I Come From a Long Line of Control Freaks
Learning to loosen my grip—one imperfect, beautiful moment at a time
Still feeling the afterglow from dancing at the Newport Jazz Festival—hands in the air, moving to Janelle Monáe's incredible music, completely surrendering to the moment. It was a powerful reminder of something I've been reflecting on lately: the profound difference between controlling and allowing.
If you're like me and come from "a long line of control freaks," you'll understand why this week's inspiration is all about the beautiful, necessary art of letting go.
👇 In today's email:
This week's inspiration: I Come From a Long Line of Control Freaks
Latest blog post: The Notox Movement: Why Discerning Women Are Ditching Toxic Skincare
What I'm listening to: TikTok is changing how we talk
I Come From a Long Line of Control Freaks
My lesson of the week involves the art of letting go—and if this were easy, we'd all be walking around carefree with loose shoulders and peaceful minds. But here's what I've observed after 20 years in practice: when personal stress hits, we literally brace our bodies for impact, as if we're preparing for a car accident that may never happen.
The result? Tight jaws, tense shoulders, stubborn necks, and those persistent headaches that seem to have no obvious cause. We clench and control, hoping it will protect us from life's inevitable challenges.
The Control Paradox
I come by my affinity for control honestly—generations of people who managed every detail, envisioned every possible disaster, and tightened the screws to prevent chaos. But here's what I've noticed: it's rarely the first big life event that breaks us, or even the second. It's the third wave that seems to take people down, like successive waves on water that eventually overwhelm.
All of this control is in direct opposition to the Taoist principle of allowing our energy to flow freely, finding physical and mental peace with how things are meant to unfold.
When Grace Descends
But sometimes—like yesterday at the jazz festival—grace descends unexpectedly. Last year, attending that same concert felt impossible; the stress of starting my Newport practice made enjoyment difficult, movement felt forced. Yesterday was completely different. With boats in the background, sun on my face, and Janelle's fierce celebration of feminine power filling the air, my body remembered freedom.
The Physical Cost of Control
From a Chinese medicine perspective, chronic tension and the need to control creates stagnation in our body's energy pathways. This manifests as:
Digestive issues and bloating
Sleep disturbances and racing thoughts
Hormonal imbalances during perimenopause
Chronic neck and shoulder pain
Your Invitation to Let Go
Letting go doesn't mean accepting everything that's happened to us. It means trusting that when difficult things arise, they won't completely defeat us. In that loosening—that release of the connective tissue around our hearts—we create space for joy to enter.
Remember: Yes, you can learn to let go without losing yourself in the process.
Latest blog post
The Notox Movement: Why Discerning Women Are Ditching Toxic Skincare
One of the most powerful ways to improve your health isn't about adding more products—it's about removing the harmful ones you're already using.
I'm talking about the thousands of toxic chemicals lurking in conventional skincare that we unknowingly absorb through our skin daily. Remember, what goes on your skin goes directly into your bloodstream—just think about hormone patches or nicotine patches for proof of how effectively our skin absorbs substances.
Why This Matters for Midlife Women
During perimenopause and menopause, our bodies are already navigating significant hormonal shifts. The last thing we need is endocrine-disrupting chemicals from our beauty routine adding to the chaos. These toxins can:
Exacerbate hormonal imbalances
Trigger inflammatory skin reactions
Interfere with our body's natural detoxification processes
Contribute to premature aging (the opposite of what we're trying to achieve!)
The Notox Philosophy
By simplifying your skincare routine and choosing non-toxic alternatives, you're not just protecting your health—you're allowing your natural radiance to shine through. Sometimes the most revolutionary act is subtraction, not addition.
The blog post includes my favorite clean beauty swaps and a simple 3-step routine that supports your skin's natural barrier while honoring your body's wisdom.
What I'm listening to
TikTok is changing how we talk
This morning at breakfast, my 20-year-old daughter and her friend used words I flat-out didn't understand. Their peals of laughter when I asked what "hotboxing" meant reminded me of my mother years ago, confused about Air Jordan (she thought it was a Jordanian airline!).
Language is evolving at breakneck speed, largely thanks to TikTok and social media. As someone who communicates through multiple channels—from intimate patient conversations to Instagram posts to this newsletter—I'm fascinated by how rapidly our communication landscape is shifting.
This podcast explores how TikTok isn't just changing what we say, but how we think about language itself. It's creating new forms of expression, cultural references, and even influencing traditional media and marketing.
Why This Matters for Us
Understanding these shifts helps us connect more authentically with different generations—whether that's our own children, younger colleagues, or even different age groups in our practices and businesses. It's not about trying to be something we're not, but rather staying curious and open to how human connection continues to evolve.
Plus, there's something beautifully humbling about admitting we don't know everything—and finding joy in learning from younger generations.
Here's to finding freedom in letting go, wisdom in simplicity, and connection across generations.
Yes, you can embrace the art of surrendering control while staying beautifully, authentically you!
Dr. Cat 🥰
Dr. Catherine Wellness
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© 2025 Hey Dr. Catherine. This content offers general wellness information for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider before making decisions about your health. The information and experiences shared reflect the clinical practice and personal perspective of Dr. Catherine Price and are not intended to replace individualized care.