June 22, 2020

42

At age 42, I got a dog, Chanel, I went vegan for good, and started to come out of my shell.

I was pursuing my Master’s and met some amazing people who are still my close friends.

I learned to be more open and authentic. I had to stretch beyond my comfort zone to be successful with my coursework. My Masters classes were very interactive. We did a lot of team building and it helped me learn to trust my voice and give my input.

This was significant for me because growing up I didn’t feel I had a voice and would only speak through my drawings and poems.

My dog, Chanel was my best friend. The universe knew I needed unconditional love. The fact that it wasn’t from a human allowed me to give and receive love but still focus on myself.

I previously went vegan when I was 40. At the time I figured if I ate healthy it would balance out the fact that I was drinking so much. They call that stinkin thinkin.

When I decided to get sober I gave into any cravings I had as long as it wasn’t alcohol or any other mood altering drug.

When I decided to return to veganism, it was originally for my health, then I evolved to being vegan for the animals. For me I want to live a more compassionate life.

Age 42 was the age I was coming out of my shell, but the real test was coming.