Have I Actually Been Vegan for 10+ Years?

For over 10 years, I have never intentionally eaten meat (flesh from other animals). There are rare instances of meat being in things without me knowing. However, I have intentionally in rare instances consumed dairy and eggs.

Why? Because it seemed right or okay at that time.

Like someone preparing a "vegan" meal for me, not knowing that cheese isn't vegan, or at a meditation center in India where you're essentially a monk, eating what they give you. Or when I first met my girlfriend, and she wanted to share a spoon of her dessert with me. Or 3 am at a cowork in Hamburg, hungry and finding chocolates left out in the kitchen. In plenty of similar situations, I've said no. But in a few, I've said okay. I'm not claiming it was the right thing to do, only that it seemed okay in the moment.

Why am I sharing this?

Because transparency builds trust. There are vegans who would object to these choices, and fair enough. But my veganism is love first, understanding it's not easy living a lifestyle that is in opposition to norms in most of the world. To me the label doesn't matter much but not contributing to systems of violence against other animals does, so that's why I’ll keep saying I'm vegan, because it's a good thing to be.

Love and peace wherever you are

In case you missed it

This week I had a very inspiring friend, Damian Washington, on the Podcast sharing his experience as an Actor, MS advocate, and how meditation has anchored him along his journey.

Listen and rate on Spotify and Apple Podcasts

Also, I posted a short on one of the best ways to get your protein in as a vegan: Textured Soy Protein.