Chapter 1: My Path to Veganism

In this article, I share my personal journey into Veganism, highlighting the profound effects it has had on my mental, spiritual, and physical well-being. Keep in mind that everyone's experiences may vary.

I hesitated to pen down my Vegan journey for several reasons. Chief among them is the awareness that Veganism can be polarizing, and I wanted to avoid any misinterpretation of my perspectives.

Before embracing a plant-based lifestyle, I faced significant mental health challenges, including depression, stress, and recovery from a serious surgery. During my recovery, I made the decision to eliminate dairy and meat from my diet. Surprisingly, this transition was seamless for me, leading to a complete exclusion of all animal products over time.

Initially, I didn’t label myself as Vegan; I was merely consuming a plant-based diet. However, as the weeks rolled by, I gradually cut out all forms of animal-derived products.

Four weeks post-surgery, I was nearly fully healed and brimming with energy. My doctor was astonished at how swiftly I had recovered and shed excess weight, and my blood test results were outstanding.

While my physical health improved tremendously, the most significant transformation occurred in my mental state.

After adopting a plant-based diet, I noticed a marked reduction in my depression. I felt more joyful and connected to the environment around me. I began to enjoy long walks, relaxing in parks, and visiting the beach. I felt lighter, healthier, and more mentally clear.

Then came the inquiries: Why did you choose Veganism? What about your protein intake? What are you eating? Is it even healthy to be Vegan?

My friends were baffled by my sudden shift. They struggled to grasp the advantages of my new lifestyle, finding it overly complex and presuming it was a temporary phase.

But it’s not just a phase for me.

For a while, I hesitated to discuss my Vegan lifestyle openly. I wanted to steer clear of judgment and the barrage of questions. The negativity I encountered genuinely surprised me.

Why were people so troubled?

To seek clarity, I delved into research on Veganism. I found that many Vegan advocates often impose their views onto others, judging those who do not share their lifestyle.

Conversely, my research into anti-Veganism revealed an abundance of critical commentary and articles. Some argued that eating meat is morally justifiable because humans are naturally omnivorous, while others claimed that Veganism undermines cultural traditions.

It struck me how unnecessary the hostility is.

Everyone has the right to their choices.

As I contemplated this topic, I sought to find a balanced perspective. Here’s the truth: there’s no absolute right or wrong. We all have the freedom to choose our paths. If you wish to adopt a plant-based diet, go for it. If you prefer steak and eggs for breakfast, that’s your choice, too. It should not concern anyone else.

Would I love to see more people adopt Veganism? Absolutely, because I recognize its benefits. Yet, it’s not my place to dictate others’ choices, just as my choices should not be anyone else's concern.

To Vegans and Non-Vegans Alike Vegans, please refrain from judging those who consume animal products. We each have the autonomy to determine what aligns with our personal journeys. For some, that means a plant-based diet; for others, it may be an omnivorous one. I share your passion for animal rights, but let’s focus on our own moral choices and respect others’ decisions.

Anti-Vegans and non-Vegans, please consider refraining from spreading negativity towards Vegans. Educate yourselves to minimize repeated questions directed at Vegans. It’s perfectly acceptable for individuals to advocate for animal rights. If you disagree, simply ignore it and pursue what brings you joy. Veganism is on the rise and is not going anywhere.

Conclusion: A Year of Transformation

It has been nearly a year since I embarked on my Vegan journey for health reasons, and the changes in my life have been remarkable. I’ve experienced substantial spiritual, mental, and physical benefits. I am filled with energy, healthier, and my compassion for both humanity and animals has deepened.

If you feel inspired to make a similar change, do so. If not, that's perfectly fine as well. My choice to embrace Veganism does not make me superior to anyone else.

Ultimately, let’s work towards reducing division and animosity and instead, embrace our individual journeys. Recognizing that everyone has the freedom to choose their own path will lead us all to a more harmonious existence.

“You cannot control the behavior of others, but you can always choose how you respond to it.” — Roy T. Bennett, The Light in the Heart

Chapter 2: Understanding the Vegan Debate