My First Vegan Anniversary

This day (January 21st, 2025) marks my first vegan anniversary, and I couldn’t be more happy about it.

It hasn’t been easy, especially socially dealing with questions and causing problems to others due to my food decisions, but all have been beyond worthwhile.

Why this date?

Making this change was going through my mind long before this specific date. I considered it a long way before that day. I couldn’t bear any of my contradictory outlook on life, as I was a firm advocate against climate change and I continued to support one of the most cruel and polluting industries that there is (the farming industry). These questions came to my awareness as I watched some graphic and shocking documentaries that showed what happened to animals, the environment, and the planet itself, as well as the health consequences most people suffer from eating animal products. I didn’t want to keep on participating in this anymore.

So, I took the chance that I was going to spend a month alone taking care of my sister’s cats while she was on holiday. I knew that was the right moment to do it. Besides, it was Veganuary, so what better time than that to make such a significant change in my life?

What is Veganuary?

It is an annual challenge run by a UK nonprofit organization (by the same name) that promotes and educates about veganism and encourages people to follow a vegan lifestyle for January.

Spiritual aspect

Even though I’m catholic (that’s how I was raised) I do not consider myself particularly religious. Yet I believe in God as a force that keeps me company and supports me every day, as well as every living being on this planet, solar system, Universe, etc.

I felt that it wasn’t a moral or ethical thing to keep on participating in the suffering of animals for my pleasure anymore (this involves using animals for food, entertainment, clothes, research, laboratory testing, etc.).

Also from a spiritual point of view, I try as much as I can to reduce the negative effects my actions have on others, as well as my surroundings, reducing my karma, and having a better “spiritual footprint”.

What has helped me throughout this year?

Music (metal and my newfound love: hardcore, especially vegan hardcore), documentaries, testimonies (celebrities and people that I admire as well as regular people too), and the fact that I’ve always loved to cook and express my creative side on the kitchen, has helped me to create new and delicious recipes.

What’s my advice to you?

Although January is almost over, I encourage you to give this challenge a try.

If you think a whole month it’s too much, maybe do it for a week, or do Vegan Mondays or Vegan Weekends, or whatever combination you like.

It’s never too late to try it, the animals, the planet, and your health will thank you in the long run. Just go for it.

You can do this and so much more, I’ll be rooting for you!