[Daniel] Being Vegan - Week 1

I've completed my first week as a (mostly) vegan. I've gotten rid of most everything that wasn't already vegan, save for a leather belt and a box of honey tea, both of which I will be getting rid of soon. I made one major mistake (used a milk/honey handsoap for three days without realizing it). Outside of that, I've got everything else under control.



It didn't take much. I'm donating a pair of leather shoes (maybe trash as they're pretty old), getting rid of a couple ties (no more silk), a silk shirt, a pair of sandals, a bag of shredded mozzarella cheese and a package of ice cream. Nothing too major.



It's going better than I thought. I haven't had any cravings for dairy since I stopped, amazingly. Me, Mr. Cheese-A-Lot from Wisconsin, not wanting cheese. (Shakes head)



I can already imagine what some people would think of this. Getting rid of stuff that I've used before, that I paid GOOD MONEY for, for some thing that doesn't "benefit me directly". I don't agree with that position. I'm actually getting a lot out of this, even if it does mean spending extra money. For one, huge health benefits. I'll post an article in a bit which details them a little. Two, peace of mind. Every time I think about using leather or eating cheese, I think about what it would be like if I were forcing Bear in those situations (being skinned alive or, and I don't know how, trapped in a little stall being pumped for milk without rest). Seeing how sad his eyes would be in those situations is enough to make me shudder. It's not like the animals involved are any less intelligent than him, just not as cute as he is.



Overall, I could claim I really feel better. I've slept better this week, I've had an easier time getting up in the morning and I feel kinda energized. Maybe it's just from doing lots of new stuff but it's refreshing. Let's go, week 2!