1 00:00:02,680 --> 00:00:16,520 Speaker 1: Life Audio. 2 00:00:17,480 --> 00:00:20,479 Speaker 2: Hey friend, have you ever looked in the mirror and 3 00:00:20,800 --> 00:00:25,680 Speaker 2: felt like the outside you doesn't match how you're feeling inside? 4 00:00:26,239 --> 00:00:28,880 Speaker 2: Today we're going to talk about why caring for yourself 5 00:00:29,440 --> 00:00:34,120 Speaker 2: and especially your skin isn't selfish and how scripture and 6 00:00:34,200 --> 00:00:38,360 Speaker 2: science come together in a beautiful way because your glow 7 00:00:38,840 --> 00:00:44,519 Speaker 2: matters to God. Well, friend, welcome to Breathe the Stressless Podcast. 8 00:00:45,040 --> 00:00:48,720 Speaker 2: I'm your host, Bonnie Gray. I'm a sol care guide, 9 00:00:48,800 --> 00:00:52,920 Speaker 2: solcare mentor, and the best selling author of Breathe twenty 10 00:00:53,000 --> 00:00:57,560 Speaker 2: one days to Stressless and transform Chaos to Calm. And 11 00:00:57,640 --> 00:01:02,360 Speaker 2: I'm the founder of Soul Care. It's the second week 12 00:01:02,480 --> 00:01:07,080 Speaker 2: of our summer soul Glow Up series and I'm really 13 00:01:07,240 --> 00:01:11,880 Speaker 2: excited you're here. This is your space to refresh your spirit, 14 00:01:12,360 --> 00:01:18,040 Speaker 2: to rediscover joy and feel radiant again from the inside out. Well, 15 00:01:18,080 --> 00:01:20,640 Speaker 2: I was asking if you ever feel looking into the mirror, 16 00:01:21,120 --> 00:01:25,200 Speaker 2: whether you feel like what you're seeing isn't matching how. 17 00:01:25,080 --> 00:01:26,280 Speaker 1: You feel inside. 18 00:01:27,120 --> 00:01:30,280 Speaker 2: You know, maybe you're showing up for everyone else, getting 19 00:01:30,319 --> 00:01:33,240 Speaker 2: things done and staying positive here in the summer, but 20 00:01:33,440 --> 00:01:37,840 Speaker 2: inside you're actually tired. Well, our episode today is all 21 00:01:37,880 --> 00:01:42,960 Speaker 2: about reconnecting you, the real you underneath the stress, and 22 00:01:43,040 --> 00:01:45,840 Speaker 2: how some little things we can do to care for 23 00:01:45,920 --> 00:01:50,160 Speaker 2: ourselves on outside can begin to heal and renew what's 24 00:01:50,240 --> 00:01:56,040 Speaker 2: happening inside. Now, before we continue, I want to invite 25 00:01:56,040 --> 00:01:58,919 Speaker 2: you to pick up a copy of my book because 26 00:01:58,960 --> 00:02:02,160 Speaker 2: it's summer and there's a lot of vacation days ahead, 27 00:02:02,280 --> 00:02:05,520 Speaker 2: whether you're in on the beach or maybe you're up 28 00:02:05,560 --> 00:02:08,520 Speaker 2: in the mountains, but grab a copy of my bestseller, 29 00:02:08,639 --> 00:02:12,800 Speaker 2: it's Breathe twenty one days to stress Less and Transform 30 00:02:12,880 --> 00:02:16,480 Speaker 2: casts to Calm. I wrote that book after going through 31 00:02:16,520 --> 00:02:19,959 Speaker 2: a really tough time with my own wellness, and you'll 32 00:02:20,000 --> 00:02:25,760 Speaker 2: learn four different areas with simple practices emotional, physical, spiritual, 33 00:02:25,960 --> 00:02:30,480 Speaker 2: and social wellness. Now, when we come back, we're going 34 00:02:30,560 --> 00:02:47,919 Speaker 2: to begin with eye breath prayer and we'll be right back. Well, 35 00:02:48,000 --> 00:02:51,959 Speaker 2: let's begin with a moment to just relax and center 36 00:02:52,040 --> 00:02:58,040 Speaker 2: ourselves in God's loving words of affirmation. Our scripture comes 37 00:02:58,000 --> 00:03:01,160 Speaker 2: to us from the Song of Solomon in chapter four, 38 00:03:01,280 --> 00:03:07,760 Speaker 2: verse seven. You are all together beautiful, my darling. There 39 00:03:07,880 --> 00:03:13,040 Speaker 2: is no flaw in you. Let's turn these beautiful words 40 00:03:13,040 --> 00:03:16,840 Speaker 2: into a breath prayer, reminding us of God's living whisper 41 00:03:16,919 --> 00:03:19,160 Speaker 2: to you in hell. 42 00:03:20,360 --> 00:03:21,480 Speaker 1: You are all. 43 00:03:21,320 --> 00:03:28,520 Speaker 2: Together beautiful, exhale, There is no flaw in you. Just 44 00:03:28,639 --> 00:03:32,760 Speaker 2: let your shoulders rest and drop, let your soul breathe, 45 00:03:33,240 --> 00:03:38,480 Speaker 2: and let these living words from God's heart settle into 46 00:03:38,520 --> 00:03:39,040 Speaker 2: your heart. 47 00:03:39,440 --> 00:03:40,480 Speaker 1: It's how God. 48 00:03:40,320 --> 00:03:48,240 Speaker 2: Sees you with his love. You are all together beautiful. Well. 49 00:03:48,280 --> 00:03:51,320 Speaker 2: We often think that soul care has to be deep 50 00:03:51,800 --> 00:03:55,880 Speaker 2: and may be serious, but caring for your outer self, 51 00:03:56,080 --> 00:04:01,200 Speaker 2: whether it's skincare, a favorite outfit, or maying a smoothie 52 00:04:01,280 --> 00:04:07,400 Speaker 2: you love it isn't superficial. Science shows that by taking 53 00:04:07,600 --> 00:04:11,120 Speaker 2: intentional steps to care for your body, it can lower 54 00:04:11,320 --> 00:04:16,719 Speaker 2: cortisol levels, activate your brain's rest response, and help you 55 00:04:16,800 --> 00:04:21,000 Speaker 2: feel emotionally grounded. And when you care for your outer self, 56 00:04:21,120 --> 00:04:24,840 Speaker 2: it sends a powerful message to your inner soul that 57 00:04:24,880 --> 00:04:28,800 Speaker 2: God's voice is whispering to you. You matter, You are 58 00:04:28,880 --> 00:04:33,400 Speaker 2: worth caring for now. I'm currently awaiting surgery for my 59 00:04:33,480 --> 00:04:36,600 Speaker 2: ankle stress fracture, and I've been trying to do everything 60 00:04:36,600 --> 00:04:39,919 Speaker 2: I can to prepare my body to heal well. My 61 00:04:40,120 --> 00:04:44,880 Speaker 2: family doctor recommended physical therapy to strengthen the muscles around 62 00:04:44,880 --> 00:04:50,640 Speaker 2: my ankle before surgery, So one day, my physical therapist 63 00:04:50,720 --> 00:04:54,400 Speaker 2: asked me, so, how much protein are you eating. I 64 00:04:54,640 --> 00:04:58,920 Speaker 2: admitted that I've actually been eating less because I've been 65 00:04:58,960 --> 00:05:02,480 Speaker 2: worried about gain weight since I haven't been able to 66 00:05:02,560 --> 00:05:07,440 Speaker 2: even walk for two months, i haven't been exercising. And 67 00:05:07,839 --> 00:05:12,040 Speaker 2: my physical therapist smiled and he said, right now, don't 68 00:05:12,080 --> 00:05:17,679 Speaker 2: worry about the weight. The priority is healing. Your bones 69 00:05:17,720 --> 00:05:23,000 Speaker 2: and muscles need protein. He even told me the guideline 70 00:05:23,040 --> 00:05:26,839 Speaker 2: of one gram of protein per pound of body weight. 71 00:05:27,320 --> 00:05:32,000 Speaker 2: And honestly, I had no idea how important the protein 72 00:05:32,440 --> 00:05:36,479 Speaker 2: was for healing my bones, and it gave me hope 73 00:05:36,520 --> 00:05:38,919 Speaker 2: actually knowing that there was something simple I could do 74 00:05:39,000 --> 00:05:42,719 Speaker 2: to help my body heal. Now, that's when I started 75 00:05:42,720 --> 00:05:47,720 Speaker 2: reading up on the research regarding protein, and I discovered 76 00:05:47,720 --> 00:05:50,840 Speaker 2: something that surprised me that I wanted to share with you. 77 00:05:51,560 --> 00:05:55,640 Speaker 2: The science shows that protein doesn't just help our muscles 78 00:05:55,720 --> 00:05:59,919 Speaker 2: and bones heal, it also very important for our skin. 79 00:06:00,080 --> 00:06:05,440 Speaker 2: In protein promotes firmness because the amino acids supplied the 80 00:06:05,480 --> 00:06:09,440 Speaker 2: building blocks that I needed to maintain collagen, and collagen 81 00:06:09,560 --> 00:06:13,400 Speaker 2: is what helps our skin stay plump, and it reduces 82 00:06:13,440 --> 00:06:19,839 Speaker 2: fine lines and wrinkles. Protein also enhances repair by fueling 83 00:06:19,880 --> 00:06:25,400 Speaker 2: this cellular regeneration and wound healing helping our skin recover 84 00:06:25,480 --> 00:06:30,680 Speaker 2: from irritation or environmental damage faster. And for me, I 85 00:06:30,839 --> 00:06:35,600 Speaker 2: was not great at using sunblock for quite a while, 86 00:06:35,800 --> 00:06:39,480 Speaker 2: as I love being outside, love doing heights, so I 87 00:06:39,520 --> 00:06:41,599 Speaker 2: see the results of being out in the sun on 88 00:06:41,680 --> 00:06:44,839 Speaker 2: my skin. So I'm now intentionally adding more protein to 89 00:06:44,920 --> 00:06:49,599 Speaker 2: my day. I'm adding Greek yogurt an egg with my 90 00:06:49,680 --> 00:06:52,760 Speaker 2: breakfast or my lunch, and I'm also eating leftovers for 91 00:06:52,880 --> 00:06:56,719 Speaker 2: lunch from dinner the night before and drinking soy milk 92 00:06:56,920 --> 00:07:00,840 Speaker 2: and just as ways to add more protein into my day. 93 00:07:01,400 --> 00:07:04,080 Speaker 2: And it's one small way I'm caring for the body 94 00:07:04,240 --> 00:07:08,120 Speaker 2: that God has given me. One sentence my physical therapist 95 00:07:08,160 --> 00:07:14,720 Speaker 2: said completely changed my thinking. The priority is healing, and 96 00:07:14,800 --> 00:07:18,320 Speaker 2: suddenly everything became simpler. I had been worried about gaining 97 00:07:18,320 --> 00:07:21,200 Speaker 2: weight because I'd been off my feet for two months, 98 00:07:21,320 --> 00:07:24,960 Speaker 2: but once a priority became healing my bones, I knew 99 00:07:25,000 --> 00:07:28,600 Speaker 2: exactly what I needed to do. So how about you, friend, 100 00:07:29,320 --> 00:07:34,280 Speaker 2: what is your priority in your wellness this season? Sometimes 101 00:07:34,320 --> 00:07:37,840 Speaker 2: we have so many worries competing for our attention that 102 00:07:37,920 --> 00:07:40,440 Speaker 2: we don't know what to do first. But when we 103 00:07:40,480 --> 00:07:44,720 Speaker 2: know our priority, we can take one simple step toward healing. 104 00:07:45,560 --> 00:07:49,840 Speaker 2: So what can you do more of to promote that wellness? 105 00:07:50,800 --> 00:07:54,400 Speaker 2: What other lower priorities can you let go so that 106 00:07:54,440 --> 00:07:57,520 Speaker 2: you can start taking action. Just start taking a simple 107 00:07:57,520 --> 00:08:03,480 Speaker 2: action towards your most important priority and you will feel better. So, friend, 108 00:08:03,640 --> 00:08:07,840 Speaker 2: you know about skincare. I've used to feel guilty about 109 00:08:08,000 --> 00:08:10,800 Speaker 2: buying skin care products. I would just say, is this 110 00:08:10,920 --> 00:08:14,400 Speaker 2: too much? Like shouldn't I just save that money? Until 111 00:08:14,560 --> 00:08:18,400 Speaker 2: I read the story of Queen Esther. Esther didn't just 112 00:08:18,440 --> 00:08:21,840 Speaker 2: show up before the King without preparation, right, she spent 113 00:08:21,880 --> 00:08:27,400 Speaker 2: an entire year in beauty treatments and self care rituals. 114 00:08:27,440 --> 00:08:31,880 Speaker 2: Now six months of oil of meror six months with 115 00:08:32,000 --> 00:08:35,640 Speaker 2: perfumes and cosmetics. Now, why would that be in the Bible? 116 00:08:36,280 --> 00:08:41,120 Speaker 2: Because how we care for ourselves matters. It's not vanity. 117 00:08:41,640 --> 00:08:45,839 Speaker 2: It's about valuing who God created you to be. God 118 00:08:45,920 --> 00:08:49,440 Speaker 2: included that part of Esther's story, I feel to show 119 00:08:49,480 --> 00:08:54,440 Speaker 2: that preparation, care, and nurturing are part of our calling. 120 00:08:55,000 --> 00:08:57,600 Speaker 2: And that was a huge shift for me. I started 121 00:08:57,640 --> 00:09:04,080 Speaker 2: seeing skincare not as indulgence but intentional. Now, when I 122 00:09:04,240 --> 00:09:07,319 Speaker 2: smooth lotion over my skin and I'm starting to eat 123 00:09:07,360 --> 00:09:10,199 Speaker 2: more protein, I whisper a prayer. I say God, thank 124 00:09:10,240 --> 00:09:13,760 Speaker 2: you for this moment, thank you for this body, Thank 125 00:09:13,800 --> 00:09:17,920 Speaker 2: you that I am your beloved friend. You were created 126 00:09:17,920 --> 00:09:21,720 Speaker 2: in God's image, and every part of you, every part 127 00:09:21,760 --> 00:09:25,800 Speaker 2: of you, is worthy of care, Jesus says in Matthew 128 00:09:25,800 --> 00:09:29,600 Speaker 2: six't twenty eight. Consider the lilies of the field, how 129 00:09:29,640 --> 00:09:33,959 Speaker 2: they grow. They don't labor or spin. Yet not even 130 00:09:34,040 --> 00:09:38,160 Speaker 2: Solomon was dressed like one of these. Let this be 131 00:09:38,440 --> 00:09:42,760 Speaker 2: the summer you glow again, not for anyone else, but 132 00:09:42,920 --> 00:09:48,800 Speaker 2: because you are God's beloved, because your joy glorifies Him, 133 00:09:49,200 --> 00:09:54,360 Speaker 2: because your soul's glow is sacred. It reflects God's care 134 00:09:54,640 --> 00:10:09,640 Speaker 2: for you. And will be right back now this week 135 00:10:09,720 --> 00:10:15,160 Speaker 2: for our Summer Soul Glow Challenge, I want you to 136 00:10:15,240 --> 00:10:20,520 Speaker 2: create a mini soul care ritual just for you. If 137 00:10:20,559 --> 00:10:24,120 Speaker 2: you're looking for healthier skin, one simple places start is 138 00:10:24,200 --> 00:10:28,920 Speaker 2: to eat enough protein. So think about adding foods like 139 00:10:29,160 --> 00:10:36,400 Speaker 2: see which one gets you excited. Greek yogurt, eggs, chicken 140 00:10:36,679 --> 00:10:45,560 Speaker 2: or turkey, fish like salmon or tuna, tofu or adename, cottage, cheese, 141 00:10:46,120 --> 00:10:50,160 Speaker 2: lentils or beans. These are simple foods God created to 142 00:10:50,200 --> 00:10:54,040 Speaker 2: nourish our bodies and caring for our bodies can become 143 00:10:54,120 --> 00:10:58,440 Speaker 2: a beautiful act of gratitude and soul care. So for 144 00:10:58,520 --> 00:11:01,480 Speaker 2: this week, just add one more source of protein to 145 00:11:01,600 --> 00:11:06,880 Speaker 2: your day. What would that protein be, friend, And as 146 00:11:06,920 --> 00:11:11,160 Speaker 2: you do, invite Jesus into that moment, let it be sacred, 147 00:11:11,840 --> 00:11:15,439 Speaker 2: let it be yours, and let it restore your glow. 148 00:11:16,520 --> 00:11:21,120 Speaker 2: Let's pray together, Dear Jesus, thank you for loving every 149 00:11:21,200 --> 00:11:25,640 Speaker 2: part of who I am. Thank you for calling me beloved, 150 00:11:26,080 --> 00:11:31,680 Speaker 2: beautiful and worthy. Help me release guilt, help me receive joy, 151 00:11:32,360 --> 00:11:37,400 Speaker 2: Show me how to glow with your peace this summer. Amen. 152 00:11:38,600 --> 00:11:41,600 Speaker 2: Now come join me on Instagram at the Bonnie Gray. 153 00:11:42,240 --> 00:11:44,840 Speaker 2: That's where I'll share little moments from my own Summer's 154 00:11:44,920 --> 00:11:47,600 Speaker 2: low Glow Up throughout the season, and I'd love to 155 00:11:47,600 --> 00:11:51,000 Speaker 2: hear what's bring you joy this summer too, And Friend, 156 00:11:51,080 --> 00:11:54,040 Speaker 2: if you're enjoying this Summer's Soul Glow Up series, it 157 00:11:54,080 --> 00:11:58,880 Speaker 2: would be amazing to hear your review. Your words will 158 00:11:58,920 --> 00:12:01,800 Speaker 2: help other women discus ever the piece we're sharing here 159 00:12:01,840 --> 00:12:04,400 Speaker 2: each week, and it encourages me to know that this 160 00:12:04,480 --> 00:12:09,800 Speaker 2: summer series adds sunshine to your soul. You are worth 161 00:12:09,840 --> 00:12:14,160 Speaker 2: the joyfriend, and this summer, let's reclaim it together because 162 00:12:14,200 --> 00:12:19,520 Speaker 2: you are worth loving, you're cherished. Just rest and let 163 00:12:19,600 --> 00:12:24,000 Speaker 2: this summer be your soul glowing again. I'll see you 164 00:12:24,040 --> 00:12:24,440 Speaker 2: next time. 165 00:12:29,480 --> 00:12:29,880 Speaker 1: Breathe. 166 00:12:30,080 --> 00:12:33,280 Speaker 3: The stress Less Podcast is a production of Life Audio 167 00:12:33,360 --> 00:12:36,079 Speaker 3: and Sale Media. If you like what you heard today, 168 00:12:36,160 --> 00:12:39,040 Speaker 3: please take a second to rate and review this podcast 169 00:12:39,120 --> 00:12:42,200 Speaker 3: in your favorite podcast app so that more listeners like 170 00:12:42,240 --> 00:12:46,559 Speaker 3: you can find the show. For more faith filled inspirational podcasts, 171 00:12:46,679 --> 00:12:55,240 Speaker 3: visit us at lifeaudio dot com.