(FYI this is a repost) Greetings 2023! I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season. Now it’s re-entry time back to reality! As I reflect on 2022, the year still seems surreal. There were so many changes both personally and professionally. But I’m blessed to say that in both regards, I feel that I’m in a great place, in no small part due to the love, support, and loyalty of my family, friends, and patients. So, thank you!
One thing that did not change over 2022 was the vitriolic nature of politics. The midterms were painful. And so far it doesn’t look like things are going to get any better anytime soon. Last week's vote for the new Speaker of the House was crazy. Last Tuesday there was a great opinion piece in the Wall Street Journal by Ben Sasse, who also happens to be the president of the University of Florida, the school my daughter attends. In summary, he called for an end to zealotry politics and a return to rational discourse. The article also highlights the role of social media in contributing to the power of the zealots and how the zealots compromise such a small fraction of our society.
In another recent Wall Street Journal opinion piece (Jonathan Haidt on the 'National Crisis of Gen Z), a New York psychologist spoke to the deleterious impact on Gen Z'ers, especially young women. In essence, many of the strides made by women in recent decades with regard to career opportunities and leveling the playing field are being undone by social media, which brainwashes young girls into prioritizing looks and beauty. Indeed, this trend is helpful to the plastic surgery industry, and maybe you think I'm a hypocrite, since I, too, use social media for my practice. However, in addition to rational discourse, it would be great if 2023 saw a movement away from social media sites like TikTok and more emphasis on interpersonal skills and "in-person" social activities.
Admittedly, another negative impact on our youth (and actually everyone) in terms of honing in on interpersonal skills has been the lingering effects of Covid and the lockdowns. It's hard to believe that 3 years later, the press was reporting on yet another surge of the virus over the weekend. I certainly hope that we won't go backward and return to masks and shutdowns. Fortunately, we have treatments, as well as vaccines, controversial as they are. Another controversy has been Dr. Fauci. It will be interesting if the new Congress takes any action against one of the most famous (or infamous physicians).
In my last blog, I announced the purchase of a new C02 laser. Well, it was delivered yesterday! We are so excited to add this device to our existing ones to enhance the offerings of our skin care treatments. The CO2 can treat a wide range of conditions, from precancerous skin lesions to scars, to wrinkles and aging skin. There typically is more downtime with a CO2 as opposed to some of our other treatments, and if this does not sound appealing to you, we have also added another chemical peel to our services which is impressive in treating hyperpigmentation and melasma.
I hope everyone has a great week. Here's an upbeat song to help you "seize the day". Let's make 2023 the year to "keeping dreams alive," as One Republic says!
'Til next time!
Heidi Williams
Lyrics:
… I don't know what you've been told But time is running out, no need to take it slow I'm stepping to you toe-to-toe I should be scared, honey, maybe so
… But I ain't worried 'bout it right now (right now) Keeping dreams alive (hey!), 1999, heroes I ain't worried 'bout it right now (right now) Swimmin' in the floods (hey!), dancing on the clouds below I ain't worried 'bout it
… I ain't worried 'bout it Hey!
… I don't know what you've been told But time is running out, so spend it like it's gold I'm living like I'm nine-zeros Got no regrets, even when I'm broke, yeah
… I'm at my best when I got something I'm wanting to steal Way too busy for them problems and problems to feel (yeah-yeah) No stressing, just obsessin' with sealin' the deal I'll take it in and let it go
… But I ain't worried 'bout it right now (right now) Keeping dreams alive (hey!), 1999, heroes I ain't worried 'bout it right now (right now) Swimmin' in the floods (hey!), dancing on the clouds below
… I ain't worried 'bout it
… I ain't worried 'bout it
… Hey!
… I ain't worried (Ooh-ooh, oh-oh, ooh-ooh) Oh, no-no
… I ain't worried 'bout it right now (right now) Keeping dreams alive (hey!), 1999, heroes I ain't worried 'bout it right now (right now) Swimmin' in the floods (hey!), dancing on the clouds below I ain't worried 'bout it (ooh-aah, aah-ooh)
… Hey! I ain't worried 'bout it (ooh-ahh, aah-ooh) Hey!
… I ain't worried 'bout it