It would be impossible to live a life that is completely guilt-free even if we did not suffer from chronic pain, but it is entirely possible and essential to practice developing an awareness to our thoughts and internal dialogue if we wish to thrive instead of just survive.

You aren’t alone in your suffering of depression. According to healthline.com 350 million people suffer from depression worldwide. Oftentimes it can feel very isolating but in reality, much of the mainstream lifestyle is unhealthy, unnatural, and overwhelmingly hectic. There are people who have depression but can still remain productive and live a normal lifestyle. But for those who can’t, remember that there are an increasing amount of places you can go for support. You need only ask. Seeking help for depression is an act of strength, not weakness.

I just received my renewed Vegan Society membership card and the tagline on their letterhead is “Vegan for the animals” and although this may be half true, it annoys me a little because no one ever solely goes vegan just for the animals. The majority of vegans found this lifestyle because of a health problem or they were looking for another avenue for weight loss.

It went from just a diet change to a whole lifestyle makeover. It didn't happen overnight though, as hard (and disastrously) as I tried. I drowned in the idea that my diet and lifestyle choices had such a big impact on not just my own health, and wellbeing, but on the state of our planet, the animals that get butchered, as well as the ill treated workers in the livestock industry.