There are three things new vegans must remember, in my opinion, and I want to share them with you.
As you embark upon this new journey, you will find yourself bombarded with comments from well-meaning but uneducated people, your own conscience will play tricks on you, and you just might miss meat really, really badly.Â
Do not fear. I am here for you.
If you are a newbie, you are most likely afraid of all the changes in front of you. There are so many, it seems! But there are also solutions to these changes and there is nothing you can’t do if you want it.
That’s why I created this short list with tips for you.
Here are 3 things new vegans must remember:
- It will take time.
It will take time to be a long-term vegan who knows what each ingredient is and where the best plant-based meals in town are. You have to accept this reality and focus on taking one step at a time. Do not rush or compare yourself to those who have been at this for decades because it won’t make you feel any better.
I promise that time will fly once you get into a routine, but until that happens, take it day by day.
- You need to know your why.
Why are you going vegan in the first place? What triggered the change and how are you going to go about it? If you don’t know the reason why you are changing, you will soon find yourself back where you started. I have seen that happen to way too many people to think you could be an exception.
Take some time to journal all the reasons why you care about non-human animals and why you want to change.
- Find a community, online or in real life.
It is crucial that you find a community of people who will support you on your journey. I always say that you don’t necessarily need vegan friends as much as just need kind individuals who will hold your hand as you navigate this new path.
Having a shoulder to cry on and a hand to hold, makes everything a bit easier.
If you remember these three things, your vegan journey will be much easier than mine was.
The most important thing, though, is that you are willing to change. Do you know how many people never make the step towards improving their lifestyle? Many. Too many.
Be proud of yourself for sticking to your values and making the move.
You got this.
Tanja
