Embrace who you are, especially your kindness

 

Delicate and bold, we dared to care

 

Have you always seemed more sensitive than average?

 

Maybe that's not the word you would normally use to describe yourself. I myself have wanted to escape that word, when it felt like a put-down or an assumption that I was weak.

 

But if you are sensitive to your own and others' feelings, sensitive to your environment, or sensitive on many levels, then it's likely you do struggle with some everyday life things, from simply having so much to hold inside...

Meanwhile, you may feel a deep connection with the struggles of others. Your sensitivity probably affects not just how you feel towards other humans, but a sense of responsibility towards people of other species, too.

 

Perhaps you've been told...

 

“Why do you have to be so sensitive?”

“They’re just animals.”

 

Sensitivity can make us feel like we're an inconvenience. Have you often felt as if you're too slow or too fast, are too picky or have too many interests, or are overemotional or that you constantly overthink?

 

Being sensitive can help us recognize the sensitivity of other beings. You may have longed to live this truth of our interconnectedness with animals. However, there can be also obstacles when you're sensitive.

 

If you already feel like you're "too much"... probably the last thing you want to do is give people one more reason to think that you're sentimental, naive, or weird.

 

The world is overwhelming enough. If you already carry a broken heart... somehow, it just never feels like the right time to really take in the sorrow of how humans treat animals.

 

And what if you struggle with poverty, health challenges, or staying on top of your life while taking care of family? Trying to quit animal products and organize a plant-based lifestyle can seem like it would add complication.

 

Another common problem is just figuring out how to feel emotionally safe - and connected with others - when learning about and practicing veganism.

 

Many people start out feeling excited and passionate about helping animals, but end up feeling burned out. They may burn out on all the sadness, conflicts or misunderstandings with vegans and non-vegans alike, and all of the worry about doing veganism perfectly. This can make it very tempting to just forget about veganism, as if it had all been just a strange and uncomfortable dream, and go back to living your old life where you fit in with the crowd more and didn't have to live with the constant painful awareness.

 

If you're reading this site, though, you're probably not one to back down from these challenges.

 

You're allowed to explore veganism at a pace that's right for you.

 

You're allowed to be an imperfect ally to animals, who tries and learns.

 

You're allowed to be yourself, to make mistakes and be misunderstood sometimes.

 

And I hope that this site can encourage you to practice compassionate thinking and action towards other animals, humans, and yourself - but in ways that work for you and your nervous system, making it feel safe and sustainable.

 

Caring about other animals and the world doesn't have to end in emotional burnout - together we can grow more resilient to these challenges, and yield richer, more meaningful lives because of how much we feel.

 

So if you’ve ever been told things like, “Stop being so sensitive” and “They’re just animals"...

 

I dare you to be sensitive. To explore your unique sensitivity and to hone it. The depth of what you feel is a beautiful gift.

 

Animals are strong and beautiful with us. Let's improve the way we think, feel, and act towards them, while being more loving with ourselves at the same time.

 

If that sounds exciting to you, then feel free to read more on this website.

 

Reach Me Anytime!