Dear Meat-Eaters Of The World,

I know what you’re thinking.

I’m sure you know by now that veganism isn’t just a restricting diet—it’s a lifestyle. Some people are vegan for the awesome health benefits, but most for their undying love of all living creatures. I am the latter.

Despite that, I’m not about to go on a rant explaining why I chose to be vegan and why you should, too.

I am going to tell you not to roll your eyes at a vegan.

The stereotypical vegan is a radical activist who brings about their ideals onto others…well, more like shoves their ideals down other people’s throats.

NOT ALL VEGANS ARE LIKE THIS.

There are so many vegans out there fighting for a good cause, but I am not trying to criticize other people’s decisions. I’m not saying I don’t fight for what I believe in, but I don’t like to start fights.

There are such things as quiet vegans, believe it or not. We’re not all attracting attention.

In my experience, it’s often everyone else who brings up my diet--not me. If I’m not waving a “milk is for baby cows” sign in your face and telling you what you should or shouldn’t put in your mouth, then I’m respecting your food decisions.

I have witnessed people being shamed for their animal rights opinions, whether it be the passionate tree huggers or the people who just don’t care. PETA tends to take hardcore approaches like ambushing celebrities with flour bombs because they’re wearing fur.

On the other hand, I have seen innocent vegans bullied for their food and ethical opinions because of these extremities that are enacted. The fact of the matter is your beliefs are your own. With that said, the moral choices that I make are MINE. I’m just one person doing what I can for the animals and the environment.

I personally find problems not only with eating animals and using their products but also with the mass production of said products and the abuse of the animals that comes out of it, especially in today’s industrialized society. I may not always understand how you don’t agree, but it’s OK if you don’t. Being vegan means having a huge heart and fighting for those without a voice.

If you don’t share the same passions as I do, why would I make you fight for a cause you don’t believe in?

Most vegans were meat-eaters at some point. People change, but I don’t believe in forcing people to change. If someone raises interest in my lifestyle, I will happily talk about it and answer any questions. When you force your morals on someone who doesn’t want to hear it, that’s how they lose interest and respect.

I am going to do my best to convince you that veganism is amazing by sharing healthy and delicious recipes, however. If you like my recipes and make them on your own, that’s a little victory for me and the animals.

You may not want to hear any of it, but being vegan has its challenges, and we are allowed to take pride in the fact that we do it. It’s a selfless lifestyle and it makes me feel good, just like going to the gym makes others feel good.

I’m vegan and I’m proud. As a vegan, my beliefs are very important to me. If I am going to speak out about them, it will be with love.

Being vegan is all about spreading compassion. Vegan or not, that’s something we should all strive to do.

Lots of love,

A Modest Vegan