I genuinely appreciate the positive response to this new Refracted Fridays blog series. It appears that the topic has spiced up TOPS Nation.
Looking at the list of all the TOPS Spices of Life, it will be a challenge to associate them with my journey of longevity. However, losing weight to improve my wellness is a challenge. I am glad I have your support. As seasoned TOPS members, I rely on you for the zest that is needed to keep me going.
One of the methods I will be using is one that I shared when I presented on the topic of adult learning at the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta many years ago. As adults, we learn differently from when we were in school.
To help me remember something now, I will associate it with another memory, picture, sound, song or something that sounds similar to what I want to retain.
Using that thought process, BASIL makes me think about getting back to basics. It can serve as a trigger word in our recipe for healthy living. Although staying on course is challenging, there are BASIL things we can all do to keep moving forward.
During my recent struggles, I admit that I was tempted not to follow what I wrote about in A SENSE-ble Look at Healthy Living. Thankfully, I have a chapter that keeps me on track by reminding me of the BASIL things to do.
My chapter Facilitator asked if I would do a program on “starting over” at the beginning of the year. I spoke about getting back to basics and how I looked at my notes and numbers from when I started TOPS in 2002. Happy to report that BASIL triggers worked this time!
This week while writing the BASIL installment, I had my annual wellness check with my doctor. He was excited with my progress, as I weighed in sixteen weeks this year with no gain. I missed only three meetings due to attending family events.
By doing the BASIL things that work for me (you will have your own BASIL items that work for you), I lost twenty-six pounds this year. I presented the newest GOAL FORM & REGISTRATION to my doctor. We discussed establishing a new goal, as he thought my goal from twenty-five years ago was too aggressive. He appreciated the realistic range that TOPS allows our KOPS to work in.
My goal is to become a KOPS again for the seventh time. The BASIL things are indeed working. I will expand on this as I refract on PAPRIKA in the next installment.
Hopefully, I will be able to announce that I am a KOPS again when I speak at Health on the Horizon in August. I also hope you can join me there as we cheer, support and share with each other…it is the BASIL thing to do.
Basil (Ocimum basilicum): A fragrant culinary herb widely used in cooking, especially in Mediterranean and Asian cuisines. It belongs to the mint family and is known for its bright green leaves and sweet, slightly peppery flavor. It is most commonly associated with dishes like pesto, tomato sauces, salads and soups. Fresh basil is preferred for its stronger aroma, though it can also be dried. Basil has traditional uses in herbal remedies and is believed to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It is easy to grow at home in gardens or pots. Basil thrives in warm, sunny conditions.
