The Power of Influence

Influence.  It is a daunting task and a heavy responsibility that we each need to embrace.  Whether that means being a person of integrity in a world that disregards everything honorable, or choosing to live according to our convictions despite ridicule and discouragement from others, our lives can positively influence those around us if we are courageous enough to embrace the challenge.

It has been two short years since we made the decision to embrace a vegan lifestyle.  The initial zeal and passion which prompted us to launch our blog and actively participate in vigils with a local Save Movement organization has given way to other pursuits, yet we remain committed to living a lifestyle of peace and compassion with every bite we take, every product we purchase, and every garment we put on our bodies.  We have become more aware of environmental issues and the impact of our choices on the planet we call home.  We have successfully raised awareness of the abuse and cruelty suffered by animals through factory farming  and experienced for ourselves greatly improved health and vigor as a result of a dietary shift to plant-based foods.  Family and friends have shown increased interest in plant-based eating and made efforts to accommodate our lifestyle choice by making vegan food available at gatherings.

To be on the leading edge of a movement that is taking hold and producing positive change worldwide is a thrill!  To sit down and eat a meal without fear of food-borne illnesses, and with the joy of knowing that no animal suffered so that we could eat, gives us great joy! We are ecstatic every time we discover new vegan products on store shelves or vegan menu options in restaurants!

Want to get in on this exciting adventure and make a BIG difference that will have a significant influence on the world and those around you?  Try a whole-food plant-based diet, buy cruelty-free products, and shop with reusable bags.  Collectively our small efforts will accomplish GREAT things and make our world a healthier and happier place to live!

Cheers!

Dee Dee and Joy



Copyright 2018 by Dee Dee Wike and Joy Wike. All rights reserved. www.feelingveggiegood.com

Do You Really Want That Piece of Cake?

Recently I attended a church dinner with my husband.  Church dinners are not typically vegan-friendly affairs so I ate dinner before I went.  Passing up a plate of pork loin and mashed potatoes was not a big deal for me. I had only to consider the faces of some animal friends to be okay with my choice to abstain from the main course.  However, the homemade rolls and apple cake were very tempting, as was the desire to break bread with friends. The rolls were certainly meatless and possibly even made without eggs or milk, as bread often is, though I couldn't know for sure. But I knew the cake was a big no-no because it was surely made with milk, eggs, and butter.  I must confess, in a moment of weakness I caved -- to the curious glances and questions of my fellow dinner partners, and the justification to myself that as a former vegetarian I wouldn't hesitate to turn down that piece of cake. 

Don't judge me.  I've already judged myself.  And my body certainly didn't let me off easy! After nearly 22 months of abstaining from all animal products -- including dairy and eggs -- the cake, as delicious as it was and as badly as I thought I wanted it, nearly made me sick to my stomach.  Live and learn -- or better said, learn and live.

Last night as I sat down to a completely vegan, cruelty-free meal, I once more savored not only the taste of something really delicious and nourishing but also the feeling of complete satisfaction -- not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually as well.

Temptation comes in many forms, but from now on my choice will be the apple rather than the apple cake!




Copyright 2018 by Dee Dee Wike and Joy Wike. All rights reserved. www.feelingveggiegood.com