Two gold medals & a pilot at 61 (MUST READ)

I asked you to share your “secret” success stories — and man, nothing could’ve prepared me for THIS! My goodness, {NAME}. I already knew there was no shortage of tenacity and talent in this community… But after reading through all the incredible letters in my inbox over the last couple of days? I’m blown away. See, in my last email I spoke pretty candidly about feeling “invisible” as you get older… And how it can seem like compared to our kids (and maybe even their kids), our accomplishments aren’t “worth” celebrating… So oftentimes, we keep them to ourselves. Of course, this couldn’t be farther from the truth. You deserve to shout your accomplishments from the rooftops whether you’re 45 or 95, {NAME}. So, to give everyone the chance to share their “secret” success story, I asked: What’s something you’re proud of — but haven’t had the chance to brag about? And within minutes, my inbox was flooded with remarkable messages like these:  I am almost 71 years old and I just competed in the National Senior Games. I have had MS (multiple sclerosis) since I was in my early 40s although not formally diagnosed until I was 51. Once I came to terms with the unknown, I combatted my MS with a positive attitude and doing something physically hard every day. Well at the 2022 Nationals, I took Silver in both the 5k and 10k bicycle racing time trials and I took two golds in the 20k and 40k bicycle road races. I’m really proud of that. -Rita Rita, it's abundantly clear your hard work and positive mindset paid off — and it’s amazing to hear how far you’ve come. Make sure to hang your medals for EVERYONE to see, because you’re an inspiration to us all!  Recently, my last child left home and with him, my lawn service. Even though I am 58, I have never mowed a lawn before and was not even sure how to use the mower. With some research and study, I was able to figure out how to start and use the mower. It took a long time but I got both lawns mowed. I was so proud when I was done, my lawns looked amazing! My confidence has grown and am now looking towards my next challenge. - Marilyn Having grown up in Wisconsin, I totally feel you, Marilyn. Mowers are complicated even when you do know how to use them. (Not to mention, it’s really hard work!) So I genuinely admire your stamina. Can’t wait to hear what you take on next. :)  Well as a matter of fact, I do have something that I am proud of and I never got to celebrate it. I am 53 years old and I was a high school dropout. My children are grown and live out on their own, so in 2016 I decided to do something for myself: This past December 2021, I graduated with a Master in Education Degree. I am working at the community college where I live as an Academic Advisor and I love it. My work is very fulfilling and I really feel like I have found my place in this world. - Michele That’s beyond incredible Michele — and you deserve to be celebrated loud and proud. So congrats on your degree AND for making time for yourself despite it all. Based on your new career path, it sounds like your best years are yet to come!  In the fall of 2019 at the young age of 73 I had a "wild hair brained" idea to start my own online embroidery business. I knew nothing about online selling or how to go about it but I put my mind to it and did research, schooled myself, and got the business started. Then Covid hit and as we all isolated and shut ourselves off from friends, family, my dreams waffled but I stuck to the plan, made modifications to my product line and am ready to re-launch my business. As great grand babies bless my world it's easy to get lost in the joy and wonder of their life, yet I can not forget to keep my life in balance and take pride in small victories I am making. - Cleo This is so cool, Cleo! Sounds like you have a natural entrepreneurial gift, so best of luck to you and your new business venture. Also, I couldn’t agree more about getting “lost” in the victories of those around us. (It’s something I also struggle with when it comes to my kiddos.) But you’re right: We have to remember to celebrate our victories, too.  My accomplishment is I decided I wanted to be a pilot of small aircraft so I could fly to my Dad’s which was 7 hours away driving. I got my pilot’s license at age 61 and purchased a Cessna 172 from a friend. It was so exciting and calming to fly! - Judith You have absolute nerves of steel, Judith — and what an incredible accomplishment to get your pilot’s license of all things. Just goes to show: It’s never too late to learn something new… no matter how scary or difficult it might seem to others!  I gave up painting when it didn’t appear I could pay the bills with fine art. During the pandemic I started painting again. I just finished my second large canvas, which I did for me… and I got asked to submit it to a show. It is titled “Now What?” - Victoria I’m so glad you picked this incredible talent up again (and you have to update us on how the art gallery goes!). Also, how fitting is it that Victoria’s painting is titled “Now What?” I mean, I think it’s so normal to hit a certain age, look back on life, and ask that exact question. But this community is proof that the question isn’t “Now What?”... It’s “What’s Next?” So I hope today’s messages inspire you to go after everything you want, {NAME}. Yes, even if it means putting yourself before others for the first time in years… Or stepping outside of your comfort zone… Or trying something new regardless of the outcome. Because at the end of the day, there’s no ‘age limit’ when it comes to being the absolute best version of yourself. :) Your Beverly Hills MD, Dr. John Layke P.S. By the way, those were just a few of the several hundred emails I’ve received in the past couple of days. And while I know I can’t share them all (otherwise, this email would turn into a novel), I just have to get a few more brags in… they’re so good! So let me leave you with a quick speed round of random picks. Enjoy! I just celebrated my 65th birthday with a trip to Greece and walked to the top of Mount Lycabettus which is the highest point in Athens. - Debbie I’m proud that I lost 30 pounds during the lockdown and I wore my skinny jeans last night. YAY!!! - Cindy At 63, now just turned 64, I joined a boat rowing team! Never too old to try something new! - Celeste First… I’m 63. I started a psychedelic rock band a couple of years ago. :)- Kathleen I just got my dream job — principal of a Catholic elementary school! - Karen I did a Run for America for Ukraine and finished! - Babs I accomplished a life-long dream of writing and self-publishing a fiction book. - Emily At 71 years I am finally working with a personal trainer to strengthen my muscles so I can enjoy life! - Sharon My brag is that I started teaching group exercise again, after being a stay at home mom for almost 10 years! - Jill The BHMD family sure is filled with some pretty impressive folks, isn’t it? And by the way, if you ever need to brag about something in the future — DO IT. Even if its just in an email to me! I can’t tell you how much I loved reading about all these amazing feats over the past few days, so I can assure you that hearing about your accomplishments will never get old.      This email was sent to {EMAIL} by jlayke@beverlyhills-md.com [Edit Profile]( | [Manage Subscriptions]( | [VIP Discounts]( | [Join Text Club]( | [Subscribe](  Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery Group 436 N. Bedford Dr. Suite 214 Beverly Hills, CA 90210   [Report Spam](  These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Â