Empower Network

I don’t share my thoughts on Veganism because I think it will change the minds of people who feel differently.

I share my thoughts to show the people who already think like me that they’re not alone.

There’s a lot to discuss when it comes to what we put in our mouths these days.

I’ve tried to create ways to dodge the values-based, Veganism dinner party discussion.  Not because I don’t want to talk about my beliefs, but because I’d rather not talk about my food, I’d really like to enjoy it!

It seems like the only way to avoid this sticky topic is to hang out with others who share the love of a plant-based lifestyle.  But even then, vegans often talk to other vegans about their reasons…

So, talking about my goal of living a cruelty-free lifestyle is essentially inescapable.

I’m the first to admit that I have a sliding moral scale.  I consider myself to be Vegan-Enough.  I have no interest in extremes.  I’ve learned to be gentle with myself as I journey toward the middle path; which is Veganism, for me.

“Veganism says that we do not take the life of another living being to satisfy our own wants.”            ~ Philip Wollen

Eliminating all animal products from my lifestyle is the goal that keeps me going, but in the spirit of being human and making mistakes, I know that I still have miles to go.

As much as anyone, I know how delicious cheese is, and when dad is making bacon cheeseburgers on the barbecue, my mouth waters, too.  Choosing animal-free more often is my middle-path as I journey toward Veganism.  This doesn’t mean that I think I’m better than anyone, it means I feel that I am on the same level as everybody.  Every body that breathes and feels.

I’m not stating any of this with the intention to judge you for what you do with your free will, just as I don’t want to be judged for what I choose to do.  For the truth is, when it comes to judgement, we’re usually hardest on ourselves.  I can only be responsible for my choices, and I choose to follow what feels right in my heart.

Do unto others are words that are intended for all other beings, not just for other people.          ~ Anthony Douglas Williams

So every day I try to act a little more from Love.  For myself and for others.

I share my thoughts on Veganism because I feel that if we, as a society, are to be subjected to images of  ”juicy burgers” and “tender chicken nuggets” on advertising everywhere, then I believe it is fair to be able to also question these advertisements.

Do you believe it’s possible that we, as a society, have been                                         desensitized to the value of Life?

Does Veganism seem more extreme to you than the                                                         enslavement and exploitation of animals?

What makes it OK to eat a cow or a pig and not a dog or a cat?

These are some of the issues we nearly-vegans are considering every time we quietly refuse animal-based foods, no matter how appetizing they may be.

If you can eat your favourite chicken wings or bacon cheeseburger while watching the documentary, Earthlings, without having a second thought, then you are most certainly living what feels good to you, and I honour that.

If you feel the urge to vomit or put the food away when watching Earthlings —          you’ve been desensitized to what you are eating, and I welcome you with an open heart to the tribe of Vegan Enough.

“Making decisions for perpetuating a cruelty-free lifestyle, everyday.”

I get a lot of inspiration for my journey to Veganism from these sites:

My New Roots – Recipes and More

Chef In You – Making Vegetarian and Vegan recipes easy

The Happy Herbivore

Be Well.

Sarah Bee