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One year vegan anniversary, just around the corner

One year vegan anniversary, just around the corner

Started by TK on August 16, 2011

5 Comments

TK said #1 Aug 16, 2011 at 9:45am

Sept. 9th (9/9) will be my one-year marker for being vegan, which is awesome, but I just thought I would be happier than I am by now. Overall I look and feel better (after a long 7 months of detox, my skin really cleared up!), am more in tune with my body (immediately after eating something, I can feel whether it was good or bad for me), and I get better results from exercise.

The only thing is...that committing to a plant-based diet has alienated me from my family and friends and I feel very much alone. It has contributed to a riff in my marriage (after many months of support and/or "looking the other way" he has gone back to ridiculing my choices), and I am just disappointed in people and society in general. I told my husband about the upcoming date and his response was, "Well now that you've got it out of your system, you can start eating meat again." I mentioned to my mom that I didn't want any leather products for my birthday, and she said, "Don't worry about the animals, they're already dead."

I just thought it would be nice to get a high five or something from others here who are on a similar path, since I won't be openly celebrating the one-year marker. We can all use some encouragement every now and then, right? I appreciate this site and wish everyone the best, whether you're a flirt, veg, or superhero! If I didn't have access to the discussions and guidance provided by people on this site, I'd probably go nuts.

Colleen Wanner said #2 Aug 16, 2011 at 11:12am

Hi TK!

Absolutely giving you a high five right now! It's too bad that you can't get that kind of support from the people close to you and I hope, no, I'm sure the people here are super excited for you!

This may only be small consolation but maybe it will help to put things in perspective. Your choice to become vegan was likely a well thought out one and a long time coming. It was pretty unlikely, although I suppose possible, that one year ago, you randomly just decided to become vegan without some prior affinity for the concept. For your family members, the whole idea is still new. I've seen close friends go through the same thing but as they stuck to their new found practices, over time, everyone got used to it. Over the years, some are now making accommodations at family get togethers as well as lessening their own meat intake overall.

I wish for you that they were more supportive regardless of their own prejudices. I think that often the resisitance comes from a subconscious fear of being coerced into something they're not ready for. However, if you're still happy with your decision and how you feel, then keep on it!

Maybe for now, don't try to convince them of anything, just keep being yourself and hopefully soon they will begin to admire your strong sense of who you are.

Good luck and congratulations!

Colleen Wanner said #3 Aug 16, 2011 at 11:27am

TK said #4 Aug 16, 2011 at 3:26pm

Thanks Colleen! I like your positive outlook and little happy face.

You make some good points which I can only agree with! I haven't tried to convert anyone but I definitely did talk about this lifestyle a LOT when I first started, and I learned to keep it to myself unless my husband and I are out to eat and I have to bring it up. For me, talking to others about veganism is kind of like playing classical music for someone who prefers techno--no matter how beautiful it is or how I explain it, they just don't want to hear it.

And yes, I will definitely keep it up! Thanks Colleen.

Kim T. said #5 Aug 16, 2011 at 4:30pm

Congratulations on your 1 year anniversary. I am also the only vegan I know. It can be very challenging. Especially around major holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. But it does get easier. If you stick to your convictions, people will begin to be more accommodating. You should feel very proud of yourself!! All the best.

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