Judy Southwick, DTM
Second Year International Director

Lyle Appleyard , DTM
First Year International Director

"2009 – Is Your Time"

Judy Southwick , DTM

Dear District Leaders,

Many of you know I’m a member of Weight Watchers. The program has taught me healthier eating habits and how to properly set targets and goals to reach my desired weight. One of the techniques for success is to write down the food you are eating and to record your calories. Depending on your current weight and height etc. a daily point total is suggested. All food is worth a certain amount of points. I can use that daily point total any way I want to. I learned pretty quickly what foods are worth in point value and which foods if eaten, can use up all my daily points with one meal or snack.

I have been at this journey for some time now because even though I know what to do, I don’t always follow the guidelines. I don’t get enough exercise, I don’t get enough water, I don’t select fruit instead of a less healthy snack. I have not met the goal I set for myself as yet. I am very close and plan to achieve it. Each week I attend the Weight Watchers meeting, get weighed in and learn from others and the leader tips for success.

Every Saturday I find renewed determination and motivation when the leader thanks us for coming, even when we didn’t feel like it. She says, “This is a new week, you have a clean slate to start over again. Work the program and we’ll see less of you next week.” We clap for those members who meet their milestones or targeted weight loss. My leader lost 109 pounds and has kept it off for six years. What an accomplishment!

What does this have to do with Toastmasters you might be asking? Both programs believe in setting goals and receiving recognition for achievement. We are all entering a new year – 2009 – with a clean slate. We can do whatever we set out to do. How close are you with the critical success factors you and your team are responsible for? If the goals need some adjustment, now is the time. Write down what you need to do. It’s more likely to happen if you write it down. Are you working together, supporting each other and having fun? Teams that get along and respect each other end up achieving their goals. Chris Ford, Past International President, used to say to the Board of Directors, we were selected to do this important work at this time and we were the Board that would get it done. Well, each of you was elected to do the important work of making your District Distinguished at this time. 2009 is your time, you are the team that will make it happen, that will get it done. You have 6 months to get it done and I believe you will. We will meet in two weeks to encourage each other, renew our energy, and push forward on our goals to the finish line as a Distinguished Region!

Judy