Say hello to Christy Meaux, one of the brave storytellers in Being Brave, releasing December 2024! Their journey is a testament to the courage it takes to rise above life’s toughest moments.
In Beauty from the Ashes, Christy shares her devastating journey through the loss of her 19-year-old stepson, Mack, and the unimaginable grief that followed. Despite the pain, she chose to seek joy and courageously rebuild her life, finding a new sense of purpose as she learned to live as a survivor of active grief.
Christy Meaux is the Founder and Owner of Cohesive Confidence, LLC where she supports and encourages women to explore and create their cohesive identity through personal and professional discovery, as well as aligning their confidence inside and outside. In her spare time, Christy enjoys attending live concerts and sports events with her guys, and networking with other women virtually and in her community. Christy recently relocated to the North Dallas area from New Braunfels, TX where she resides with her long-time love, Lance, and their son, Brooks.
Describe the moment when you knew you had to tap into your inner courage and make changes in your life.
In September 2017, I was in the hospital with a severe multiple sclerosis flareup. The entire neuro team at UW Medicine told me that I would never walk again unassisted. I did not accept this version of my life.
Walk us through the pivotal moment when you decided to act courageously. What was going through your mind? How did you feel at that moment?
The day after my hospital discharge, I decided I was worth putting in the work, taking the chance that my efforts might have little result. But what if they were the cause of my improvement? My first few days without a cane were shaky, and it took a lot of effort to get around. But I felt like I was finally able to take control of my body. I still tell my story with pride, as it empowered me to overcome anything.
What inspired or motivated you to take the courageous step you did? What were a few of the first steps you took? What major actions did you have to take?
I knew that it was going to be worth it in the end. The first few steps were dietary experiments — testing different ways to reduce inflammation, such as cutting out sugar, gluten, and dairy. I also regularly worked with a physical therapist, whose feedback encouraged me to keep going. Additionally, as a certified Pilates instructor, I took additional inspiration from my experience to
learn more about Pilates as a therapeutic and rehabilitative tool.
Paint a picture of what your life was like before you encountered the challenge that called for you to summon your courage.
I had received an MS diagnosis five years earlier, but since my symptoms were so minor, it was only a label. I didn’t truly believe that I had a disability. I could still run several miles, and walking
distances were not an issue.
Were there any doubts or fears you had to overcome before taking action? How did you manage them?
I believed that I could make at least some progress with my strength and reduce my disability. My only fear was that all of the work that I was doing would make very little progress. Luckily, I was wrong.
What were some of the challenges or obstacles you faced during your journey to overcome this particular challenge?
The dietary restrictions made it difficult to enjoy time with friends and family. I was spending so much time on my health and my body that I sacrificed social time. I didn’t want to neglect my support team so much that I would lose them, so I walked a fine line.
Tell us about a memorable anecdote or turning point in your courageous journey.
I regained my ability to walk within a few months, though my left side is still slightly weaker. About four months after I got out of the hospital, I decided to try CrossFit. I knew the movements were modifiable and suitable for people like me, but I also knew that the exercises would mentally and physically push me like nothing else I had tried. To this day, I still regularly do CrossFit as a reminder of how far I have come. It’s such a great physical and emotional challenge.
What role models or sources of support helped you stay strong and resilient?
My husband believed (and still believes!) in me every step of the way. He was willing to do whatever it took to get me back on my feet. How did this experience impact your life and your
perception of courage? It is so easy to stress out about the little things. But I make a point
to take an occasional step back and remind myself that if I can overcome my disability, I can make it through anything. It gave me a lot of mental resilience. In fact, when circumstances are out of my control, I find it hard not to berate myself, since I believe that my MS flareup experience empowered me to overcome anything. But I have to remind myself that I am not the sole factor in everything, and everybody’s, success.
What lessons or wisdom have you gained from this experience that you’d like to share with others?
If someone tells you something isn’t possible, try to prove them wrong. So many people will explain why something can’t be done, whereas I am always trying to figure out how something can be done.
What unexpected or positive outcomes emerged from your courageous actions?
I have more self-confidence, and I do not care as much about what others think. I broke my sugar addiction. Further, I had an interest in rehab Pilates and worked with injured clients. I find myself even more empathetic with my clients after my recovery experience.
How do you define courage, and how has your definition evolved through your own experiences?
I don’t really see what I’ve been through as courageous or brave, despite what people tell me. Instead, I was faced with a crisis, and I found the status quo unacceptable. So, I rose to the difficult challenge because life was unacceptable otherwise.
Is there a particular message or advice you’d like to convey to other women who may be facing similar challenges?
You are worth it. Whenever anyone tells you that you can’t do something, figure out steps that you can take toward your goal. Even if you only make it partway, it’s better than living with regret.
In retrospect, do you have any regrets or things you would have done differently?
Not really, other than sharing my story more often. I enjoy being an MS advocate these days, but it took me a few years to be comfortable doing so.
How has this experience shaped your identity or sense of self?
I feel like anything is possible. I have a long list of goals, mostly business-oriented, and I feel very empowered!
What would you say to someone who is hesitant or afraid to take a courageous step in their life?
Don’t be afraid to take calculated risks that will move the needle in a positive direction. Make a list of short-term goals and weekly tasks that will work toward your long-term dream.