A little inspiration

While looking for photos to accompany my blog posts, I realized that there are a ton of websites to help new vegetarians.  I have no idea why I haven't tapped into this resource earlier.  It really shows me how many other people in the world have cut out meat and other animal products.  Here are a few inspiring quotes I found:

 

“I quit eating beef when I was about thirteen. I kind of phased everything out, so it took a few years actually. I do it because I really love animals.

 ~Carrie Underwood, Singer-songwriter, Vegetarian

To my mind, the life of a lamb is no less precious than that of a human being. I should be unwilling to take the life of a lamb for the sake of the human body.

~ Mahatma Gandhi, Indian social and spiritual leader, 1869 - 1948

Additionally, I discovered tips and fun ideas for socializing.  VegCooking writes, "If you’re going to be having a meal with family or friends who eat meat, discuss the menu ahead of time. Offer to make a vegetarian dish or two for everyone to try."  Why didn't I think of that when it was time for that jambalaya dinner?  Brilliant!  Many foods are vegetarian or vegan without even "trying."  I also found a website that lists all kinds of accidentally vegan foods. 

I see that each experiment may feel most difficult during week number three.  When I used to swim competitively, the 3rd lap of a 4-lap (100 yards) race was always the toughest.  The beginning is exciting; during second lap you still have energy, third lap is the hardest to maintain; and the fourth lap is a final burst of willpower.  I made most of my vegetarian slip-ups during the third week.  This is good to note for my upcoming experiments.  I now know that I should look for extra support and resources during the third week, in whatever form that make take.  Maybe one form of strength is knowing how to address our weaknesses.