Why did you choose Peteing Disorder?

I think most people assume that my chosen handle is a joke. It is. But it’s not one aimed at cruelly mocking those suffering or recovering from eating disorders. Quite the contrary. In choosing my name, I wrongly assumed people would understand the connection. I openly discuss my past and current struggle with food. Though I am a “food blogger” (eye roll) and writer, I would never dream of exploiting such a sensitive topic for a cheap joke. I use the name in a way that is obviously meant to be satirical. But I do so because I feel I’ve earned that right. It is my way of mocking the eating disorder and taking back my power over it.

I’ve had very few issues regarding my name. But I’ve received enough vitriolic responses to to warrant a counter response. Most of the folks reaching out with this energy seem to mean well. They are concerned about someone exploiting or making light of a serious thing. I get it. I don’t wish the pain of an eating disorder on anyone. But I subscribe to the belief that it is your responsibility to handle your triggers. If you are so caught up in my blog’s name, you are unwilling to dive into the content that is on you. Im not liable for your unresolved issues.

I make a point to be vulnerable, open, and honest. I want people to feel like they have someone to relate to. But I also want a place to speak freely and express my struggles. I want to feel like I have a home and people to connect with. This blog has allowed me to do that. But what I have found even more inspiring is the positive feedback I’ve received. The number of people reaching out to tell me that I’ve helped in a small way to relieve their burden. I’m not saying I’ve made some considerable impact. But I think I’ve opened up the conversation a little bit more for some readers.

Ultimately my name shouldn’t matter. As I said, it is my way of taking back power. I like humor, and I like food. I’m actively recovering from an eating disorder that took everything from me. Now I’m trying to gain it all back. If you don’t like my name, you do not have to read my writing. You don’t have to follow my Instagram. But I’m not going to change it, and I’m not going to apologize for it. So that’s it! Thanks for reading, and have a great day.