Over the past few weeks, I’ve had the occasion to attend a few TOPS recognition events. It’s nice to hear from folks that they enjoy this series. As the table continues to be set, let me take the opportunity to introduce the next element used on my journey to a healthier lifestyle.
In chemistry, the letter O symbolizes oxygen, the third most abundant element in nature. Oxygen is an essential element for survival. It’s continuously being replenished into the environment.
In my refracted view in building The Periodic Table of TOPS, O will stand for Opportunity. On my journey, I had many an Opportunity to chart a course to losing weight. However, I must acknowledge some opportunities were missed.
It’s safe to say there are many weight loss plans out there. I took the Opportunity to try a few of them before I found TOPS. Yes, I had successes, but sometimes it felt artificial. Some were easy to participate in because the plan was available at work. Others made big promises for big money, with little success.
With weight loss being a challenge, sifting through all the O’s for the right Opportunity is equally challenging. This is where other elements must come into play. My wife, Anne, provided this by using S for Support. She took the Opportunity to invite me to attend a TOPS meeting with her and her sister.
Anne opened that door of Opportunity for me. From there, my refracted view was to realize that indeed, the right Opportunity may only “knock once.” I knew this because all the others seemed not to work out so well.
In order to be successful, one needs to take that Opportunity to surround themselves with support. It’s not easy to suggest to someone that they may need what TOPS has to offer. Listen, wait, and when the time is right, take the Opportunity to tell friends, family, and co-workers about TOPS.
Having O symbolizing an Opportunity for finding what worked for me was just the first step. Once I became a member of TOPS, it was also important for me to use the other O’s for Opportunities that TOPS has to keep me focused: the opportunity to engage in support group meetings, seek support online, and purchase support material.
As in nature, some elements will bond to create a stronger force for a greater Opportunity to do good. As The Periodic Table of TOPS continues to grow, I will connect some of these elements for a more refracted look at my journey.
As O for Oxygen is essential for human survival, O standing for Opportunity is just as essential for weight loss — and I don’t care how many times I need to answer the door.
This is part 5 of the multipart series, “The Periodic Table of TOPS.” In my next blog, we’ll explore the element I.
Wonderful article! It gives me the opportunity to focus on what is important. Thank you.
Enjoying this series, now to put it to good use😇😇😇➿🌹➿