This community is full of great information, thought I'd share some.
This isn't really a pep talk per se, but many of the posts here are about how difficult it is to be vegan in a nonvegan world. Thought I'd share my experiences.
First, I'd like to mention that I'm older than most people here. I didn't even go vegetarian until I was in my mid 20's. People don't give you as much grief about lifestyle choices when you're no longer a teenager. So, it gets easier.
I don't know any vegans in my daily life. I've never dated a vegan. This has never presented a problem for me, for I don't expect others to choose to live as I do. Also, it helps to surround yourself with awesome supportive people. We're all struggling on this earth, trying to get by the best we can.
When it comes to eating food, I discovered long ago that unless I'm personally preparing it, it's just best to I assume that I will get sick from it. It's my choice (and genes) that dictate how I eat, and it's unrealistic to expect others to be able/be willing to follow something so far flung from cultural norms. *I'm* the deviant. So I accept responsibility for the difference, and for the fact that ultimately what goes in my mouth is all on me.
So in friendships and relationships full of mutual respect, there's no expectation that one live just like the other. Friends and family are free to be as omni as they want to be - they are their own authority on the matter. Likewise they support me in living a lifestyle that allows me to be true to my most deeply held values, to be happy, and healthier than ever. And just so there isn't any tension or confusion about diet, I let people know how much I love fresh raw fruits and veggies. I always try to have food on hand, or bring food to any social event. And when talking to omnis, I tend to frame my choices in terms of health.
I find this is key, in communication. No one likes to be judged. Talking about ethics, and either explicitly or implicitly telling someone that they are pretty much an unethical immoral bastard is a good way to get a kneejerk reaction, NOT a dialogue. People are shocked when I tell them that I no longer have the enzymes to digest meat. Sometimes I get something of a 'pity' reaction, but then I explain that this works really well for my body and mind, better in fact than how I had been living. When people realize that I'm NOT going to condemn them for eating meat, that I'm NOT going to shove propaganda or ethics down their throat, they usually become curious.
Well, if you don't eat meat, then what do you eat? How do you go to restaurants? Oh I could *never* do that!
The usual responses to the usual questions: going veg caused me to rethink what a 'meal' is, I go to restaurants like everyone else though I do tend to eat veggie sides - it's cheapier anyway, and I never thought I could do it either which is why I was so late getting started. Like any other lifestyle choice, once you get used to it, it's simply how you live. It also helps that I live in a metropolitan area, so I've got easy access to any ingredient or product I could possibly want. Well, except for those fresh and totally amazing mushrooms that I found in Jiangsu, but that's besides the point.
My incredibly happy journey boils down to a couple of things. First is probably flexibility in attitude. The second is creating an environment, surrounding myself with people who are supportive of how I live. I read *so many* horror stories here about relatives being rude, and I am so sorry that so many of you have had to deal with such unfortunate behavior. In so many cases, I don't really think the issue is veganism. Veganism just happens to be the cover for whatever is the real conflict.
It hasn't all been easy. My transition was ugly, or at least full of whining until I figured out how best to take care of my needs. Going veg forced me to learn about cooking and nutrition, and it's definitely one of the best things that I've ever done for myself - and others.
The last thing is that I don't consider myself a vegan. I don't need that identity (incidentally, you don't either). Identity is a trap! Ultimately, it's your own business what you choose to eat and how you choose to live. Debating with others about it strikes me as pointless.
So, in case you've made it this far, know that you have my respect for trying to live a life full of compassion for other living beings. Sometimes I think it's easy to forget that we ourselves are animals too, and that humans - ourselves and others - benefit from a gentle touch as well.
Peace.
First, I'd like to mention that I'm older than most people here. I didn't even go vegetarian until I was in my mid 20's. People don't give you as much grief about lifestyle choices when you're no longer a teenager. So, it gets easier.
I don't know any vegans in my daily life. I've never dated a vegan. This has never presented a problem for me, for I don't expect others to choose to live as I do. Also, it helps to surround yourself with awesome supportive people. We're all struggling on this earth, trying to get by the best we can.
When it comes to eating food, I discovered long ago that unless I'm personally preparing it, it's just best to I assume that I will get sick from it. It's my choice (and genes) that dictate how I eat, and it's unrealistic to expect others to be able/be willing to follow something so far flung from cultural norms. *I'm* the deviant. So I accept responsibility for the difference, and for the fact that ultimately what goes in my mouth is all on me.
So in friendships and relationships full of mutual respect, there's no expectation that one live just like the other. Friends and family are free to be as omni as they want to be - they are their own authority on the matter. Likewise they support me in living a lifestyle that allows me to be true to my most deeply held values, to be happy, and healthier than ever. And just so there isn't any tension or confusion about diet, I let people know how much I love fresh raw fruits and veggies. I always try to have food on hand, or bring food to any social event. And when talking to omnis, I tend to frame my choices in terms of health.
I find this is key, in communication. No one likes to be judged. Talking about ethics, and either explicitly or implicitly telling someone that they are pretty much an unethical immoral bastard is a good way to get a kneejerk reaction, NOT a dialogue. People are shocked when I tell them that I no longer have the enzymes to digest meat. Sometimes I get something of a 'pity' reaction, but then I explain that this works really well for my body and mind, better in fact than how I had been living. When people realize that I'm NOT going to condemn them for eating meat, that I'm NOT going to shove propaganda or ethics down their throat, they usually become curious.
Well, if you don't eat meat, then what do you eat? How do you go to restaurants? Oh I could *never* do that!
The usual responses to the usual questions: going veg caused me to rethink what a 'meal' is, I go to restaurants like everyone else though I do tend to eat veggie sides - it's cheapier anyway, and I never thought I could do it either which is why I was so late getting started. Like any other lifestyle choice, once you get used to it, it's simply how you live. It also helps that I live in a metropolitan area, so I've got easy access to any ingredient or product I could possibly want. Well, except for those fresh and totally amazing mushrooms that I found in Jiangsu, but that's besides the point.
My incredibly happy journey boils down to a couple of things. First is probably flexibility in attitude. The second is creating an environment, surrounding myself with people who are supportive of how I live. I read *so many* horror stories here about relatives being rude, and I am so sorry that so many of you have had to deal with such unfortunate behavior. In so many cases, I don't really think the issue is veganism. Veganism just happens to be the cover for whatever is the real conflict.
It hasn't all been easy. My transition was ugly, or at least full of whining until I figured out how best to take care of my needs. Going veg forced me to learn about cooking and nutrition, and it's definitely one of the best things that I've ever done for myself - and others.
The last thing is that I don't consider myself a vegan. I don't need that identity (incidentally, you don't either). Identity is a trap! Ultimately, it's your own business what you choose to eat and how you choose to live. Debating with others about it strikes me as pointless.
So, in case you've made it this far, know that you have my respect for trying to live a life full of compassion for other living beings. Sometimes I think it's easy to forget that we ourselves are animals too, and that humans - ourselves and others - benefit from a gentle touch as well.
Peace.