Pop quiz… which of these self-care tasks saves lives?

I'm sitting on my made-up bed with a red-light therapy belt Velcro-ed around my hips. Why? Because I've neglected self-care for a while now.

As a dance studio owner, when the time comes around for dance pictures, the annual show, (moving locations) and next year's registration... things get so hectic that I begin eating like crap and not taking a single second sometimes to evaluate my current situation.

So before, in the era of Megan doing whatever she wanted without a care, I thought self-care consisted of bubble baths, a glass of wine, and quiet time with my nose in a book. Now don't get me wrong. All those niceties could contribute to "caring" for myself, but now, in the time of born-again Megan who wants to be the healthiest, whole person (via the work of Jesus), some of that spa-like experience seems a bit like self-indulgence rather than care.

First, I want to break down self. We are three parts: body, soul, and spirit. That's how the sweet, sweet Lord designed us.

The body is our organs and how they function, the brain, nerves, and the five senses that the Lord equipped us with.

Our spirit is the deepest part of our being, the God-given gift where we have a relationship and communion with God.

Our soul is like a collage; multiple entities combined, like our free will, how we think and reason differently than others, our beliefs, feelings, attitudes, emotions, and memories, all ingredients to create our personalities.

Then there's care. Here are some definitions of care:

~provision of what is necessary for the health, welfare, maintenance, and protection of something

~serious attention to avoid damage or risk

So when looking at self-care procedures and rituals, shouldn't we also look at body health, spirit attention, and soul protection?

I'm in the business of human bodies and moving. Dancing is a beautiful avenue for children to learn real passion, technique, self-confidence, discipline, and control. Every child can dance. This idea is against the grain, but the worldly view that every body shape is qualified to dance is harmful. Yes, every child should be allowed to see if they love to dance and experience that, but we'd be doing an injustice not to promote a healthy living style. Obesity is becoming a disability that everyone is compelled to accept. But behind mindless and boredom eating (I'm so guilty!), behind anxiety eating (don't mind me!), behind all the unhealthy eating habits that were instilled in us as children(oh hey, me again! Let me please tell you about the four-course meals I prepare for whoever is at my table for a Friday night dinner all because we never really had family dinners together growing up), there is an affliction that needs to be shattered so that healthier trends can flourish. Food is my weakness. Have yall seen my Instagram lately? It's full of rich-in-butter Magnolia Table recipes. I can't turn my back to chocolate and peanut butter. And don't get me started on the pasta! That's why meal planning and viewing food as fuel is my go-to methods when getting back on the weight management wagon.

If our healthy diets start with literal food, the symbolic food changes are easier to process.

For my body health, I teach and participate in Pop Pilates classes twice weekly at Barre Haus, downtown Goldsoboro. Pop Pilates is one of the most fun, challenging, and sweaty 45-minute workouts I've ever committed to. It specifically targets a woman's body to sculpt the areas we are more concerned with. Our core: we can't expect to house babies for ten months without some significant side effects. Our arms: those grocery bags won't be carrying themselves in the house any time soon. Our legs and booty: how often do you squat for something and climb stairs? It incorporates classic Pilates moves (created by Joseph Pilates originally for physical therapy for injured dancers) and dance moves associated with ballet or jazz to get the heart rate going. Most of the time, it just feels like a dance party!

I have now proceeded to step two of my self-care regimen for this night. That includes exfoliation, self-tanning, a clarifying face mask, chugging lots of water, and resting my back and bum on ice packs. I don't believe in the taking pride in your looks approach. Instead, I view it like this. Jesus gave us a walking, talking house for our soul and spirit, and I want to keep that house looking nice as best I can. A little paint job now and then makes any home look nice :) So fake tanning it is. No one needs to expose themselves to those bulbs and risk their skin. I've received so many compliments on my tan. After much trial and error, these are the only two I ever really use: Bondi Sands Foaming Water and St Tropez Tanning Water. I love all beauty and skincare products because I love being a woman and pulling that feminine card. I've added some new items to the lineup. My favorite by far is Lancome Renergie HCP Triple Serum. I've seen such a difference in my skin's texture and wrinkles. Now if only I could find it on discount somewhere. Yall let me know because this small business owner can't afford it at $140 a pop. (I got to try this for free as part of the Influenster program!)

The older we get, the more wrinkles that come, the youthful glow fades, and our bodies, organs, and bones are the ones to suffer. Though it is hereditary, progressive, and now severe, degenerative disc disease is not what I predicted or expected to be dealing with right now. My chiropractor recently changed my pain management schedule to icing my back in the affected spot now twice daily, along with red light therapy. And that is indeed the sad part. Our bodies won't walk or talk forever. I'm so grateful I can still exercise with the best of them. I know my wrinkles come from the laughter I've shared with friends, family, and students. This is the natural progression of the world; at some point, we have to realize as cliche as it sounds its truly on the inside that matters.

Spirit is part of the self, so it also needs care. Your spirit man needs guidance and fellowship. I go to a fantastic spirit-led church where I always leave a sit open for you. The Word, the Bible, is there to be a mirror for our spirits. That little nugget was from Pastor Danny just this evening. I don't know why I'm ever surprised to read my Bible and find that very verse is referencing what I'm struggling with, contemplating, or needing to share with someone. God is good like that. Your spirit needs to be given nourishment just like your body does. It needs to be strengthened for any attack the enemy might send your way. Another way to exercise your spirit is through prayer and calling out to the Lord. Your spirit needs provision only the Heavenly Father can provide.

Then there's the soul part. Hmmmm. You have to be careful as to what you consider soul food. Our insecurities and fear can do a mighty job of making us react and go on feelings or emotions. Our sadness and depression can sneak back around the corner when we give too much weight to the memories, disappointments, and bad decisions of years ago. Humans are so quick to hot glue their broken souls back together with things and people that feel and look good instead of handing over the broken pieces to God so that He can finish His masterpiece that He started and will finish. We make ourselves craft projects of overpriced vehicles, selfies, childhood trauma, smut novels, keeping up the Jones, and the "if it makes you happy, then do it" motto. Humans will forever struggle to satisfy their souls without letting Jesus down. Asking God for discernment is major. Following in obedience is the key.

Self-care of your soul, I believe, needs to be things that appease the Father and yourself. For me, it's going on a date with Chris. It could be something we consider tradition (Hello Mimmo's monthly cheesecake!) or something new for the both of us. It's also doing something with Harper and my blended family and having the opportunities to create laughter and memories. I love them, so I am interested in their lives and well-being. I love to bargain shop and go thrifting. I love to create, paint, and write. I love to cook and bake. I love choreographing, teaching dance, and pouring into my students and studio space. I love to read books and explore a person's story and history through the pages. All these things make me smile and help me "prosper." "Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be healthy, just as your soul prospers." 3 John 1:2

Here's the rub: Spiritual health impacts our emotional health, influencing our physical health. That inner connection is very tangible and needs to take priority.

I will now proceed to step three of my self-care routine tonight, which is finishing with my other skincare products, actually drinking this water that I've taken two sips of, watering my plants, making a grocery order, and snuggling in bed with a book.

K bye

Megan

Doing life... the best I know how.