Not all journeys are a quick trip. At times, after passing many MILE MARKER signs, I find it is necessary to STOP. Pulling over to find a washroom, to get food and water, or just relax a bit before I continue on.
So, on a long journey, I keep a sharp eye out for a REST AREA sign. These signs are equally important for my journey to a healthy lifestyle.
Yes, I wanted to drop 100 pounds as quickly as possible. I started to not obey the SPEED LIMIT sign and bypassed SAFETY FIRST. However, when I was reminded that those 100 pounds did not just appear overnight, it made sense it would take many MILE MARKERS to accomplish my goal.
A REST AREA is a fantastic place to relax and re-examine all the INFORMATION that TOPS provides. When the urge hits me to rush through my journey, the REST AREA signs remind me to relax and let my body catch up.
I am sure that I am not the only TOPS member who says, “I did everything according to plan, how could I have a gain this week?” It is important to remember that we are always UNDER CONSTRUCTION and weight loss will never be linear.
On the road, there are many different types of REST AREAS. It is the same way in TOPS. There are various types to reassess and possibly seek ALTERNATE ROUTES.
I found that the ultimate REST AREA was when I achieved my prescribed goal weight and became a KOPS. I relished the 10-pound leeway and no longer worried as I traveled to my chapter that I may have had a slight gain, just as long as I was in my leeway.
Obviously, the KOPS REST AREA is not an automatic guarantee. Once I failed to heed the FLAGGER AHEAD, I started to hit SPEED BUMPS and get lost in the ROUNDABOUT.
As I journey for the seventh time to the KOPS REST AREA, I realize all signs are equally important. When I get to the KOPS REST AREA again, I will pay attention to the provided FUEL which will help me to continue to Follow the Signs to a TOPS Healthy Lifestyle.
Thanks for the travel perspective. It truly is a journey.
You represent a great analogy on getting back to the KOPS REST AREA and realizing ALL SIGNS are equally important… and especially the KIND OF FUEL used to help you continue to Follow the Signs to a TOPS Healthy Lifestyle! “WEIGH TO GO!”
Hi Rick, Thanks for this blog. I think I am currently broke down in a rest area. My husband is very ill with pancreatic cancer and after 57 years of marriage that takes priority over all. I cannot get to meetings now with any reliability so I need to let you know how much the TOPS website means to me. If I just want to remind myself that life goes on I can check in, read the blogs, maybe pick a couple new recipes to try or just browse around the site. TOPS support online is always there; I also get a lot of support from friends in my TOPS chapter. I’m 7 lbs out from KOPS and holding but it may be a long while before I can really get back on the road.