- How To Learn From Melanie Joy’s Enlightening Concept of Carnism To Improve the World - June 24, 2024
- Unwrap Compassion: Unique Gifts for Vegans That Inspire and Delight - December 11, 2023
- Enjoy The Delightful Plant People Boutique: Beautiful Plants and Lovely Snacks - November 20, 2023
Happy Birthday to Me
This month I turned 48 years old. Nearly five decades, or half a century.
To me, choosing a vegan lifestyle is choosing to live in a way that affords me the best chance of experiencing the wonder and mystery of another few decades of birthdays (at least!) And a vegan lifestyle contributes in some small measure to taking care of our planet and managing our resources well. That way, we humans and all living creatures can share and experience together the gifts of this life and of this planet.
When I became a vegan a couple of years ago (after being vegetarian on and off for more than 20 years), my primary reasons were my health (specifically, reducing my cancer risk) and the environment. Over time my reasons for being vegan have expanded and deepened as my knowledge has grown through a local network of vegan friends and wonderful online resources.
The Birthday Present
There have also been surprising effects of a plant-based diet for me. Over the first few weeks and months of being vegan, I was astonished at the profoundly positive psychological and emotional changes I experienced. I was not expecting this at all (but really needed it!).
Seemingly out of the blue, I felt an ongoing sense of calm, of being grounded. I felt more connected with myself, with others, and with the earth. This change has been sustained over time so that even when life’s challenges come along (read: an actual global pandemic!), I feel like I’m standing on solid ground, find hope in connection and in the mutual interdependence of all of nature, and understand how to take things step by step, day by day, knowing that the sun will continue to rise and set each day and that somehow all will be well.
The Birthdays Continue
And the changes continue to arise. The pandemic has brought challenges but has also brought the opportunity to cook and eat at home more, to try growing just a few vegetables in the garden for the first time, to clear out some weeds (literally and figuratively), to deepen my understanding of yoga and its related principles and benefits, and even to coordinate with friends a virtual monthly vegan dinner group.
I’m reminded of a line from the Peter Mayer song Holy Now:
And I remember feeling sad that miracles don’t happen still, but now I can’t keep track ‘cause everything’s a miracle.
The sun will continue to rise and set. All will be well. Happy birthday to me.
Read Next
My Journey of Compassion For All Beings
Blount County Restaurants with Vegan Options
