I'm totally stunned...

{NAME}, Wow… all I can say is… THANK YOU. If you missed my last email — I had asked for a little advice about my 9-month-old daughter Violet… and how I can help her grow up strong, confident, and self-assured (in a world where that’s not always easy). And boy did the BHMD family deliver! (I mean, it’s no surprise BHMD community knows a thing or two about confidence. It’s what we’re all about!) But here’s the thing… My inbox didn’t just flood with great PARENTING advice… A lot those emails contained amazing wisdom for ANY age! Here are a few examples…  “Let her be her... not who you want her to be. When she's two and picks out her own clothes to wear to town and it doesn't match and she finishes her ensemble with mud boots. It's okay. People will look at you like you failed, but your daughter will be tickled pink!” — Julie B. Great advice, Julie. I think we can ALL use a reminder to be ourselves, and love who we really are inside... and it’s never too early (or too late!) to drive that home.  “Hi John, I am one of four daughters and the one thing my Father did that made all of the difference in the world to us (besides loving us to death:) was this: He assumed we could do anything...he believed we were completely capable of everything.  Being a girl was never a handicap. He taught us to trust our instincts, to work smart, be kind to everyone and to listen.” — Nanette Nanette, I’m so glad you wrote in with this — and I’m so glad to share it with the BHMD community. The possibilities in this life are endless. I am especially excited to teach Violet that she is every bit as capable, smart, and worthy as any boy — whether it’s in school, sports, or anywhere else in life — and to NEVER let anyone hold her back!  “Speaking as a women, I think one should always stress that anything is possible. Dream Big!!! Whatever you want to do or become in this world it is all so possible "imagination is the key" even if you are a girl. Gender does not matter.  That everyone is unique, there is no one that is exactly like you. That being confidant, silly and kind are very attractive traits. Beauty is more than looks alone — it is how one conducts themselves with others and the joy they bring to the world. — Karla S. Karla, I couldn’t agree more! UNIQUE is beautiful — and EMBRACING your uniqueness is a lifelong journey everyone should be striving for (whether you’re 5 or 95!).  “Thanks to my father, I do things that years ago were considered "male" activities. I mow my own lawn and weed-whack. I've checked and added required oils and fluids to my car's engine, lawn mower, etc. I've installed my replacement thermostat, light switches and outlets. I troubleshoot car problems… I can go on and on but you get my gist. This has been [the case] since I was 17...to my current age of 75.” — Marge B. First of all Marge, you’re INCREDIBLE! Sounds like you’re an ultra-independent, super-confident go-getter… and an absolute inspiration. (And you’ve really had your hands full too!) And if I know the BHMD community at all, I’ll bet many of your fellow subscribers relate. You live a busy life that throws you many, many curveballs… and it’s so important to be UP FOR THE CHALLENGE of getting your hands dirty, and getting things done! I definitely want Violet to grow up with that same mentality… Self-sufficient and empowered to do anything — Including those “boys thing” like building a treehouse, replacing a car battery, or hitting a home run! Anyway, thanks again for all of the thoughts, wisdom, and inspiration. Having frank conversations like this with the BHMD family is always such a great “reset” for me. I love the supportive community we have here… and how we can talk about ANYTHING, even if the topic is tough. And I want you to know — it works both ways! Never hesitate to reach out if you want to ask questions, air concerns, or even just vent about life. After all, BHMD isn’t just about looking your best. It’s about feeling your best, loving who you are, and getting the most out of life. And I’m always here to lend a hand! Your Beverly Hills MD, Dr. John Layke P.S. I love that almost every response I got, people were saying to “be themselves.” This is actually what I love about my job — as a plastic surgeon, and with Beverly Hills MD… I get to help people feel their very best — and UNLOCK the confident, strong, and empowered person inside. I’ve seen some incredible examples of this in my years of medical practice (and right here in our BHMD community)… And I’m always looking forward to the next success story. :) Talk soon!      This email was sent to {EMAIL} by jlayke@beverlyhills-md.com Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery Group 436 N. Bedford Dr. Suite 214 Beverly Hills, CA 90210  [Edit Profile]( | [Manage Subscriptions]( | [Report Spam]( Â