Knowing when to step away
- Kimberly Winters
- 3 hours ago
- 2 min read
Not too long ago I made the decision to step away from something that had brought so much joy to my life but at this point it was causing me more pain and frustration than it was giving me joy or growth. So, I sat with all of my feelings, expectations, expectations of me, where I had felt unappreciated, and how things had changed. I also heard from some in my life who had seen the dip in my enthusiasm, seen that the light had gone out around the thing. I stepped away and I feel so much lighter. Staying was weighing on me and it was time to let go.
The above story isn't about veganism but you will have moments like this. Especially with people in your life. You will have relationships that will change as you follow your vegan journey. Whether it's because of their own conflicts in their feelings or how the choices you are making is showing them where they are out of alignment between their actions and their beliefs, or because they feel abandoned by the fact that you no longer find joy in the same foods or activities you once shared, relationships will change.
Some relationships can weather the changes, the respect and love you share keeps you both reaching for each other, finding a way to maintain the friendship/relationship, to understand each other In this new way. Some relationships won't make it through this change and that's okay. You may need to sit with yourself as I did and decide it is time to let go.
In a blog earlier this month I talked about staying the course in your vegan journey, how to find a way to stick with it when it gets hard. I think the suggestions there will ring true here, as some of your relationships change, seek out community of other vegans. Having a group in your life who implicitly understand this huge piece of your life can be your lifeline when it feels like everyone you love is turning their back on you or seemingly trying to make this choice difficult for you.
Tell me about a time you made a choice that impacted relationships, how did you handle it?How did it feel to let go of those relationships that couldn't handle the change?
I am looking for guests for season 7! If you are a vegan, please fill out the "Be a guest" quiz on my website here. If you're not a vegan but know someone who would be a great guest, please send them that link.