Dude, your killing it. Great post, well thought out and considered. Part of my realisation was through animal welfare and canine cognition. Earthlings put me over the edge. I lost all faith in humanity that day. I got angry, VERY ANGRY. I just couldn't believe that everyone else was still doing the very same shit I was doing.
Now I am going down a different path, I am doing everything I can to expose the cruelty of all animal industries. The very fact that we as a species exploit every other species for our own gain, we don't even think about the rights that we trample over every single day. I love to show people how easy it is to actually give a Fuck in a world where not giving a Fuck is the norm. If that is through their stomachs so be it.
Going vegan is the best thing my family have ever done. Everything is better as a vegan. EVERYTHING.
Keep up the great work Nick. You have a new follower.
Yo, Moon!
Great words, my friend. Isn't it weird that somehow we just make that switch? But then again, I think we are totally geared towards compassion. It takes a lot of effort to train people to feel nothing when they harm another creature - this conditioning isn't actually even needed for the vast majority of people, because when they go to the supermarket, they see none of the blood, screams and cries. It is as though, because they didn't do it, that they're still good people. Good people just don't allow this to happen when their blinders are lifted.
I'm very envious of you. Hayley and I are the only vegans in our immediate family. And while I've been the dominant person (and often seen as the crazy one) no one has really tried to "shoot me down".
I agree - veganism is absolute compassion and makes life so much more beautiful.
Moon, for letting me know you're following me, this post gets an upvote! I'll try my best to maintain the quality you deserve and I want to thank you for taking the time out of your day to read my work - I sincerely appreciate it.
All the best,
Nick
For sure it really is a Light bulb moment. We are brought up not to hurt animals but to eat meat, it is an immediate contradiction in our moral compass and one that can take some time for us to see. My family is myself my Wife and my 3 kids, 17, 10 and 8. My folks have cut down quite a bit on their consumption and my sister only eats fish, she wont use any animal testing brands etc... My other brother will probably die with a cow steak or a pig sausage in his mouth. I'll never give up hope for him though, after all I was a BIG meat eater. Now, only monching on plants I am stronger, faster, I sleep better and generally have a much better outlook on life. Plus at nearly 40 years of age I have more energy than I had 10 years ago!
Don't sweat the crazy person tag, I have that in my larger family too! We are the only vegans in our friend group. Again, I am leading by example. I plan on being in the best shape of my life for my 40th and by doing this I can show everyone that not only is being Vegan the most compassionate lifestyle but the best way to be ripped as you age!
People just don't believe that you can feel this way only eating plants. It is hard to explain thoroughly to people but hey, they will get it when they get it.
Keep it up man.