Turn the rest of your life into the best of your life!

Now that the holidays are behind us and a new year lies ahead, I hope you’re planning to turn the rest of your life into the best of your life! May this be the year you give yourself permission to be happy, healthy, and successful; to do things your own way; to treat yourself like royalty; and to make changes in your life when you need to.

Most of us can think of a million reasons not to pursue our passions—we’re too young, too old, not talented or educated or beautiful enough—but we find very few reasons to give them a try. Not someday, but now. If you want to move forward in the direction of your dreams, take action!

You may be right that you don’t know enough yet. So give yourself permission to learn what you need to know.

You may be right that you’re too old to achieve the success you could have if you’d started earlier. But keep in mind that in 10 years, you’ll be 10 years older no matter what you do. So why not pursue your passion and see how far you can get?

Even if you don’t achieve whatever the world calls “success” in your chosen field, won’t you have fewer regrets if you at least try? Won’t you have more fun doing what you love than NOT doing what you love?

If your responsibilities won’t allow you to “start over” with a career you’re passionate about, how about starting that career as a side hustle? Or a hobby? Or a volunteer gig? I’ll never be a professional dancer, but I sure have had fun dancing with my wife. Similarly, I’ve sold very few paintings since I began creating them, but that doesn’t stop me from painting. I paint for joy, not income. As a result, painting is liberating for me in a way that it wouldn’t be if my livelihood depended on it. So, I say:

Life is a journey filled with twists, turns, and unexpected challenges, but with the right mindset and strategies, you can transform every moment into an opportunity for growth, joy, and fulfillment. Here are my tips:

1. Embrace a Positive Mindset:
   The foundation of a remarkable life begins with your mindset. Embrace positivity and cultivate an optimistic outlook on life. Start each day with gratitude, focus on the good, and let go of negativity. A positive mindset not only improves your mental health but also has a profound impact on your physical well-being.

2. Nurture Your Inner Health:
   I’m a dermatologist, but I know that skincare is healthcare—and that conversely, how you treat the rest of your body also affects your skin. Nourish your body with a balanced diet, stay hydrated, and engage in regular physical activity. Remember, a healthy body contributes to a healthy mind.

3. Practice Mindful Living:
   In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the chaos. We need to take conscious steps to unplug from the 24-hour demands on our time and attention that I call Cultural Stress and cultivate a deeper connection with the present moment. Whether through meditation, deep breathing, or simply paying attention to your surroundings, mindful living can reduce stress, enhance self-awareness, and bring a sense of calm to your daily life.

4. Pursue Your Passion:
   Life is too short to settle for mediocrity. Pursue your passions and find a way to incorporate them into your daily life. Whether it’s a long-lost hobby, a creative endeavor, or a career change, finding joy in what you do is key to making the rest of your life the best it can be. Follow your heart and allow your passions to guide you toward fulfillment.

The bottom line is that “The best is yet to come; you just have to let it enter.” By incorporating these principles into your daily life, you can create a future filled with joy, purpose, and fulfillment. Here’s to the best years ahead!

So, in 2024, I hope you will set your sights on having your best year ever. Happy New Year!

That’s #ModernWellness.