Introduction

Fifteen years ago, I embarked on a journey that would profoundly shape my life: becoming a vegetarian. It was a decision rooted in compassion, health consciousness, and a commitment to reducing my environmental footprint. Over the years, I discovered the diverse world of vegetarianism, its benefits, and the transformative power of aligning my values with my diet. Yet, as life continuously evolves, I eventually transitioned away from vegetarianism. In this blog post, I’ll take you through my 15-year vegetarian journey, my “live and let live” philosophy that seems all too forgotten today, and the importance of respecting others’ choices even when they diverge from our own.

The Path to Becoming a Vegetarian

What led me to become a vegetarian was a combination of factors that ignited that spark:

  • Compassion for Animals: I began questioning the ethics of consuming animals as I became more aware of their sentience and suffering.
  • Health Consciousness: Research and personal experience suggested that a vegetarian diet could offer numerous health benefits, including lower cholesterol, reduced cancer risk, and better overall well-being. It also increased my body’s flexibility – which was important, mainly because I was a Hatha Yoga practitioner.
  • Environmental Concerns: The environmental impact of animal agriculture became increasingly clear, making me want to lessen my footprint on the planet.

What Is a Vegetarian, and Its Benefits?

A vegetarian abstains from consuming meat and fish, with variations such as lacto-ovo vegetarians, including dairy and eggs, ovo vegetarians consuming eggs, and lacto vegetarians consuming dairy. Vegans take it further by eliminating all animal-based products from their diets.

The advantages of adopting a vegetarian lifestyle are multifaceted, encompassing physical well-being, ethical considerations, and environmental awareness.
The decision to embrace vegetarianism extends beyond personal preferences; it reflects a commitment to a more compassionate, ethical, and sustainable conscious way of living. These benefits collectively underscore the positive impact of choosing a vegetarian path.

Embracing Change: The Transition Away from Vegetarian

After 15 years of embracing vegetarianism, I found myself at a crossroads. My dietary preferences and health considerations signaled a need for change. It was a difficult decision to transition away from a lifestyle I had cherished for so long, but it was a choice I made to honor my body’s needs.

Live and Let Live

There used to be a “live and let live” principle embedded in our society.
This “live and let live” philosophy is (or should be) a beacon of understanding and harmony in a world often marred by division and intolerance. It means respecting others’ choices even when they differ from our own. This principle is vital today as we navigate increasing polarization and judgment (even toward ourselves).

The Subjectivity of Convictions

For 15 years, I held fast to believing that purposeful living was intricately tied to my vegetarian lifestyle. It was a conviction that shaped my choices, values, and daily life. The notion of a purposeful existence seemed clear and unwavering. But as life’s journey unfolded, I realized that intentional living is as subjective as the colors of the sky at dawn. It changes, it evolves, and it is uniquely personal.

We often embark on our quests for purpose with the certainty that we’ve uncovered the proper path. Whether it’s a commitment to a specific diet, a career choice, a belief system, or a particular lifestyle, we hold these choices close to our hearts, believing them to be the guiding lights of our existence. For me, vegetarianism was a guiding light.

The Realization of Subjectivity

However, life teaches us that the path to our purpose is not a one-size-fits-all journey. As I transitioned from vegetarianism and embraced a more comprehensive diet, I reflected on the subjective nature of purposeful living.

What I once considered the ultimate expression of my values and beliefs had shifted. It wasn’t that my values had changed entirely, but rather, my understanding of how to manifest those values had evolved. I understood that purposeful living is not confined to a single set of choices. It’s a dynamic, ever-changing concept that adapts to our growth and development.

The Uniqueness of a Purpose

Having a purpose is deeply personal and unique to each individual. It’s not bound by rigid dogma or static beliefs. Instead, it flows with the ebb and flow of our lives, taking on new forms and dimensions as we grow.

What is the purpose for one person may not resonate with another. Just as my journey led me to embrace a more diverse diet, someone else may find purpose in adhering to a strict vegan lifestyle, while another may discover it in an omnivorous approach. The key is not in prescribing a universal path but acknowledging and respecting the diversity of choices that bring meaning to our lives.

Embracing Subjectivity

Embracing the subjectivity of purposeful living allows us to let go of judgment and criticism. It encourages us to respect the individual choices that shape the lives of others, even if those choices differ from our own.

As I journey through this new chapter, I understand that living with purpose is not confined to a specific set of rules. It’s about aligning our choices with our values, whatever those choices may be, and finding fulfillment in the uniqueness of our path.

Ultimately, the light of purpose shines through the myriad ways we live our lives. And it’s in this diversity that we discover the true essence of living – for living itself is life’s only purpose.

Conclusion

My 15-year journey as a vegetarian was transformative and enlightening, teaching me the values of compassion, health consciousness, and environmental responsibility. However, it also instilled in me the importance of embracing change when it aligns with our evolving needs and values.

In a world where differing opinions and lifestyles abound, the old “live and let live” philosophy calls us to respect individual choices, even when they diverge from our own. Respecting diverse paths is the essence of a harmonious society, fostering understanding and unity in our shared humanity.

As I embark on this new chapter of my dietary journey, I carry the lesson of the understanding that while our choices may vary, our shared humanity unites us all. May we all find the courage to honor our paths while respecting the choices of others, creating a world where acceptance and understanding prevail.

References:

Building a Healthy Vegetarian Diet: Myths and Facts

New Study Confirms Veggie Diets Are More Sustainable than Non-Veggie Diets