Truth be told, I have not been 100% vegan since Saturday night.  I’ve slipped a couple of times, more out of habit than intention.

And that is because this is a regular cruise with EVERYTHING at my disposal.  And habits do die hard.  It’s actually been little things that have slipped by unnoticed: cow’s milk in my cabin coffee, butter with my breakfast roll, salmon at dinner when I needed a peaceful meal and a vegan choice was unavailable, and last night I had a Kahlua and cream at the dance party without even thinking (I only drank half of it). 

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After three days of presentations, my brain is on overload.  I have learned so much and am convinced that veganism IS the healthiest way to eat.  I have especially appreciated being exposed to the clear results of MANY studies showing how eating animal products is not condusive to my health.  And I can see how making the change doesn’t HAVE to be hard, especially since I live alone.  I do see some challenges when eating out, but adjusting and learning are part of a meaningful life. 

I care deeply about the environment.  I do everything I can to limit my footprint on our planet.   Learning how much of our resources are used for food animals and their feed, and how they are so cruelly treated in the process, was both shocking and heart breaking.  I personally don’t want to continue abusing our planet and animals. 

I will admit that the first morning Joe is with me, I will miss his delicious egg and chorizo burrito for breakfast.  But I can make my own veggie burrito.  And I’m very grateful his signature salsa is vegan!

And our ubiquitous Mexican dinners out?  Just hold the cheese, please!  I can do that.  I eat mostly vegetarian anyway so there are only a few tweaks needed.  I think staying CONSCIOUS when making food choices will be a bigger challenge than the reality of eating vegan. 

I certainly do not expect to go home on Sunday and become  the perfect vegan.  When Dennis and I returned from Hippocrates, we cleaned out EVERYTHING that was animal based (some of our friends made out great!). At this point in my life, I choose to be gentle with myself and take one meal at a time.  And WHEN I screw up, I will forgive myself and start again. 

Left foot, right foot ….

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