Say Something
Do you dare take the risk?
Dear Well-Meaning Friends, Family, and Strangers,
If you see spinach or some matter, foreign or domestic, in my teeth, tell me.
If my fly is open for all to see, warn me, please.
If you see something creepy and crawly up, down, or across my back, swat it off.
If you see that crusty morning crud in the corner of my eye, pass me a tissue.
If you see the back of my skirt inadvertently tucked up or tucked in, lend me a hand.
If I forget my deodorant, slip a sistah the secret.
If you see a telltale red spot staining the back of my pants or skirt, cover me.
If you see something dangling from my nose, that’s not a ring, do the right thing.
If you see my black slip hanging below my white dress, whisper in my ear.
If you see my wig crooked and cocked, give me a straight heads up.
If You See Something, Say Something.
If my one chin has turned into two or three,
If you see rolls of extra weight gathering around my back, stomach, arms, and thighs,
If you see me struggling to walk across the street,
If it’s a chore for me to take the stairs, take a seat, or touch my feet,
If I am stressed out, burnt out, and busting out of clothes that are tight, tighter, and tightest,
If my smiling denials do not hide my defeat,
If my energy is lagging, but my appetite raging,
And if am living to eat instead of eating to live,
If I say everything is alright and yet you see everything is all wrong,
MIND YOUR DAMN BUSINESS.
Very Sincerely Yours,
About the Creator
Michelle Petties
We all have unique stories that lead us. I speak to organizations, large and small, sharing unique perspectives and my story of hope, healing, and triumph. Need an engaging, thought-provoking, and transformative speaker? Ping me.
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WHERE IT ALL BEGAN
It was March 23, 2023, at 2 pm and I had just finished a midday presentation to a Zoom filled with respected doctors, scientists, researchers, and other stakeholders from the National Institute on Drug Abuse at the National Institutes of Health, one of the world’s foremost research centers. And judging from the feedback, comments, and questions, my talk was a success. How did I, a 65-year Black woman from the small-town south, land in such an esteemed space? A few months ago, I met Dr. Lorenzo Leggio – a Senior Investigator (Clinical) in the NIH Intramural Research Program (IRP) with faculty appointments both at NIDA and NIAAA, and Chief of the Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology Section, a joint NIDA and NIAAA laboratory – at a health fair. He was intrigued by my new memoir, Leaving Large – The Stories of a Food Addict, interested in my unique perspectives about processed food addiction, and invited me to share my story and insight during Grands Rounds. That’s the obvious conclusion, the simple answer. But the truth is, it’s a bit more circuitous and complex than you might think.
By Michelle Petties12 months ago in Families
Disarmament
They say there's no atheism in the foxhole. While I wasn't currently neck-deep in a river of soft sediment, I was still praying to whoever would listen. Why am I doing this again? I would ponder while staring at the device that in no less than a minute could be my undoing. I scanned each and every variable panel and commonplace button as I watched the bright red L.E.D ticker countdown. No wires to cut, no code to put in, there was only one way to stop this infernal machine, and that incurred perfect timing.
By James U. Rizzi2 days ago in Fiction
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