Mistakes I've Made On My Journey to Health

My Health journey began when I took a life changing class called Healthy Aging. I tell this story all the time, so you've probably heard it before if you've been following me for awhile. My professor basically planted the seed for me to unlearn everything I thought I knew about my body and being healthy. He taught us things like the effects of the ingredients in vaccines, how to properly poop and how animal agriculture is detrimental to our bodies and the earth. After passing his class with flying colors I was all the way invested in transforming my health. I read books like The China Study by T. Collin Campbell (life changer) and The Happy Vegan by Russell Simmons. I learned all I could about the human body and how to best take care of it. My research led me to veganism and thanks to watching hours of Dr. Sebi lectures on Youtube and conversations with my professor, I knew deep down that is what I wanted to be.

It wasn't until the next year, 2016, when I actually made the commitment to go vegan. That is where my life changed. I was feeling the most energy I've ever had in my young life, my skin was clearing up, my mental health was flourishing and I felt a sense of pride knowing that I had the self discipline to stick to this lifestyle. Because of Dr. Sebi's heavy influence on me back then, I was strictly alkaline vegan. I knew the entire Approved Foods list by heart and knew where to get these unique foods in my area.

Detoxifying my body from animal products opened my mind up in a way I would have never thought. I began doing inner, spiritual work and getting closer to God. I truly felt as if I was going through an awakening; the awakening that so many vegans talk about once they leave animal products alone. I was so enthusiastic about this lifestyle change and wanted to share my findings with the world, so I began sharing on social media.

Overall, I went about my journey to health the best way I knew how. There was nobody to guide me or who had done this before me in my inner circle or family. I knew NO vegans or anybody even remotely interested in health. I was a lone shark. So I give myself credit for paving the way for a lot of people. However, looking back, there are some things I could have done better.

The first mistake I made on my journey was

1.) Letting my ego take over

A lot of people go through this stage when going through an "awakening". Their eyes open to certain things and they start to believe that they are better than people who they feel aren't on the same level as them. I went through this stage for awhile. I use to judge people who still ate meat and dairy as if just a couple months ago I wasn't still eating it. I tried to guilt people when they were simply trying to enjoy their meal. Now that I look back I did some pretty cringe worthy things.

As I have evolved in this journey I realize that nobody is above anybody in any aspect in the Universe. I believe we are all One, and no matter what anybody chooses to eat doesn't make them better than the next person. I had to transcend that ego based thinking and humble myself. There are people who eat animal products that are 1000 times more knowledgeable in other subjects than me and I had no right ever thinking I was better than anybody, I had to seriously check my ego at the door. Ego was telling me that because I was showing self discipline in ONE area of my life, I was untouchable. This was despite the fact I lacked balance in every other aspect of my life.

2.) Being the annoying vegan

I probably made a lot of people hate vegans at first. I mean, the information I've shared has always been accurate and helpful but at times I could be rude, condescending and overly sarcastic when relaying this information. I pushed veganism on everybody without taking into account cultural norms, access and body types.

I do believe anybody can benefit from eliminating animal products from their diet, but now I am much more conscious of unique differences and factors that may keep somebody from adopting this lifestyle. Throwing negativity at people who eat meat isn't going to make them stop eating meat. It's like fighting fire with fire. Martin Luther King said darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. I believe more vegans need to adopt that concept so they can lose the angry, annoying vegan title. NOBODY is going to want to join your movement when all you do is belittle and degrade them for not being apart of the movement.

3.) Thinking the people in my life had to be on the same path as me

This one took a lot of inner work to realize. Of course we all love our family and when you learn about the unhealthy effects that certain foods and substances have on the body you immediately want your family to make the changes you have in order to ensure their health. However, by pushing my extreme health habits on to them I wasn't honoring their individual journeys. Everybody has a different purpose and path in life. It is not your job to push them in a direction that you feel they should go.

The best way to help your family is to be a positive example. You don't have to try to force them to eat anything or belittle them for what they are eating. Eventually they will see your healthy habits paying off and will want to be a part of your revolution. It is all about planting the seeds. They will see you drinking water everyday and passing on their fast food. Eventually, this will rub off or click in their head when they see your increased energy, clear skin and diminishing waist. When they are ready they will come to you. When they do come to you is when you should be ready and willing to help in any way you can.

I didn't mean for this to be a negative post. I just wanted to shed light on how important it is to always be mindful, stay humble and go with the flow. Passing judgement on others is no way to live your life and will not enhance your experience here on earth in any way. Forcing your friends and family to change their diet to match yours, on your time is selfish and doesn't honor their journey. You will find it much easier to simply live your truth, continue on your own journey, help those who come to you for help and just let life flow.

Love,

Dom