I love this! I've been curious about going vegetarian but not ready to make the leap because I rely a lot on certain meats as safe foods, but I think that being intentional about each choice and opting for a different option when I can still matters. I need to remember that for movement as well. And that comic is wonderful!
Oh thank you! I'm glad this resonated. It's so interesting, isn't it, how quickly we can fall into the all-or-nothing thinking. I'd love for you to report back how it felt when you make that intentional choice not to eat meat, just that one time.
I've been trying to do this for a while with our meals as a family. I've got a few great vegetarian go-tos for myself that make plenty of leftovers, which is really helpful, but the kids don't love them, so I'm trying to balance with things they'll eat, even when they're a bit less nutritious (like mac and cheese, or fish and chips). I think it's unlikely we'll ever be able to fully let go of meat, but I have noticed that I feel really good when I'm incorporating more veggies, and I think it helps my brain to focus more on that than trying to avoid things.
That all sounds so familiar! I have a few vegetarian recipes that the whole family likes but they all like their meat; and I don’t want to start making separate meals. We’re already a fan of meals like tacos or rice bowls where everyone can choose their own ingredients; might lean on those even more.
"What if...?" - it really opens up a world of possibilities, doesn't it?
(and then this reminds me of a recent Divergent Conversations podcast episode where they discussed anxiety and creativity being two sides of the same coin because they both as "what if...?")
I love this! I've been curious about going vegetarian but not ready to make the leap because I rely a lot on certain meats as safe foods, but I think that being intentional about each choice and opting for a different option when I can still matters. I need to remember that for movement as well. And that comic is wonderful!
Oh thank you! I'm glad this resonated. It's so interesting, isn't it, how quickly we can fall into the all-or-nothing thinking. I'd love for you to report back how it felt when you make that intentional choice not to eat meat, just that one time.
I've been trying to do this for a while with our meals as a family. I've got a few great vegetarian go-tos for myself that make plenty of leftovers, which is really helpful, but the kids don't love them, so I'm trying to balance with things they'll eat, even when they're a bit less nutritious (like mac and cheese, or fish and chips). I think it's unlikely we'll ever be able to fully let go of meat, but I have noticed that I feel really good when I'm incorporating more veggies, and I think it helps my brain to focus more on that than trying to avoid things.
That all sounds so familiar! I have a few vegetarian recipes that the whole family likes but they all like their meat; and I don’t want to start making separate meals. We’re already a fan of meals like tacos or rice bowls where everyone can choose their own ingredients; might lean on those even more.
Thanks for these thoughts and gentle challenges. I love the drawings. And I love the worlds of possibilities that begin with the words “What if…?”
"What if...?" - it really opens up a world of possibilities, doesn't it?
(and then this reminds me of a recent Divergent Conversations podcast episode where they discussed anxiety and creativity being two sides of the same coin because they both as "what if...?")
It was this one: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/divergent-conversations/id1662009631?i=1000682520103. Just a side comment though, not the main conversation. Having said that, the whole conversation fits nicely to the topic of this post. The guest talks about his approach of “the visit” which is very similar to what I’m describing here.
1. I want a print of that comic. Tell your son I love the drawings.
2. My partner's mantra for 2025 feels really aligned with what you're speaking to here: everything counts.
Everything counts! I love that so much. It really does. Thank you for sharing that.
If you really want a print, message me your address! It won't be perfect and professional quality but I'd love to send you a card.
I REALLY WANT A PRINT. messaging now.
I needed every word of this. I think we are pretty similar, Hanna. Great minds and all…. 🤍
Beautifully written.
Great minds 🧡 I love feeling connected with you through our words.
You’re welcome! You might like the podcast episode I shared.
Here’s also an earlier post I wrote that includes the concept of “the visit” which really honors that agency and autonomy:
https://open.substack.com/pub/purposefulconnection/p/three-ideas-to-be-kinder-to-yourself?r=334dr8&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true