So I’ve been thinking a lot lately about who I am “as a vegan” (that sounds so intense…) and trying to decide where I want to go with this blog. I’m feeling a lot of pressure–all indirect and mostly self-imposed–to be a “better,” “real,” and/or “perfect” vegan. I hate these sort of feelings of not being good enough, and I know it is not how I want to approach veganism. I came across this article that I really liked and which seems to be more along the lines of how I think–it’s basically saying that veganism is not just a personal purification, but rather about the goal, and the most effective way to achieve that goal.
It doesn’t help that I am also transitioning to life-after-college/new job/living (sort of) on my own, all of which mean I don’t have the time or energy I would like to devote to having lots of deep existential thoughts. So…I’ll be back eventually–maybe soon, maybe not for a few weeks. But hopefully with a clearer idea of what I want to do here!
Hi Carynne,
I figured you were busy with New Job, New City, New Routine, and many other New’s. It’s interesting hearing you’ve been putting pressure on yourself, because so have I! And — guess what– your vegan stance is part of it, though not the cause. It’s just that I admire your deep commitment and it has affected me, I want to also be more commited to veganism, but for a host of reasons, not eating dairy is happening slower than I’d like. I’ll share more down the road; right now I’m facing my own “new”–I’m back in Mexico with all its adventure and chaos.
Love,
Louisa