put my foot in my mouth.” I am not there to further explain my meaning when you read a blog, a President’s message or an article in TOPS News.
I know sometimes when I share my refracted thoughts or state a change, some may question my intention or if I may have strayed from the critical mission of TOPS. Remember though, even if light changes direction or separates through a prism, it is still light.
A simple statement I made at an SRD in the Spring of 2018 has, at times, been challenged and thrown back at me. Having participated in the year-long celebration of our TOPS 75 years has proven that I was correct when I said we need to get back to basics.
One would think that simply stating I wanted to get TOPS back to the basics would be well received. Weight loss is challenging enough, why would one want to complicate the process?
So Now What? My challenge has always been to convince members that going back to what Mrs. Manz originally started is the right course. The work over the five-plus years, interrupted by a pandemic, was to get TOPS in position for the next 75 years. Simplifying the rules, enhancing efforts of the Board’s fiduciary responsibilities, establishing a three-year budget, increasing membership retention and finding revenue streams other than membership fees all need to continue into 2024. And if going forward, I find myself putting my foot in my mouth, I will follow what I learned from Mrs. Manz: just state the simple, basic facts.
I am preparing another themed series of Refracted blogs which will start in a few weeks. This new series will further explain how I envision 2024 developing, updating you on my journey and expanding on what I stated in this blog, Now What? Further directions will follow.
By Maimie Parker December 10, 2023
November 10 was a “Special Day” for my good friend Carol Harper, but, I somehow “missed it” and now we are December 10…oh, well, better late than never.
I’ve been busy reading all your “Refracted Fridays” and I can’t believe I’ve got so far behind… actually, I have read many of them, but just not commented on them, because I had to move along to my “next adventure”!?!?
Thank you for all you do for TOPS. It’s greatly appreciated… especially watching you “diving for ducks” in Milwaukee on Oct. 21, 2023!!!! It was a blast… shared by both Jim & me….
Take care, keep up the “Refracted Fridays”.
By Tamson Darland November 11, 2023
Awesome!!! Rick. Thank you so much for sharing your enthusiasm and inspiring comments. TOPS is a wonderful compassionate group of caring delightful individuals that make this a huge success and help TOPS grow even stronger by the day.
By Shirley Renaud November 10, 2023
Looking forward to what you have to share Rick…always do!
By Linda Nickles November 10, 2023
I also agree with the great job you did on the periodic table. I share 3 of them at the first meeting of the month with my chapter. It really does tell what TOPS is all about and what you can do to make yourself healthier. I look forward to reading your 2024 blogs.
By Karen Ortman November 10, 2023
I have done a few programs using the periodic table . Please, how do I find the complete list. (Make sure I haven’t missed any) Also is there a picture of the complete table using the TOPS table?
By Refracted Fridays November 10, 2023
All of the Periodic Table of TOPS is group together using a “tag”. When you click on the tag called “The Periodic Table of TOPS” located under the blog post, it opens an archive of all the posts for this tag. It displays the newer posts first. You can get to the older posts by clicking on the “Older posts” link at the bottom of the page. You can also find all of the Periodic Table articles by going to the Periodic Table of TOPS archive.
By Kim Murdough November 10, 2023
Appreciate your blog posts even if I don’t have time to read them all from beginning to end. You did a great job with them and I found them helpful for my journey. Looking forward to 2024.
By Gina Brueske November 10, 2023
Looking forward to your 2024 Blogs. Enjoy your messages. TOPS has always had a big impact on my and many others lives for life style changes learned for good health. Health is Wealth. Thank you for your thoughts and directions for another 75 years. 🎉
By Nancy Mitchell November 10, 2023
Thanks to you for your hard work. I appreciate your encouraging words and I am going to get back to the basics as I take out my “real Life” guide !
By Wanda November 10, 2023
Thanks for the update! Looking forward to 2024 with TOPS.
By CAROL HARPER November 10, 2023
Looking forward to 2024 blogs and the next 75 years! Thanks, Rick, TOPS is in good hands.
By Donna Grellner November 10, 2023
What a fantastic job you did on the Periodic Table of TOPS. I have shared all of them with my chapter. The ending one on KOPS was a great conclusion. Thank you.