On March 12th, 2018, I became vegan. For a few years now, more specifically 8 years, I was a pescatarian. Growing up, I was always incredibly empathetic when it came to animals, no matter if they were strays or in a zoo, or in my own house. We are blinded at a young age from what truly happens to the animals we have on our plate. We don't see what happens in the large facilities or the farms that claim to be 'humane" so we never have a fair chance to stop eating meat when we're children.
I became vegan once I watched videos and read about how much pain and suffering our food goes through before it's even killed. No longer did I want to contribute to that, nor did I want to contribute to the growing environmental concerns caused by factory farming. While it did take me a while to actually change my diet, I eventually took the next step because of my Earth Science class. It was part of an extra credit opportunity that I knew would continue after class ended. It was perfect timing.
Because of my recent experience, I do understand how difficult this decision can truly be. Now, don't get me wrong - how you feel mentally and physically is definitely worth what you have to go through in the very beginning, but there will be moments when you feel like you can't do it, moments when people say that they know you won't be able to do it. It's helped me to have such a wonderful community on Instagram to back me up, and there are always forums online that you can find if you feel like you're struggling and need some inspiration or advice.
People will make quips about Veganism when they found out about your lifestyle. Sometimes it's someone trying to hurt you, but most of the time it's a friend or family member "poking fun." For me, it doesn't bother me any longer. They don't know what you know about the food they eat, so they aren't aware of the horrifying facts. Over time you'll learn to take it with a grain of salt, at least, that's what it was life for me.
Over time you'll also learn where you can eat vegan-friendly food, and you'll even meet vegans in your town! You'll be surprised how many there really are. Just wear a vegan shirt out in public and you will surely find a few people who share the same views as you do.
The change takes some time getting used to, but once you get the hang of things it'll become second nature and the Earth and all other vegans will thank you.
Veganism is not a sacrifice, remember that. Remember how much the Earth and animals need people like us and that's really all you need.
