The Predatory Lies of Anorexia: A Survivor’s Story

I am elated to share in the media blast for this book! See below for an excerpt, information on how to purchase, as well as an opportunity to win an Amazon gift card.

About The Book

I want. I want you to want me. I want you to think I am the smartest, the thinnest,the most beautiful. I want you to want to be me. I want to be enviable. I want to be impervious. I want to need nothing. I want you to know that I am strong. I want to think I am better than everyone else. I want.

I’m willing to give up everything. I will give up mind and future. I will give up health,happiness and peace. I will give up family, friends and fun. I will give up rest and comfort. I will give up food. But please, just let me keep faith.

In this raw telling of her long struggle with anorexia, Abby Kelly reveals the predatory lies that ran rampant in her disordered mind. She will lead readers through the fight to her final victory.

Readers will find empathy, compassion and insight in these pages. Most of all, they will find hope for recovery and a life beyond the battle.

Paperback: 196 pages

Publisher: Bettie Youngs Book Publishers (March 17, 2014)

ISBN-10: 1940784174

ISBN-13: 978-1940784175

Meet The Author

Abby Kelly is a nomadic, military spouse writing from wherever she momentarily finds herself with her husband, their wonderful dog, Brave, and two tolerable cats.

Abby began writing in the process of recovering from a more-than-decade long eating disorder. She credits Jesus Christ for her full recovery and for filling her with a passion to encourage others to seek freedom from their own addictions and struggles. Now, Abby writes for numerous Christian publications as well as maintains her personal blog, Predatory-Lies. In her free time, she and Brave enjoy volunteering in hospitals and schools as a pet therapy team through Pet Partners.

Email Address: abbykelly1980@gmail.com

Website: http://www.predatory-lies.com

Twitter: @benjity

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/benjity

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The Flight

“You will never see me again!” I screamed. I knew I was running out of time as we approached the airport. “I’ll die there! I’m never coming home.”

“Abby, stop. You are getting yourself all worked up and we have to go inside now.” My father parked the car in the dismal parking garage. Ignoring my residual choking on tears, he got out of the car and began to extract the suitcases, careful not to get any dirt on his jeans.

Daddy always looked sharp, one more thing I hated about myself. In the last several years I had become more of a skeleton freak show than an attractive daughter he could be proud of. My face was gaunt and haggard and wore the look of an aging smoker. My breasts were flat and my waist curve-less, like a prepubescent boy. I wore sea-foam green sweat pants with the word “SPIRIT” in block letters down my right leg. The sweats hung around my thighs like a tent missing poles, but I liked them because I felt small inside them. A sloppy white t-shirt blaring “SPIRIT” as well, topped the ensemble.

“Abby, get out of the car.”

I debated for a moment, but knew that I’d never win. The wildest of my tantrums were no match for Dad’s strength, but until now, at least in the battle of wills, I had triumphed. Two days prior my parents played their trump card.

“We’ve tried everything.” My parents had me cornered in their bedroom. Mom spoke because I listened more calmly to her. “We’ve been patient while you’ve promised over and over to try. We are really, really worried about you.”

Mom’s voice broke there. Dad turned and glared at my little sisters eavesdropping from the bedroom doorway. Two sets of chocolate brown eyes and one blue pair ducked back into the hallway. Then he shut the door and stepped forward.

“You promised to gain ten pounds in two months.” Dad’s voice was taut. The six-foot-four man that I once thought invincible slouched beneath a heavy burden. “Over a month ago, you agreed to the ultimatum that you would gain eight pounds. You’re nowhere near that. You need help and this is not a discussion. Remuda Ranch agreed to admit you, and we need to be there the day after tomorrow.” Daddy turned and left the room.

I slumped to my knees on the floor. “Please, please, please, Mom! Don’t send me away. I can’t be gone for two months. You might as well disown me. I’ll die there!”

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Wordless Wednesday

Spring has sprung in this town whether the calendar says so, or not. We are digging in the dirt, planting, prepping, weeding, etc. What’s going on in your yards, flowerbeds, and gardens?

Happy Wednesday, loves! xoxo

Life Lessons with Dogs

My house has gone to the dogs. Literally. The Bald Genius thought that it would be a fabulous idea to purchase a Great Dane 3 years ago. He brought her home, and left (OK, the real story is that he was deployed, but my version is more dramatic). Just when I thought that our doggy days couldn’t get any crazier, we adopted a 1-year-old Boxer. There is rarely a dull moment around here, and in the midst of the craziness, I found that maybe I could learn a few things from the furry goobers.


Make a Good Day. If you aren’t a dog person, you may not know this. Dogs love life! Most are happy by nature. If they have food, water, shelter, and love, it is a good day. I think we humans have a tendency to see what is missing, or wrong in our day, and forget to just be happy. Things may not always go our way, but we can decide to make each day a good day.

A Good Run Rocks. If your dog is being destructive, or suffering from selective listening skills, have you checked their activity level?  When a puppy gets adequate exercise, it tends to behave appropriately. Have you ever noticed how much better you feel after your favorite exercise of choice? I can remain focused on all of my necessary tasks after I exert some energy and sweat.

Bury the Bone. My poor backyard and garden take so much abuse from these dogs! If these pooches are given anything that they value, they race to the backyard to bury it. It may stay buried a day, or several weeks. They will dig it up when they need it (or whenever they happen to remember it). I am finding that each generation is learning less about investing and saving, but more about consuming. It is easy to get caught up in the hype of the newest, coolest gadgets and fads, but nothing material should ever jeopardize our well-being or future. Make the time to put away money for your rainy day.

Forgive, Forget, Love, & Live. Our second dog, the Boxer, was rescued from less than favorable conditions. Her foster family showered her with praise and love, and she is now a new dog. She doesn’t dwell on her past of being abandoned, but instead looks forward to all of the hugs and love of her daily life. There are times, and people, in our lives that downright stink. We could carry the baggage of hurt, scars, bad memories, and bitterness, or we could decide to forgive, forget, move on, and enjoy life.

These girls keep the love flowing around here. It seems as if they cannot help it. If we leave the house 5 minutes or 5 hours, the dogs are always elated and grateful to see us. These crazy pooches are quick to forgive, and eager to love. Guess what: we should be the very same way. I am not suggesting that you charge the door, and drool all over your loved ones when they arrive (although that might be hilarious). It may make life a bit more enjoyable, and less stressful, if we all make the effort to create good days, make the time to exercise, invest in our futures, and love freely.

I am daily reminded to take a break from the demands of my schedule, and to just enjoy life. I am grateful for these lessons from the furry critters in my home, and I hope that you find your inspiration to have your best week.

Until next time,
xoxo