The weekend found me once again launching into an explanation that felt more like a defense of my veganism. Dinner with new people, fully entrenched in an all out meat eating frenzy and disparaging a vegetarian wedding reception ("no offense") seems to lend itself to these conversations. I feel like I have the spiel down quite well, but as I feel the words coming out, I wonder -- do I really need to justify or explain to anyone? But I do answer the questions, because apparently it is not enough to politely turn down a slice of cheese pizza with a "No thank you" or eat a bowl of veggies sans the meat, butter covering or cheese topping. Apparently, not eating meat is in and of itself offensive to some and requires justification to them.
And yet, despite that, today a friend commented to me that she's never quite seen me this happy. Yes, as I was explaining my new recipe experiment from Veganomicon
for "Chickpea Cutlets" I received this comment--no, compliment. Such a welcome contradiction to the weekend... and who knew Chickpea Cutlets would not only be amazingly awesome, but the propellant shining my happiness outward. The truth is that I feel so much better physically that it has improved my mental health, my stress and my outlook. Am I still leery that the other proverbial shoe may fall on my head at any time? Of course, but as time goes on, and instead of a decline back into feeling like crap, I continue to feel better and enjoy my energy... going on two months now! And, after almost 3 years of fighting my body, I don't feel like I'm fighting anymore--well, not fighting myself; ignorance and intolerance are another thing entirely.
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