Although we joke in our house every day is World Vegetarian Day it's nice to know that WVD exists. It's one of those things I tell my kids, "thank your lucky stars because when Mama was a wee girlie, we didn't have any such World Vegetarian Day to make the path easier..."
Truly, World Vegetarian Day is a big deal to me. It's been the same while I have evolved...as a shy young woman it was easier to hide behind the banner of World Vegetarian Day to share the concept of vegetarianism with others. Now, everyone who comes within two miles of me knows that I'm a vegetarian (almost vegan, really) why and how well I eat. I credit World Vegetarian Day and the pioneers who have fought for vegetarian awareness that I have been able to get this far in my journey.
The reasons for eating vegetarian are as diverse as vegetarians themselves, although I believe that I have met more ethical or environmental vegetarians than those who eat veggie solely for health reasons. As one who turned veg during the days of Meat is Murder and Assault & Battery, I have seen art used well to bring vegetarian awareness. I wish I had the platform and the talent to reach many. But I do speak honestly and openly to anyone willing to listen. I don't know if it's my empathetic nature but turning veg was easy for me. I don't always understand why others don't see that cruelty isn't tasty but my mind is open and I hope that by simply being able to share the truth with others, I can make a difference for animals and the environment.
Vegetarianism was the first step for me on a wonderful life-path. Although it's taken years to figure out what I believed and where I belonged, I am thankful for all that I have learned and all I'm learning now.
