Something that a lot of people may not know about me is that I'm a vegetarian. I've been one for almost 4 years now and as every year passes, I find I'm more and more passionate about it. When I was younger, I'd always said that I could be a vegetarian if it weren't for chicken, I loved animals too much to eat them (except for chickens. They don't count). Then, New Years Eve 2005 rolls around and I need a resolution. Why not become a vegetarian? Let's see how many days Jackie can live this out...
Well, aside from giving into temptation once (with chicken, tasty bugger) and an unfortunate not-knowing-what-this-glop-is event at Thanksgiving, I've successfully abstained from eating meat -- including poultry and seafood-- for almost 4 years.
As the time passes, it gets easier and easier, there isn't anything that tempts me anymore and most of the time I forget that meat even exists. Living without meat has really influenced my life for the better. I eat healthier than I did before AND I start to agree with PETA on some things...some things (they're definitely extreme on a lot of issues). I've definitely become more sensitive (but also, more tough) when it comes to animal cruelty. Whenever a commercial comes on that talks about adopting animals or they're gonna die, I have to change the channel because it really upsets me that I can't adopt all of the homeless animals in the world. I guess that's just something that comes with the lifestyle.
Though I am a vegetarian, I don't do too much to endorse it because, more than anything, I believe in a person having the right to choose what they want to do with their lives. Whether someone's a diehard meat fan or a lacto-vegetarian (like me!), I don't press the issue, we are who we are:). However, the only time I really ever did do any kind of writing on vegetarianism was when I wrote my application essay for OSU on the benefits of being a vegetarian. I got into OSU, so I guess it was a pretty good essay!
If anybody wants to know more or has any questions, I'd be more than happy to answer them:)
P.S. I have another song rec.
"Harder Than You Know" by Escape the Fate
I think that's really awesome that you're a vegetarian! I've always felt like I should be one, but I've never had the willpower to give up meat completely. And I really respect that you're not one of those people who picks fights with people that aren't vegetarians. I think that shows that you do it for you, and that's awesome.
ReplyDeleteI dont think I'd be able to give up meat, I like the Wendy's baconator too much, lol. But I like how you respect people's right to choose their own diet. not very many of the other vegetarian's i've met are the same way.
ReplyDeleteI agree that PETA can be abit extreme! Although I do donate to the GREAT cause quite often (I am a member), I dont always agree with theyre actions. I too love aniamls, and it truly hurts my heart to hear about hurt, abused, and neglected animals. I laughed when I read "it really upsets me that I can't adopt all of the homeless animals in the world", It is funny in a sense that everytime those commercials come on t.v my husbands says "Oh god, here we go...No Jen, we can't send them more money and were not adopting ANOTHER dog!!!" The thing about animals is that they dont have a voice of their own; so they need humans to stand up for them, as they do for us in our time of need. I am a semi-vegetarian, so I do eat sea food but no eggs, milk (im lactose intolerant) or any other meat. I don't believe everyone needs to go around endorsing this either, the main thing is you are doing YOUR part to give animals a good life (literally).
ReplyDeleteKudos
That's really great that you're a vegetarian! Personally, I don't really like a whole lot of meat so I often find myself choosing vegetarian dishes. Vegetarianism is such a healthy lifestlye choice, and congratulations on only giving in twice! I feel like personally I would have had to give into chicken noodle soup at least once within four years :)
ReplyDeleteI am I huge advocate for animal rights, and I admire vegetarians big time. I did an extensive persuasive report on animal rights so I know the kinds of torture that animals endure so we can consume some processed meat.
ReplyDeleteI like your stand point that you don't pressure people to be vegetarians, that they can make their own decisions. I think you made the right one, though ;)
Cameron- Becoming a vegetarian is probably more of a mental struggle than it is a physical one and if your min thinks it can do it, the willpower will come! haha
ReplyDeleteAnd thank you, I really hate it when people try to push their beliefs onto others, so I try not to be "that person."
Colton- I definitely understand! Some fast food is really hard to give up, especially if it's so good! haha
Jen- You're a member of PETA? That's awesome! Even though they are a bit radical, the message they send out is what I'm a fan of. Protecting animals is something not a lot of people do and I'm glad to see that you're one that does:) How many dogs do you have? Too many is never a bad thing!
Rebecca- Thank you! I agree, vegetarianism is definitely a health booster. Not to mention once I gave up meat, I felt myself gravitate towards healthier things instead of the greasy fried stuff. I actually didn't even like lettuce or salads until a few days before I went veggie, and now I can't get enough of it:)
Zach- That's amazing that you wrote a report on that! I think that a lot of people out there don't really realize how animals are killed in order become the #4 at some fast foo restaurant. Did you talk about KFC at all? I've seen some videos of what they do and I almost started crying. It's absolutely horrible.
And thank you! I think I made the right one too!
A vegetarian is something to be proud about! I will admit it would be difficult for me to live this life because my family is far from the idea of being a vegetarian. I believe it is great to do something good like this path that you chose. It shows how much you care for the living things on earth and your appreciation for animals. Keep up with your passion!
ReplyDeleteAnhThu- Being a vegetarian is definitely an independent thing! When your family makes dinner at night, those are the hard things to avoid and the times when self-control comes in handy.
ReplyDeleteAnd thank you very much:)