Christy Smith’s Story
Christy was a joy to have into our studio. She has been through so much, and yet is so strong. Here is her story!
Unfortunately, I was taught from an early age that our worth was dependent on other people’s opinions and ideas. My family did not teach worth as being intrinsic, but rather something we had to earn or work for. The subconscious idea that I was always lacking caused me to kind of give up during my teen years, because hey, what’s the point? Years later, after destruction, then redemption, grace, relationship with God (and therapists), I understand my worth. I know my worth has nothing to do with what I “do,” but rather, who I am. I am worthy because I put my identity in terms of eternity.
My childhood wasn’t exactly awesome, but that’s really not unique. I know lots of people with trauma in their lives, so I feel like I am part of the norm, really. Just that I started to rebel as a teenager, experimenting with drugs and alcohol because I just didn’t care about myself. I didn’t feel like I mattered to my family, and nothing I did was enough. So, why care? I did graduate college, so I was functional, at least. I met my children’s father in 2006, and we continued to destroy ourselves together. We had our first child in 2007 and only then did I start to change my life.
In one instant, I realized what it meant to truly love another person. This little boy was my reason. I went to rehab and started my healing. Growth and setbacks, two more amazing little boys that gave me even more reason, and a desire to make more of this life led me to an amazing place. My husband wasn’t able to come with me, as he wasn’t able to stay the course. I grew and moved on, he didn’t. I am currently working in Carrollton, GA, raising these young men to be leaders, kind souls with determination to make their worlds a little brighter. We serve at our church, hoping to impact the next generation of people in the best way possible–pointing them to Christ and hope only He provides. I train at a local gym, working toward a fitness competition in June, and will be certified as a personal trainer this year. I have a story to tell and plan to use fitness to uplift women with the same kind of past as mine.
I would really like to say that my rehab was the toughest thing in my life, but it’s not. I had to let go of my past, including my mother, in order to heal. No contact with a person in order to save yourself can be difficult, life-altering, and necessary. Toxicity is toxicity, no matter who it is. Learning this and being able to walk away is the most impactful thing I ever did.
Showing myself grace, but continual self-reflection in light of God’s word. Courage to be vulnerable, but strength in being resilient. Having the ability to truly love other people, but boundaries to not lose myself in the process.
Of course, I am.
My work ethic and my desire to serve others.
Your worth is not defined by other people, opinions or even your own thoughts. Your worth is never based on what you do, but rather, the truth of WHO you are. You’ve been placed on this earth for a reason and nothing can change that. “Fearfully and wonderfully made.”
I have a story, a testimony to share with other women, especially. Not everyone can say they made it out of drug addiction to live a productive life and I did. There are so many people that need hope, a real person to walk beside them in the day to day process and road to redemption. I can help people and I actually WANT to.
I am stronger now, physically and spiritually, than I have ever been before. I have so many good things in my life, with so many amazing goals to accomplish, that I would like to document this time of my life.
I realize, every day, how little time we have on this planet. I’m 40 and living a very blessed life, but I know things will change, and ultimately end before I want it to. I want to make the most of each day, love big, and do my best to make someone smile. It’s been a pleasure sharing my story 💜.
Every woman deserves to feel confident and beautiful.
