My Vegan Story

My Vegan Story

My parents became Vegetarian when they met and brought up my brother and I Vegetarian too. I can honestly say that bringing me up to be a vegetarian was the best gift they could ever have given me. I was a child blessed, because I was never told I couldn't eat meat, but instead I was given the choice. When I was old enough to understand, I was told all about meat; where it came from, what it was, why some people ate it, any question I had my parents answered. They told me the reason why I had never eaten it was because they didn't believe it was right. They told me if I ever did want to eat it, then that would be my choice and that was OK. I remember looking at them in confusion, because why, when I had an abundance of food already, when I never went hungry or could want for better food, why would I then choose to take somethings life? My child's mind couldn't even begin to see why someone would want to hurt and kill the beautiful cows in the fields around us or the chickens in our garden. It didn't make any sense to me then, and to this day I still cannot understand why people want to treat animals so badly.

My beliefs have never changed and as I have grown they too have grown stronger. When I was 18 I decided to become a Vegan. It was something I had been thinking about for a long time. My family and I already only consumed organic dairy and we kept chickens for eggs, but for me it just didn't seem enough anymore. I did my research, buying every magazine and reading every article I could get my hands on. It was tough because I would normally shy away from all those horrible stories, but I knew ignorance was never going to be bliss. I forced myself to face up to the reality of animal produce and spent hours reading through angry tears.

Once my decision was made, I was actually surprised by how easily I adjusted to Vegan life. I can honestly say I have never once missed dairy or eggs. Why would I when there are so many wonderful alternatives? I can sleep well at night knowing that no animal has had to suffer for the food I put on my table. 
I have never been a preacher, I have no desire to tell others what they can and cannot eat and do. I believe everyone must find there own way in life, and hopefully that way will be a kinder, gently way.


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