Holly Barko, M.D.

01/06/2026

Being a “good girl” is actually not good for you. I’m not saying don’t be kind; that is not the same thing.
As women, we were raised in a culture that encouraged us to put the needs of others ahead of our own. In fact, even modern society glorifies self-sacrifice. It’s seen as noble, loving, heroic even.
But what does it do to us? And what does it do to our physical & mental health over time?

I’ll be diving deeper into this topic in future posts. Because I see a trend in women’s health that needs an intervention.

Are you a “good” girl? What are you taking with you into 2026 & what are you leaving behind? Drop me a comment & follow for more on this topic

12/31/2025

Oh what a ride… Wishing you and your family a wonderful, happy, healthy & exciting new year!
Thank you for being part of this amazing community! 🙏❤️✨
Cheers to 2026! 🥳🤗

12/30/2025

Becoming more & more intentional with each passing year. Because life is precious & short. 🙏
What’s your mantra for 2026?? Drop it below, ⬇️ & let’s support each other on the journey 💜🤗
XO Dr. B.

12/27/2025

Love these days. Forgetting what day it is, that’s a good sign ☺️ Hope you’re enjoying “Twixmas” too 🫶🏻

Twixmas is the in-between days that don’t ask much of you. Comfy clothes, quiet moments, and no pressure to be productive. A gentle pause - a chance to slow your thoughts, notice the small comforts, and simply breathe. Let these days be for reflecting, resetting, planning, and dreaming 💫

12/25/2025

Merry Christmas to my FB friends & family! I hope you’re having a wonderful day 🤗🎄🫶🏻

12/22/2025

The holidays can be a beautiful, happy, joyful time of year. The decorations, the lights, the food, the festivities… super special.

I want to recognize that the holidays can also be a time when people can struggle more with depression, anxiety, grief, loneliness, or even stress due to feeling the need to do many things all at once. If that’s you, it’s normal. There are always two sides to every story. The one we see on social media, & the other (real) one.
You are not alone. You are just feeling what naturally can come up during this busy time of the year. Life is about seasons & cycles. Let it come in, let it go out. You’ve got this, You are seen. You are heard.
Big hugs,
Dr. B.

12/21/2025

I agree 🥰👏🏼

☺️

12/20/2025

Add an extra flavor boost to your soup base with a bit of chopped fennel bulb & leek. It’s so tasty & adds dimension to your soup. Perfect for a comfort food meal with friends & family 🌟🥰

12/15/2025

Hear me out…

I’m not saying we shouldn’t have empathy for others. But we all know that one friend or family member who constantly comes to you to share their drama. And it turns out that the common denominator in every story is… them. And their refusal to change. They keep going back to the same toxic ex. They keep working at the job they hate. They keep eating fast food every day & complain that they’re bloated.

Sorry, Janet. If nothing changes, then nothing changes.

Meanwhile I need to protect my peace, & stay on a path of growth, health, & gratitude.
Curate your friend group carefully. You’ll become them.

Do you agree? Who here has a Janet in their life?? 😉

12/10/2025

How to party after age 50:
Don’t.
You’ll feel like sh*t for 3 days after 😉

12/08/2025

If someone gets angry over your boundary, it’s proof that the boundary needed to be there.

12/07/2025

I just want a peaceful life, & dogs 🐶🐶💛🥰

There comes a time when you stop craving the life that looks exciting and start longing for the one that actually feels good. The one where your nervous system is calm, where your home feels safe, and where your joy is not built on constant highs but steady peace. The world may glamorize chaos and call it passion, but deep down your soul knows better. It knows that the real luxury is a life that does not drain you. A life where you are not always recovering from something. A life that feels like exhaling.

Wanting simplicity does not mean you are settling. It means you have finally learned to listen to what your spirit has been asking for all along. Peace is not boring. Peace is healing. Peace is clarity. Peace is the quiet truth that allows you to actually live.