Circle of Hope

[Guest guest]

Here is another one that can be done with the candles...

Melody

this is what we use when our meeting falls on the last day of the

month. We use the sayings at the bottom so each member can either say

something of their own or read one of those listed as they light their

candle.

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After writing a letter to TOPS News, Sandy Gier received several letters

from members wanting to join her in the Circle of Light in Milwaukee for

TOPS 50th Year Anniversary in 1998. She sent a candle to each one of those

TOPS to light for 10 minutes the last day of each month to encourage them

to reach their goal and become a part of the Circle of Light in Milwaukee.

The more she thought about it, she wanted to symbolically join them in the

Circle of Hope each month and to continue it after Milwaukee. So she begin

asking everyone she came in contact with to light a candle for 10 minutes

the last day of the month to encourage everyone to continue their journey

to goal or to maintain goal for another month.

She hopes this gesture will unify us all in keeping our thoughts on our

dreams, hopes, and goals for at least 10 minutes each month. She asks

everyone to put their hearts together to form the Circle of Hope. A circle

with no end or beginning but with the power of continuous encouragement and

support.

During those 10 minutes she asks everyone to renew your hope and

determination to go on to the next month. We can all realize our goals if

we work together and encourage each other.

Renew your courage to ask for support when the need arises and to give

support to your Chapter members throughout the next month. Renew your

commitment to improving your health. Renew your commitment to making the

best choices possible each moment of each day. Renew your goals and dream

of participating in the next Circle of Light at SRD/IRD.

The end of each month Sandi asks us all to visualize all the TOPS members

lighting a candle around the world and the center of the circle being

filled with caring hearts to encourage and support the entire TOPS Club.

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Circle of Hope

As we reach towards another with our hand

the energy of " Hope " spreads throughout the land.

The power in knowing there are others we can trust

knowing together we can do this, and together we must.

My hand reaches for yours as our circle grows

you can feel the energy from your head to your toes.

The pain, the torment, and even our tears

we share our stories, we share our fears.

Our weight is what binds us and makes us all the same

we try not to judge, we try not to blame.

Understanding, inspiration and encouragement is our cry

together my friend, together we try.

So take my hand in this " Circle of Hope "

and together it will be easier for all of us to cope.

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1. This candle is for the entire TOPS organization.

2. This candle is for our chapter, TOPS #OK295, Tulsa.

3. This candle is for each and every member attending tonight.

4. This candle is for the strength needed to reach and maintain our

goals.

5. This candle is for the KOPS who remind us that it can be done.

6. This candle is for our TOPS members who are successfully aimed at

their goal and are an inspiration to all of us.

7. This candle is for the support and inspiration given through our

meetings.

8. This candle is for the encouragement that we can give one another.

9. This candle is for the members who are backsliders to help light

the path.

10. This candle is for the members who are floundering, may they be

successful.

11. This candle is for the friends we have met through TOPS.

12. This candle is for our officers, who give so much of themselves.

13. This candle is for the determination and achievement of sensible

weight loss.

14. This candle is for the hope of controlling our emotions

intelligently.

15. This candle is for peace of mind.

16. This candle is for respect of others.

17. This candle is for happiness and a healthy new way of life.

18. This candle is for persistence, never give up and never lose hope.

19. This candle is for the promise we make to ourselves when we say the

TOPS Pledge at each meeting.