I believe the credit for the above photo goes to Herbivore Clothing Company, but I can’t seem to find where I got it from now…
As New Years was approaching, I began to think about the past year, as we all do, and of course, the year to come. It seems a convenient time to me to make a resolution in my life to make a permanent change. Something has been weighing on my heart and my mind a lot lately.
I bought a sweater a few months ago and saw that the tag said “angora” and I bought it anyway because I loved the fit and styling so much, but the decision has weighed on me. My dad took me shopping after Christmas and wanted to buy me warm socks at REI. He loves the SmartWool brand and really wanted to get some for me. I didn’t have the heart to have the “please no animal product” conversation with him. He bought me four pair, two of which I’ll be taking back and two of which I’ve been wearing. And it’s been weighing on me. I’ve somewhat been in the market for a new pair of boots and can’t bring myself to buy leather ones, even though I love these, because it’s been weighing on me. Every time I crack the eggs for some cornbread or put the cheese on top of my pizza, something just doesn’t feel right in my spirit.
So, I’m making the change… toward the vegan way of life. When I went vegetarian a year and a half ago, I cut out most dairy and eggs as well. The only reason I’ve not gone vegan yet is because I haven’t wanted to deal with what others will say and I don’t want to inconvenience anyone (admittedly myself on occasion), but this is hardly a good reason to continue to make choices that don’t line up with my values. Factory farming practices are shockingly horrifying. Really. I don’t want to be a part of it in any way, shape or form. It is not good for anyone involved – not the animals, not the environment, surely, not the people perpetuating the violence and not for the health of those who consume those products. It would be wrong for me to continue to support these practices, particularly against my own conscience. At this point I plan to keep the things I already own that are not vegan, because I don’t think it would benefit anyone for me to just throw them out, but from here on out all purchases shall be cruelty free.
While it may seem like an extreme choice to some, for me I think for the most part it will just be woven into the fabric of my life, as so many other changes have been. I’ve learned that nothing is so difficult as it seems it will be, especially when motivated by something more important than any minor inconvenience. This is not meant as a judgment upon anyone else, though sadly, I know some will perceive it that way. It’s just another step toward becoming who I am. Wish me luck! I think it’s going to feel really good. Happy New Year!
