Veganism || Why I'm Going Back

I'm a little hesitant to post this, just because of the stigma that goes along with this topic, so before I dive into things I just want to make a quick disclaimer.

I try my best have complete respect and understanding for the choices anyone makes. I would never push my beliefs on someone else, or make someone feel inadequate because of their choices. We all have to make the choices that we think are best suited for us, so before you make any decisions or judgements, please do your own research and form your own opinions.

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Now on to the post,

After a lot of thought (and maybe one too many documentaries), I've decided to at least attempt to make my return to veganism.

For years I've bounced back and forth between being a vegetarian, a vegan, and a full on lover of chicken nuggets. I even ventured into the Raw til 4 lifestyle for some time.

Usually my reasoning behind returning to eating meat is the convenience factor. I've never liked being the girl with the high maintenance order, or the one not eating anything at the family gathering, and sometimes those situations can feel unavoidable as a vegan.

These past two months have definitely been very strenuous for my body, both mentally and physically. From the stress of classes and living in a new environment, to being responsible for making all my own meals.

For the first time in my life I find myself struggling with acne.

My energy levels have been low, my skin is rebelling against me, and my emotions are all out of whack. So I've decided to listen to my body in the best way that I know how and go vegan for a trial period and see if any of these issues are relieved.

I'm not making any long term commitments just yet. I think it's important to listen to your body and really pay attention to what it needs. I'm starting with an achievable goal of being vegan for one month, after that I'll make assessments, and adjustments if necessary.

Although my return to veganism is motivated by my own health benefits, the more universal benefits are not lost to me.

♡Sustainability

♡Animal Welfare

♡Global Climate Change

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The list goes on. I can do a series of blog posts about the ethics of becoming vegan if there are requests to see things of that nature on Simple & Spice.

listen to your body, mind, and soul,

until next time.

x, kirst

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High School Advice || Things I Wish I Knew

High School SUCKED.

Okay, okay so it wasn't terrible... but there are definitely some things I wish I knew that may have improved my experience, if only marginally.

My last senior assignment was to write a letter to incoming Freshman with my advice, below is the condensed version.

This tips are nothing revolutionary, but these are the things I wish I knew earlier.

1.) Fill Your Time Up

At risk of sounding like a hover mom, people use their time best when it’s a limited resource. 

 Join clubs, do sports, get a job, find a hobby, it doesn’t really matter what you’re doing as long as you’re doing something. 

One of my biggest regrets from high school is how much time I had to burn.

I spent a lot of afternoons sitting bored in my room when I could have been making new friends, exploring new interests, or helping out the community.  

I know it can feel intimidating to walk into a club for the first time, or to try out for a sport you’ve never played before, why not use high school as a time to try out as many new things as possible.  

Explore as many outlets as you need to until you find your passion, and once you find what makes you happy don’t let it go.

2.) Take Care of Yourself

Friends may come and go, but you have to live with yourself forever, so do what makes you happy and worry about the rest later. 

 Try to spend as little time as possible worrying about gaining the approval of others, wear whatever clothes you want to wear, raise your hand in class if you have something you want to say, don’t be afraid to participate in gym even if you may not be the most athletic person out there.  If it makes you happy, there’s not a reason in the world not to be doing it.  

Happiness is a lot like those oxygen masks on airplanes, you have to help yourself before you help others.  Once you find the happiness within yourself, that happiness will radiate and project itself on to others.  

 Live your life for you and you’ll find yourself surrounded with like minded people.

3.) Be Present

It’s really easy to get lost in everything that is going on in your life and just end up passively moving through your day, without ever being truly aware of what’s going on all around you.  Try to live your life aware of every breath you breathe, of every step you take, of every interaction you have.  

I truly believe that there is beauty in every moment, and if you pay close enough attention, you can always find something to smile about. 

 One of my favorite quotes is,

 “No matter the amount of negativity you are presented with, 5 minutes from now could be the best moment of your life.” 

 Even if you can’t find positive in that instant, keep your heart open to all the good surrounding you and something positive will come your way, you just have to believe it will.

until next time.

x, kirst

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