impRAWvise 

My own journey towards embracing veganism actually started around 10 years ago, back in 2010, but it took me a while, 5 years to be more precise to actually commit to this lifestyle 100%. I knew from the beginnings that this is the pathway that I am going to embrace, simply because it felt the right thing to do and also because I felt like I resonated with it so much, more than with anything else. Five years is a pretty long time, but as long as we are committed to something that is also right for us as individuals and as human beings, we are going to find a way to make it happen. We always have to take time to make those changes that are true to us and that resonate with us the most. Sometimes, yes, we might be judged, and other times it might look hard, or we might not know what we are doing or what we are supposed to do, but as long as we make that conscious choice to stay true to ourselves and to our own unique journeys, the answers will always be revealed.

I remember those first five years into my journey as being a very confusing time. I have became vegetarian pretty easy and understood the dynamics and the ethics of not eating meat, and I also have to say this has been an easy step for me. I always loved fruits and veggies and I was also not very fond of those meat products so once I understood what was really going on along the way to getting those products on the market, I knew there was no way back into consuming such things. For me, it all started as a search for finding ways in which I could live a happier and healthier life, and since I found veganism, I knew it was the way for me. Still, this did not necessarily made things easier. As many of us know and have experienced in various life situations, when we are willing to change something, there might be times when we encounter lots of resistance, coming from other people, who might not understand what we are doing, or we might encounter our own resistance.

I believe change takes time so we do have to be patient with ourselves especially when we are making such important changes in our lives, but we also have to protect ourselves from judgement or other people`s negative comments or opinions, simply by informing ourselves and knowing exactly why are we doing it and how are we making it work for our own individual and unique needs. As long as we staying true to our paths, we are safe, I would say, simply because we will get access to that inner knowledge that provides us with amazing wisdom that will be a great tool for addressing whatever judgments or questions might come our way. I deeply believe that we all want to be living better, healthier and happier lives so even if or when someone might be addressing a challenging question, we can still answer from a place of compassion and kindness. After all, going vegan is all about compassion and kindness, not just for the animals and the planet, but also for fellow human beings.

The last five years, and of course its an ongoing process, as I continue to embrace this amazing lifestyle, have been for me a wonderful opportunity for healing, personal growth as well as getting into a better state of being and having an improved life. Of course, the food on our tables matter a lot, but it is not all. Many other things matter just as much such as movement, sleep, healthy social connections and interactions with other human beings and taking proper care of ourselves. For me, it has been challenging especially from a social point of view, as I did have a tendency to become upset or defensive when people were questioning my choices in regards to this food matter at first, but then after a few years went by, it became more and more easy to answer those question and also to do this from a place of compassion and kindness.

That amazing and divine guidance that comes from the Universe can unfold into our lives and guide our ways at any time, all we have to do is just take a step back and allow it to flow as we experience getting healthier and happier day after day and night after night. It does not really matter how much it might be taking us to make that change that we are so much willing to do, but instead, the most important thing is to stay focused on our unique and amazing journeys and stay happy, healthy and joyful on a day to day basis. By having open and honest conversations we can create than a safe ground for other people to also explore their own choices and take a step forward towards making their dreams come true in the most beautiful and amazing ways so we can all be celebrating peace and kindness on this lovely planet called Earth.