Life has been so busy lately that I haven't had much time to reflect on all that has been going on, nurture my dreams, or give myself to the causes that matter most to me. Like you, I feel each day passes more quickly than the one before and I am robbed of the opportunity to work for positive change. As much as I love to write I find it difficult to carve out the time necessary to do so. Between working, running a household, and squeezing in my daily quiet time and workout there isn't time to do much else. Every now and then I find it necessary to permit myself to simply exist instead of pushing myself to do more.
But all is not lost. Even though we may feel stretched beyond our limits we can do more simply by living according to our convictions. For instance, although I might not have the time or resources to more fully participate in the vegan causes near and dear to my heart I can donate money and at least eat and live to promote a more compassionate and healthy lifestyle. On those days when I cannot find the time to exercise I can at least eat nutritiously. Though I cannot change the government's stance on climate change or the animal abuse and pollution rampant in factory farming I can do my part to effect positive change by sharing with others what I am learning about the impact of factory farming on our environment and by choosing to leave meat off my plate.
"Be the change you want to see" has become a motto to live by for many of us. Actions truly do speak louder than words, and how we choose to live has the power to change the world, for better or for worse.
The choice to abstain from eating animals has not won me any popularity contests. On the other hand it has caused animosity between me and members of my own family and some of my closest friends. My desire that they experience better health and greater happiness will never be enough to persuade them to trade in barbecue and fried chicken for broccoli and chickpeas, but I hope the positive changes they see in me as I continue this journey will eventually cause them to wonder if perhaps I am onto something.
The feeling that there is truly so little we can do in a world that is so wrong can be overwhelming at times. But it needn't be if we will simply remember to "be the change we want to see."
Copyright 2017 by Dee Dee Wike and Joy Wike. All rights reserved. www.feelingveggiegood.com
Showing posts with label activism. Show all posts
Showing posts with label activism. Show all posts
Thursday, June 22, 2017
Sunday, November 27, 2016
Don't Judge Me
"Don't judge me." Those are words that reverberate in my mind quite often, both as a reminder to not judge others and a desire to not be judged.
Everybody justs wants to be understood. We want our motives to be clear and our message to be communicated in such a way that we don't offend or hurt others. Or maybe we do hope to hit a nerve, thinking that person will get mad enough to do something about whatever it is that offends them.
I have many friends and family who simply don't get my decision to go vegan. No doubt they view my posts and my activism as a threat or condemnation for their decision not to change lifelong habits or to embrace change. I get that. But nothing could be further from the truth. I'll be the first to admit that change can be difficult, but often that which we fear is the best thing we can do for ourselves.
My decision to go vegan stems from the realization that I can do better for my health, the welfare of animals, and the environment. My motivation for sharing the things I do is quite simply that I was in the dark for most of my life, unaware of my contribution to the abuse of animals, damage to the environment, and deterioration of my physical health, all because of my dietary choices. I am a firm believer in the transforming power of truth and knowledge and I want to share the things that make life better for me with those I love. I don't know of a single human being who wants to contribute to suffering or who wants to withhold something that could enrich and benefit the life of another.
Whether you are vegan or not you have at least one thing in your life that tugs at your heartstrings -- a passion that drives what you say, think, and do. It may be your faith or your grandchildren or your hobby. For others, it may be a cause that drives you to act on behalf of another living being, whether an unborn child, an abused animal, or a needy child in another country. Veganism just happens to be my passion.
Don't judge me for wanting something better for myself, the animals, and the planet. Don't judge my motive for sharing the knowledge I have acquired and the positive changes I have experienced as a result of this lifestyle change. My purpose is not to offend or condemn anyone, but rather to share a message of non-violence, encourage greater compassion, and provide information which will result in better health for those I love.
Because I care,
Dee Dee
Copyright 2016 by Dee Dee Wike and Joy Wike. All rights reserved. www.feelingveggiegood.com
Everybody justs wants to be understood. We want our motives to be clear and our message to be communicated in such a way that we don't offend or hurt others. Or maybe we do hope to hit a nerve, thinking that person will get mad enough to do something about whatever it is that offends them.
I have many friends and family who simply don't get my decision to go vegan. No doubt they view my posts and my activism as a threat or condemnation for their decision not to change lifelong habits or to embrace change. I get that. But nothing could be further from the truth. I'll be the first to admit that change can be difficult, but often that which we fear is the best thing we can do for ourselves.
My decision to go vegan stems from the realization that I can do better for my health, the welfare of animals, and the environment. My motivation for sharing the things I do is quite simply that I was in the dark for most of my life, unaware of my contribution to the abuse of animals, damage to the environment, and deterioration of my physical health, all because of my dietary choices. I am a firm believer in the transforming power of truth and knowledge and I want to share the things that make life better for me with those I love. I don't know of a single human being who wants to contribute to suffering or who wants to withhold something that could enrich and benefit the life of another.
Whether you are vegan or not you have at least one thing in your life that tugs at your heartstrings -- a passion that drives what you say, think, and do. It may be your faith or your grandchildren or your hobby. For others, it may be a cause that drives you to act on behalf of another living being, whether an unborn child, an abused animal, or a needy child in another country. Veganism just happens to be my passion.
Don't judge me for wanting something better for myself, the animals, and the planet. Don't judge my motive for sharing the knowledge I have acquired and the positive changes I have experienced as a result of this lifestyle change. My purpose is not to offend or condemn anyone, but rather to share a message of non-violence, encourage greater compassion, and provide information which will result in better health for those I love.
Because I care,
Dee Dee
Copyright 2016 by Dee Dee Wike and Joy Wike. All rights reserved. www.feelingveggiegood.com
Thursday, November 24, 2016
My First Vegan Thanksgiving (Making the Connection)
This year I am celebrating my first Thanksgiving as a vegan. Today, as in years past, I will gather with family to visit and celebrate our blessings. There will be turkey on the menu but not on my plate. Instead I will be taking a meatless version of the classic turkey and dressing to share with the curious in my family, as well as vegan green beans, sweet potato casserole, and chocolate cake. Being vegan will not hinder my enjoyment of the traditional Thanksgiving feast. On the contrary, for the first time ever I will enjoy my dinner knowing that no animals were harmed in the making of my meal and that the food on my plate is not only delicious but actually good for me.
As I count my blessings this year I am perhaps most thankful for "making the connection." I am thankful for the documentaries my daughter shared with me that opened my eyes to the horrific animal abuse, environmental destruction, and health issues resulting from factory farming and animal agriculture.
Making the connection between the meat on our plate and the animals -- sentient, intelligent creatures who feel pain and desire to live free, just as we do -- is what separates vegans from non-vegans. Most people claim to love animals, however very few understand that abusing and slaughtering farmed animals for meat is just as unethical as torturing and eating their beloved pet cat. They would never tolerate animal abuse when it comes to their pets, yet they fail to understand that animals raised for meat are as capable of feeling pain and fear as their dear Fluffy or Fido.
Making the connection is necessary not only to fully understand the benefits of a vegan lifestyle -- better health, a cleaner environment, and a greater compassion toward all God's creatures -- but to remain motivated and committed when others around us criticize or fail to understand our choice to leave meat off our plate.
More than anything I desire to be a vegan who can help others make the connection by demonstrating with my own life a greater compassion toward ALL creatures -- human and non-human -- and by sharing my experience with grace and patience, knowing that not everyone sees things the way I do or reaches that connecting point the same way. I want to be an activist who leads assertively but gently, without criticizing or browbeating others. Never do I want my love for animals and my conviction that we can survive and fare better without consuming them to overshadow my love and compassion for humanity.
I realize that the message of veganism, much like the message of Christianity, will be offensive to those not ready to receive it. But just as I am committed to living my life as a witness to all Christ has done for me, I will purpose to show my fellow man that veganism is a compassionate lifestyle with many benefits and that animal cruelty and abuse and the resulting destruction to our health and environment were never God's design.
I am thankful for so many things this year -- improved health, a heightened awareness of our world and those who inhabit it, and a greater sense of compassion toward all living creatures -- human and non-human alike. I am thankful for those who read our blog and share our passion. But even more, I am grateful for the opportunity to make a difference by helping others make the connection.
Wishing you a happy and healthy Thanksgiving,
Dee Dee
Copyright 2016 by Dee Dee Wike and Joy Wike. All rights reserved. www.feelingveggiegood.com
As I count my blessings this year I am perhaps most thankful for "making the connection." I am thankful for the documentaries my daughter shared with me that opened my eyes to the horrific animal abuse, environmental destruction, and health issues resulting from factory farming and animal agriculture.
Making the connection between the meat on our plate and the animals -- sentient, intelligent creatures who feel pain and desire to live free, just as we do -- is what separates vegans from non-vegans. Most people claim to love animals, however very few understand that abusing and slaughtering farmed animals for meat is just as unethical as torturing and eating their beloved pet cat. They would never tolerate animal abuse when it comes to their pets, yet they fail to understand that animals raised for meat are as capable of feeling pain and fear as their dear Fluffy or Fido.
Making the connection is necessary not only to fully understand the benefits of a vegan lifestyle -- better health, a cleaner environment, and a greater compassion toward all God's creatures -- but to remain motivated and committed when others around us criticize or fail to understand our choice to leave meat off our plate.
More than anything I desire to be a vegan who can help others make the connection by demonstrating with my own life a greater compassion toward ALL creatures -- human and non-human -- and by sharing my experience with grace and patience, knowing that not everyone sees things the way I do or reaches that connecting point the same way. I want to be an activist who leads assertively but gently, without criticizing or browbeating others. Never do I want my love for animals and my conviction that we can survive and fare better without consuming them to overshadow my love and compassion for humanity.
I realize that the message of veganism, much like the message of Christianity, will be offensive to those not ready to receive it. But just as I am committed to living my life as a witness to all Christ has done for me, I will purpose to show my fellow man that veganism is a compassionate lifestyle with many benefits and that animal cruelty and abuse and the resulting destruction to our health and environment were never God's design.
I am thankful for so many things this year -- improved health, a heightened awareness of our world and those who inhabit it, and a greater sense of compassion toward all living creatures -- human and non-human alike. I am thankful for those who read our blog and share our passion. But even more, I am grateful for the opportunity to make a difference by helping others make the connection.
Wishing you a happy and healthy Thanksgiving,
Dee Dee
Copyright 2016 by Dee Dee Wike and Joy Wike. All rights reserved. www.feelingveggiegood.com
Saturday, November 12, 2016
The Ripple Effect
Everyday we have a chance to make a difference. By following our dreams, using our gifts and abilities to fulfill our purpose, and taking a stand for the things we believe in, we are able to effect change even if the odds are stacked against us. We don't give up because we think we can't make a difference; rather we press on because we must make a difference. Our world needs more difference makers!
As a new vegan it is interesting to see how my choice to stop consuming animal products has impacted others. I know that there are few, if any, people who have embraced the vegan lifestyle simply because of the information Joy and I have shared, or because we have chosen to live differently than most of the people we know. Yet I am convinced that we are making a difference in small ways.
Early in our journey, just a few months back, we ran into a fellow vegan at Kroger. I was wearing a vegan t-shirt that caught her eye and started a conversation. That conversation led to her telling us about a vigil the next day, which we attended even though she could not. It was the beginning of a friendship that has resulted in mutual encouragement and in expanding our knowledge of the Save Movement, vegan groups in our area, and opportunities to take a stand against cruelty and injustice to animals. The ripple effect from that random encounter has been profound.
I have received gifts from friends who have shopped for cruelty free alternatives because they know of my choice to buy products not tested on animals. A good friend brought us a vegan meal the night we volunteered to serve at a dinner where she knew non-vegan food would be served, all because of the ripple effect of our choice to go vegan.
My point in saying this is to encourage those who have chosen this lifestyle to press on in the face of opposition and stay true to your beliefs and convictions.
Even if you are not vegan or fighting for animal rights, there is surely some area of life where you want to see change and make a difference. You may be working for the pro-life movement or to stop sex trafficking. Perhaps you are concerned about racial discrimination, environmental issues, or eradicating world hunger. Whatever your passion is, dare to make a difference. Commit yourself to the pursuit of peace and a better world. No matter how the odds are stacked against you or how little impact you feel you can have, trust in the ripple effect and know that you are making a difference!
Making ripples,
Dee Dee
Copyright 2016 by Dee Dee Wike and Joy Wike. All rights reserved. www.feelingveggiegood.com
As a new vegan it is interesting to see how my choice to stop consuming animal products has impacted others. I know that there are few, if any, people who have embraced the vegan lifestyle simply because of the information Joy and I have shared, or because we have chosen to live differently than most of the people we know. Yet I am convinced that we are making a difference in small ways.
Early in our journey, just a few months back, we ran into a fellow vegan at Kroger. I was wearing a vegan t-shirt that caught her eye and started a conversation. That conversation led to her telling us about a vigil the next day, which we attended even though she could not. It was the beginning of a friendship that has resulted in mutual encouragement and in expanding our knowledge of the Save Movement, vegan groups in our area, and opportunities to take a stand against cruelty and injustice to animals. The ripple effect from that random encounter has been profound.
I have received gifts from friends who have shopped for cruelty free alternatives because they know of my choice to buy products not tested on animals. A good friend brought us a vegan meal the night we volunteered to serve at a dinner where she knew non-vegan food would be served, all because of the ripple effect of our choice to go vegan.
My point in saying this is to encourage those who have chosen this lifestyle to press on in the face of opposition and stay true to your beliefs and convictions.
Even if you are not vegan or fighting for animal rights, there is surely some area of life where you want to see change and make a difference. You may be working for the pro-life movement or to stop sex trafficking. Perhaps you are concerned about racial discrimination, environmental issues, or eradicating world hunger. Whatever your passion is, dare to make a difference. Commit yourself to the pursuit of peace and a better world. No matter how the odds are stacked against you or how little impact you feel you can have, trust in the ripple effect and know that you are making a difference!
"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things" (Philippians 4:8, NIV).If ever there was a time to be a peaceful activist, it is now. Stand up for your beliefs and fight for what is right and good. Let your small acts of kindness and compassion start the ripple effect of change for a better world.
Making ripples,
Dee Dee
Copyright 2016 by Dee Dee Wike and Joy Wike. All rights reserved. www.feelingveggiegood.com
Monday, August 15, 2016
So, What's Next?
Nearly four and a half months ago Joy and I decided to adopt a vegetarian lifestyle, eating no meat and changing many of the products we use, such as household cleaners and cosmetics, to ones not tested on animals. In mid-May, after watching a few eye-opening documentaries, we started the 30-Day Vegan Challenge. Even before completing the challenge we decided to make veganism our choice for life. On July 31, 2016, we became activists, attending Smithfield Pig Save, our first peaceful protest against the slaughter of animals for food.
So, what's next for us in this new vegan adventure? What is our vision...our passion... as we continue this journey?
For starters, we want to raise awareness of the health benefits of a whole food, plant-dased diet, and continue our fight against rampant and unnecessary animal abuse and cruelty. We want to educate others concerning the harmful environmental effects of factory farming. We want those we know and love to see that there is a more peaceful and compassionate way of feeding our families -- a plant-based way of living that will not only improve our health but also preserve the environment for generations to come. And we want to see animals saved from the atrocities committed against them by those of our own species.
What are our plans for accomplishing these goals? They are simple, really:
Copyright 2016 by Dee Dee Wike and Joy Wike. All rights reserved. www.feelingveggiegood.com
So, what's next for us in this new vegan adventure? What is our vision...our passion... as we continue this journey?
For starters, we want to raise awareness of the health benefits of a whole food, plant-dased diet, and continue our fight against rampant and unnecessary animal abuse and cruelty. We want to educate others concerning the harmful environmental effects of factory farming. We want those we know and love to see that there is a more peaceful and compassionate way of feeding our families -- a plant-based way of living that will not only improve our health but also preserve the environment for generations to come. And we want to see animals saved from the atrocities committed against them by those of our own species.
What are our plans for accomplishing these goals? They are simple, really:
- Continue educating ourselves so we can put together educational programs to share with others
- Volunteer and align ourselves with organizations and individuals who desire to do the same
- Attend vegan festivals and advocate for animal rights every chance we get
- Continue sharing our journey with friends, loved ones, and folks we've yet to meet, both through our website and in presentations to groups that have an interest in learning more about what it means to be vegan
Would you help us by praying for open doors and by letting others know about our mission and our website? If you know of a group that might be interested in hearing about the health and environmental benefits of a vegan lifestyle, would you please tell them about us?
We're not asking for money. We aren't selling products. But we are seeing great benefits of this lifestyle change -- not just for us, but for our planet and the creatures who share it with us. We believe strongly enough in its benefits that we want to share them with others.
Be an agent of change by joining us on this journey. If you have questions, or if we can encourage you in any way, please email us at feelingveggiegood@gmail.com.
For life...for the animals...for a better world!
Dee Dee and Joy
Copyright 2016 by Dee Dee Wike and Joy Wike. All rights reserved. www.feelingveggiegood.com
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