Three years ago today, I loaded my car up with scales, sledgehammers, painted signs and a dream. A dream to pay it forward, a dream to fulfill a promise I made to those who had helped me on my journey to recovery. As eager as I was, I was completely aware of the path I was about to blaze for myself.
Most of my friends and family were still unsure about what on earth I was doing. To be honest, I wasn’t sure either, but what I was sure of is that there was a fire in my belly telling me I was heading in the right direction.
It was a “Fake it ’til you make it” scenario. I did not know if anyone would show up to the first smash or how exactly we were going to set up the event, but I decided to hold my head up and fake it. That little voice in the back of my head was shouting, “You’ve got this. I don’t know what the hell we are doing, but it is going to be awesome.”
And it was…it is.
Little did I know what would come of me listening to that quiet voice, which is now a strong and powerful voice. I no longer fake my way through anything. I know without a shred of a doubt that I am doing what God put me on this earth to do. And I also know that I am worthy not only to stand amongst the brightest minds in the eating disorder world, but more importantly, I know that God blessed me with a special gift to be able connect and empathize with everyone I meet, especially those still fighting to find their own recovery dream. Meeting and mentoring others is my greatest ‘job’ role and one that I never take for granted.
Yes, SMASH was born on this day and so was my reality, my passion, my promise.
But I am not Southern Smash. You are.
Our Ambassadors, recovery warriors, professionals and every person out there who has shared our message of positive body image, self love and hope. Hope for a world where we can connect with empathy, love those around us and most importantly, love ourselves for who we are and not what we look like.
Southern Smash was created on a promise to pay it forward. So let’s make November 16th a day to SMASH it forward. A day to do something kind for others or better yet for ourselves.
Happy SMASHiversary! Go forth and SMASH it forward.
With love and loads and loads of gratitude,
McCall
