Hi. My Name is McCall and I’m an Imposter
Ever feel like you are floating through life with no idea what you are doing, but you are doing it anyway? That has been my reality every day for the last seven years. I started Southern Smash without a single clue as to what I was doing, but knowing in my gut this was what […]
To My Peanut On Your Fifth Birthday
My precious peanut, You’re FIVE! How did that happen? I seemed to have blinked and you’ve grown into a sprouting and sprightly girl before my eyes. Your birthday was not what I ever imagined and each year on this day my heart soars with happiness and gratitude while also aching with longing for what should […]
When You Don’t Look Like You Have an Eating Disorder
I looked the part and played the part well: All-American southern belle.
Make up on, dressed to perfection, made the grades, had the friends, and yet behind it all…
I was dying.
A Letter to My Today Show Mom Bod Haters
This week I was thrilled to create and write the feature essay for the Today Parent’s newest “Challenge”. My idea was to challenge moms across the country to embrace their ‘mom bods’ and tell us why the love them. The amazing Parent editor Terri Peters loved it so I created the Why I Love My […]
A Letter to My Imperfections
My wonderful friends at Eating Recovery Center reached out to me last month, asking to feature me an Eating Recovery Day writer. The task was simple: write a #myrecoveryletter. I was touched they thought of me and began to wonder who I would write my letter to. My initial ‘easy’ thoughts soon turned to writers block and, […]
One Year Gone: Lessons in Grief
My eyes opened well before the sun rose, knowing what today was. My heart ached that same ache I have been experiencing for the last 365 days. A distinct void that will never be filled. I lie in bed and suddenly felt the need to see the sunrise. I threw on my clothes and drove […]
How I Finally Lost the Holiday Weight
I have been feeling heavier than ever these past few weeks. My anxiety high and emotional fuse short. I knew this time of year would be hard – my first holiday in grief, but I had no idea just how much the heaviness would weigh me down. My grief has manifested in an array of […]
Year 8: Thriving with Intention
Eight years. Eight years of recovery. Eight years of falling (and getting back up). Eight years of life slapping me in the face. Eight years of choosing recovery over and over…and over. On this day eight years ago, I was faced with a decision: admit to treatment and choose recovery or fly home and continue […]
Happy [Grieving] Birthday to Me
Maybe it is because her house is empty or maybe because it is Christmas, maybe it is because President George H. W. Bush’s funeral is all over the news or maybe it is because my birthday is tomorrow or maybe because it is another day that ends in ‘Y’… Lately, I have been missing her […]
Cancer: The FINAL Chapter
The oncology number flashed up and I almost dropped my phone trying to answer it. “Hello…hello?” I said. “Hi, Mrs. Dempsey, this is Katie from Nemours. I’m calling with test results.” “Yes, yes. Go ahead.” “Dr. Sandler reviewed Marjorie’s ultrasound and said everything looks good.” I exhaled, taking my first breath since answering the phone. […]