I became vegan eight years ago in May of 2009.  I did it because I thought it would help me heal from some health issues I had been struggling with.  Although it has definitely lent a hand in various improvements made over time, I have continued to battle with my health nonetheless.

But that is not what this post is about. 

It’s about how I fell hopelessly in love with being vegan because of the animals.  It’s about how veganism is no longer optional because it is not really a choice but who I am.  It’s about how if someone told me I either had to lose an arm or stop being vegan I would let them take my arm.

The gratitude I feel for being able to live this lifestyle is bringing tears to my eyes even in this very moment as I type.  And yes, I do mean LIFESTYLE, not diet.  Because that is what veganism in the full sense truly is.  And by partaking in this it means that I think about the animals every time I make a choice concerning anything, not just food.  For example, I do not use leather, wool or other potentially animal suffering derived materials.

And yes, I am aware that it is very difficult to execute this effort without flaw in the world in which we live.  So I will tell you now that even though I guarantee that my actions in this area are never perfect, the intention behind them absolutely is.  And that is what veganism is truly about at least in my opinion.

All that being said, I want you to know that if you are not vegan I still love you just the same.  I said that I have been vegan for eight years which means that for 26 years I was not vegan.  We are all a work in progress and all of our journeys are different.  In a way we are all heading in the same direction but that does not mean our paths to getting “there” will also be the same.  It’s all about love and acceptance really.  And I love you and I accept you.

But I also love the animals.  So very much.  I love their nature, their instincts; the beautiful way in which they speak without words.  I love their understanding and their knowing.  Patience, gentleness, purity and innocence; all things I love about these very special beings.

And I have loved waking up every day for eight long years knowing that I am doing so much to make sure that they suffer as little as possible.  And I can’t wait to keep waking up for the rest of my life and doing the same.  I am so incredibly thankful for all of this.

I love you

Tanni