Stand up. Be kind. Have grace.

Ever since I was a child I struggled with confrontation and disagreements.  I never wanted to "stir the pot" or cause someone to be angry with me.  I had a hard time with standing up for myself even if I felt confidently about the topic.  My journey with vegetarianism for over 15 years and transitioning vegan/plant-based has always been a topic I felt passionately about but kept inside.

For years I would step back, shut down, and let others "win" the nutrition conversation because I never felt like it mattered.  I was doing this for ME and never wanted others to feel like I was FORCING this on them.  The conversations came and went and although I would always share facts, it never seemed to matter.  My "views" were too radical because this is a "crunchy" way of living....

It has taken me many years to recognize that what I know is VALUABLE.  I have taken hours, weeks, months and years, investing in myself and my passion. I have educated myself through late night research, classes, and soon I will be certified in plant-based nutrition.  It is to the benefit of nobody to keep this to myself....EVEN if it means people disagreeing with me. {Which is bound to happen...obviously}

Although not everyone believes that the plant-based lifestyle is the right way to live,  I will continue to stand behind the "diet" that has given me nutrition satisfaction, health, and energy to live my life.

I will not persuade you to believe what I believe. I will not tell you you are wrong. Because after all, your life is your life and I'm not here to tell you how to live it. But I WILL do my job {with kindness & grace} and share all that I am learning in the chance that there is someone out there who needs to hear it. 

Today I am giving myself the green light to BE ME and not care that others disagree with me.  I will continue to learn, offer help, and educate the world..  I will take negative comments with a grain of salt, and respond with grace.  I will sprinkle kindness and positivity every where I go and remind people that I am here to help and inspire. 

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To those who have been following my journey with encouragement, thank you.  Your love and support is invaluable. ♥