TOPS: It takes 21 days to make and habit a “habit”

TOPS Chapter 9319 El Dorado Springs met in the Bethel Free Will Baptist Church, 1300 S. Summer St, El Dorado Springs on Thursday, Dec. 9, for their weekly weigh-in and meeting.

Linda Hall, Leader, called the meeting to order.

Ray and Linda H led us in singing” TOPS & KOPS are Smiling”

We said our TOPS and KOPS pledges.

Linda led us in roll call and walking reports. Seventeen members weighed in, we had a Gain of 3.6 lbs. and a Loss of 22.4 resulting in a Net loss of 18.8 lbs. Best loser for the week was Pat with a loss of 8.8 lbs.

Linda read a thank you note from one of the new teachers thanking us for the gifts we donated to the new teachers in August.

Sharron had the program today; she took her program from the recent issue of TOPS NEWS. She spoke on “Mindfulness for Health.” Paying attention to what’s going on this second can be hard. We often spend more time worrying about what happened in the past and what might happen in the future. Sharron said these effects not only our weight loss but our health. Learning to be mindful in the moment takes a lot of practice to achieve. She said a new habit takes 21 days to make it a “habit.” If you find your mind going in circles tell yourself to slow down, take in what is happening at that very moment. Take several deep breaths to relax.

Thank you, Sharron, for a very good program

Ray will have the program next week.

Contest: Marilyn said the two teams are tied again this week. Next challenge is to weigh or measure your portions for at least three days of the week. Marilyn suggested you keep a food chart showing the potions to submit.

Marble game: Marie won the right to draw but did not get the winning one.

Remember the Christmas party Dec. 23. Gift exchange of $15 or less and healthy snacks.

With no other business meeting was adjourned with Linda’s thought of the week:

The last of human freedoms is to choose one’s attitude in any given situation

And our Chapter Motto: IF IT IS TO BE IT IS UP TO ME.

TOPS #MO 9319 meets each Thursday morning in the Bethel Free Will Church 1300 S. Summer, El Dorado Springs. Weigh-in starts at 7:45 a.m. the meeting begins at 8:45 a.m. and is over by 10 a.m.

Are you ready to stop dieting and start making real changes? TOPS can help you reach your weight-loss goals by providing you with the tools, information, support and accountability you need to be successful. After all, this has been a winning formula for TOPS members just like you for 70 years. We welcome women and men of all ages and couples are encouraged to join. We encourage healthy eating and offer support through our chapter and the National Chapter of TOPS. We have a lot of fun in our weight loss journey and make lifelong friendships. First visit is free with no obligation.

For more information, call Linda Hall at 417/876-7404, TOPS toll-free number 1 800-932-8677 or you can find us on the web at www.tops.org.

Come and join us.