But today is definitely one of those days.
Yesterday, I shared something personal I’ve been struggling with:
Every year, I pressure myself to do more, “be” more, and say YES to everything.
And even when I’m reaching my goals — it leaves me feeling totally burnt out.
So this year, I vowed to give up being a “yes man”...
Then turned to YOU to find out:
What’s one thing you’re ready to let go of this year?
And your answers completely blew me away.
The BHMD community shared so many helpful nuggets of wisdom…
Here are a few standouts I think you’ll LOVE:
*Karen*
“For me, it’s to let go of my past, all my shoulda, woulda, could’ve. I know that all we have is, right here, right now. I want to just be the best version of myself today. Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is our gift from God, that’s why it’s called the Present.”
I couldn’t agree more, Karen.
We ALL have those moments of “coulda, woulda, shoulda” in hindsight…
And all it does is create stress and worry.
(Which is so NOT helpful when it comes to how you feel — or look!)
We can’t change the past…
But we have FULL control over how we embrace the curveballs life throws our way.
In fact, one subscriber's goal is to do just that — by saying goodbye to her inner critic:
*Debby*
“I'm ready to let go of the negative thought loop that I'm not good enough or too old to pursue my goals and dreams.
I've decided that I'm valuable and unique. I have a voice that has a message to help others and age is simply not a factor, but actually a help as it has given me wisdom and more stories that can inspire and lift others up. Letting go and moving onward and upward!”
Love this SO much, Debby.
It can be hard to block out the “negative chatter” inside our heads…
And it’s all too easy to discredit ourselves as being unworthy or not good enough.
But once we learn to love ourselves and appreciate the stories that make us who we are…
We realize there’s no such THING as being “too old” to chase your dreams.
All that matters is that you do what makes you happy.
One subscriber is really taking this to heart, letting go of the pressure to conform to unrealistic beauty standards:
*Lisa*
“I’m letting go of unrealistic expectations of how I look. I have beat myself up for what seems my whole life. I have always thought I was not thin enough, not in shape enough, not pretty enough. At age 55 I am done! Finished! I am saying ‘no’ to not liking myself and celebrating how amazing all the things that I am. We all are in need of being kinder to ourselves.”
Lisa, you said it perfectly.
While we can’t always control unrealistic expectations about looks and beauty…
We CAN control how we respond to them.
Rather than focus on what we’d like to change about ourselves…
Let’s celebrate all of the amazing things that make us who we are.
Nobody is perfect — and that’s okay!
It seems like Jackie agrees:
*Jackie*
“I have always been one that had to please everyone, and I have decided that it is time for me. I don’t give in as easy as I did because life is to short. My goal is to live each day to the fullest and do what I want to do. I’m about to turn 69, I am healthy and I just want to put my needs first instead of last. I am looking forward to a new year and being the best I can be.
And as a people-pleaser myself, this one really hit home.
It’s not easy to put your needs above others…
And some may see that as selfish.
While it can feel like you’re disappointing others by putting yourself first, release it!
By taking care of yourself first, you’re giving yourself the love and care you need to fully show up for others…
So in the end, it’s a win-win.
Austin strives to do just that, releasing the worries that get in the way of our health and happiness:
*Austin*
“I worry way too much about everything, and it gets out of control. It leads to anxiety and the fear that even the smallest thing can go wrong. It’s unnecessary, bad for mind and body, and it certainly blocks the road to happiness, so I’m building a new path!”
Cheers to you, Austin.
It’s so easy to spiral when things aren’t going our way.
And even if the roadblocks in our path seem huge or insurmountable…
Sometimes the greatest blessings come from our biggest struggles.
Don’t be afraid to forge a new path.
Needless to say, I am in awe of this incredible community.
I can always count on the BHMD family to bring a smile to my face :)
Hopefully by sharing my story — and your insightful, thought-provoking responses — I can do the same for you.
So , I say we call it now:
2025 is the year of ‘letting go.’
I don’t know about you, but I already feel lighter and more content.
And before I sign off, I’ll leave you with one last reminder:
You are STRONG.
You deserve GRACE.
You are gorgeous.
…and don’t you ever forget it!
Your Beverly Hills MD,
Dr. John Layke
P.S. Can I admit something? As soon as I hit ‘send’ on yesterday’s email, I started to panic.
(After all, getting vulnerable is a little scary.)
But I saw this message from Elaine and instantly knew I made the right decision to share my story:
*Elaine*
“Dr. Layke, I am in awe of your wonderful ideas, your help in dealing with difficult skin issues. I am 91 and have worked with various skin care professionals, but never with anyone with the ability and vision you give freely. Thank you a million times.”
Sheesh, Elaine. And I am in awe of YOU!
Your kind words truly made my day.
Thank you for reminding me that we can do hard things — in fact, they make us stronger.
Here’s to finding that strength in 2025 and beyond.
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