Commitment and Me, or How Important is it to stay focused?

Hey All,
P_M back after what feels like a long struggle with commitment, namely my commitment to Animal Rights, and in part to my status as a proud, and joyful vegan. ( the vegan part never faltered, the "proud and joyful" part got side tracked).

At the tail end of this struggle, I'm still trying to figure out the logistics of how to focus on activism and veganism and not block out other interests, or to let my other interests stop me from being the best activist I can be, but here's what i've learned so far.


There has to be a balance.

veganism encompasses so many parts of who I want to be, that I sometimes obsess over it and while making Animal Rights the center of my world felt good for a bit, it also made me resent the podcasts and chat rooms i'd loved before. After a while, it was like that fifth container of Toffuti soy ice cream, too much of a great thing.
Likewise, not having enough animal rights in my life made me feel like I was losing a part myself.

I dont know what balance will mean for you but figure it out and keep it in mind. It'll keep you from burning out and ward off friends who try to say that you're a fanatic or a zealot.

Its important to stay focused, but if you drive yourself to distraction trying to be all vegan or activist and dont leave room for every other part of who you are, you wont be focused you'll be insane.

yours as long wanted and allowed,
Plant_Murderer

How Do I Stay Committed?

How do I keep the fire burning in me, etc? It's too hard, I'm all alone...

If the above has ever entered your subconscious, then rest assured you are not alone. If say you are the only one in your household/family having a vegan lifestyle, or worse, if people are questioning its very core, hold tight. Everything will be alright.

There are forums out there for support, be they the online kind, or you can find resources in your local market, or library: there usually are postings that lead to them.

And always at the core, is to alleviate suffering, leave a smaller "energy footprint" behind, for the earth's conservation. Don't believe that by just being one person you cannot make a difference. Every step counts. Remember that. You CAN make a difference.