Re: OT: Much Needed Advice...

October 8, 2008

Yes, i did and still do have to deal with this problem. My family

has been the most difficult thing in my life to deal with, and

was the cause of my severe bouts with depression. it is very

difficult to deal with, i have an appt. to go to, but when i get

back i will explain more, but it has been a constant challenge for me,

especially since they went out of there way to give my 4 kids foods i

didn't want them to eat.From: Ola <akadamska@...>Subject: OT: Much Needed Advice... Date: Wednesday, October 8, 2008, 11:07 AM

Hi everyone, I'm so glad to be part of this group and ready to throw

out my first problem, lol.

I have been a happy vegan for 11 months now. It was a natural

transition my mom and others were happy to support, but other family

members…well, not so much. I am always feeling like I'm defending

myself, faced with a barrage of criticisms: "you're being stupid,

you'll get sick, you're starving yourself, you need vitamins," etc.

Did any of you come across this problem? How did you deal with it?

Do I just ignore it or do I casually spill out two words, one of them

being `off' and be done with it?

Ola

October 8, 2008

Hey Ola,

First of all, congrats on your smart move.

Think of why you became vegan. How involved are these others in your life?

The smartest thing to do is to arm yourself with the facts. Health, ethical,

moral, whatever.

Be concise too. People will challenge you and it's so annoying but it partially

gives you the

opportunity to give them an education in their health. Have you read The China

Study by

T Colin ? How about the book that I speak about on our front page and

in my

welcome speech Changing Hearts and Minds by Gene Baur, the founder of Farm

Sanctuary

the first of its kind in the United States. Any book by Robbins is good

too. Perhaps if

they are willing sit them down to a short video www.meetyourmeat.org

For someone to tell you you're stupid is horrible but remember they fear someone

stepping out of the box and actually thinking about what is going on rather than

live with

blinders. You are accepting responsibility for what comes into your life.

Those who

consume flesh or dairy are responsible for the animals that suffer, for the

people that

spend hours murdering or causing the suffering of innocent beings, for the

people that

transport the animals or the rotting flesh, for the people that sell it. Let's

not forget the

massive destruction of the planet because of these horrific acts.

What about the diseases that are prevalent because of consuming animal products?

Heart

disease, stroke, diabetes, cancers and little things like allergies, etc.

I could go on and on....

Get the information, get statistics, don't seem vague, stand strong and healthy.

If people feel guilty and hide behind their criticism that is their problem.

Vent here if you need to.

Peace,

Reggie

>

> Hi everyone, I'm so glad to be part of this group and ready to throw

> out my first problem, lol.

>

> I have been a happy vegan for 11 months now. It was a natural

> transition my mom and others were happy to support, but other family

> members…well, not so much. I am always feeling like I'm defending

> myself, faced with a barrage of criticisms: " you're being stupid,

> you'll get sick, you're starving yourself, you need vitamins, " etc.

>

> Did any of you come across this problem? How did you deal with it?

> Do I just ignore it or do I casually spill out two words, one of them

> being `off' and be done with it?

>

> Ola

>

October 8, 2008

Ola, Personally i would say be humble and stay very low profile, i will

tell u more later, but i really feel u would be wasting your toime

arguing with them. Do what u feel is best, carry on, and after a while

u won't have to say a word, they will see the changes in you. Even if

they mention it , change the subject. If at all possible,

minimize your time with them. That is what i had to do. i avoid them as

much as i can. i have one more piece of advice for you but it

will take me alittle longer to explain.From: Ola <akadamska@...>Subject: OT: Much Needed Advice... Date: Wednesday, October 8, 2008, 11:07 AM

Hi everyone, I'm so glad to be part of this group and ready to throw

out my first problem, lol.

I have been a happy vegan for 11 months now. It was a natural

transition my mom and others were happy to support, but other family

members…well, not so much. I am always feeling like I'm defending

myself, faced with a barrage of criticisms: "you're being stupid,

you'll get sick, you're starving yourself, you need vitamins," etc.

Did any of you come across this problem? How did you deal with it?

Do I just ignore it or do I casually spill out two words, one of them

being `off' and be done with it?

Ola

October 8, 2008

Hi

Welcome

You are in good hands. As for the

vitamins, starving etc, remember. You have the opportunity to show all the

folks around you how great you feel, how much less you get sick. How regular

you moods are, how much you care about the environment. You are a pioneer (no

pressure)

Danny

Danny's Warehouse

5701 West Blvd

Los Angeles, Ca 90016

323 954 8973

www.dannyswarehouse.com

From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of Ola

Sent: Wednesday, October 08, 2008

8:07 AM

Subject: OT:

Much Needed Advice...

Hi everyone, I'm so glad to be part of this group and

ready to throw

out my first problem, lol.

I have been a happy vegan for 11 months now. It was a natural

transition my mom and others were happy to support, but other family

members…well, not so much. I am always feeling like I'm defending

myself, faced with a barrage of criticisms: " you're being stupid,

you'll get sick, you're starving yourself, you need vitamins, " etc.

Did any of you come across this problem? How did you deal with it?

Do I just ignore it or do I casually spill out two words, one of them

being `off' and be done with it?

Ola

October 8, 2008

Well like mentioned in her post, it's always a family issue.

I'm armed to the teeth and can present all the facts but I'm tired

of constantly defending my choices. I shouldn't have to do that.

People do challenge me, but I take the subtle approach and buy them

books on the subject, lol. I read many over the years but the one

that sticks out to this day is the book I read about ten years ago,

it's called `Slaughterhouse' by Gail Eiznitz. You won't believe

this but that book scared me into becoming a strict vegetarian. It

was the hardest and most disturbing book I have ever read and my

first thought was about all the people who work at those

slaughterhouses. What type of people do this? How do they live

with themselves? I couldn't understand how one being could be so

cruel to another and worst were those who knew this was happening

and did nothing.

Clearly the book had a profound affect on me, so I pass different

books onto others, hoping those books will have the same affect on

them as `Slaughterhouse' had on me.

I will definitely vent in this group, the holidays are upon us, lol.

Ola

> >

> > Hi everyone, I'm so glad to be part of this group and ready to

throw

> > out my first problem, lol.

> >

> > I have been a happy vegan for 11 months now. It was a natural

> > transition my mom and others were happy to support, but other

family

> > members…well, not so much. I am always feeling like I'm

defending

> > myself, faced with a barrage of criticisms: " you're being

stupid,

> > you'll get sick, you're starving yourself, you need vitamins, "

etc.

> >

> > Did any of you come across this problem? How did you deal with

it?

> > Do I just ignore it or do I casually spill out two words, one of

them

> > being `off' and be done with it?

> >

> > Ola

> >

>

October 8, 2008

Sorry to hear that you had to minimize the time with your family,

for me that's not an option. On some level I do feel its envy so I

try not to gloat about the positive changes a vegan lifestyle can

bring because people will become defensive and feel like they're

doing something wrong in their own lives.

Ola

> From: Ola <akadamska@...>

> Subject: OT: Much Needed Advice...

>

> Date: Wednesday, October 8, 2008, 11:07 AM

>

> Hi everyone, I'm so glad to be part of this group and

ready to throw

>

> out my first problem, lol.

>

> I have been a happy vegan for 11 months now. It was a natural

>

> transition my mom and others were happy to support, but other

family

>

> members…well, not so much. I am always feeling like I'm defending

>

> myself, faced with a barrage of criticisms: " you're being stupid,

>

> you'll get sick, you're starving yourself, you need vitamins, "

etc.

>

> Did any of you come across this problem? How did you deal with

it?

>

> Do I just ignore it or do I casually spill out two words, one of

them

>

> being `off' and be done with it?

>

> Ola

>

October 8, 2008

I'm a pioneer, huh…well now I do feel pressured. Lol.

I am convinced that if everyone was a vegan and practiced yoga we

would have world peace.

The benefits are phenomenal and its distressing people don't want to

take the opportunity to experience these benefits for themselves.

Then again how do you protect the public against meat and dairy

companies who spend billions brainwashing their consumers with

colorful and happy advertisements; ex. Purdue chicken, probably the

worst offender out there.

Just me venting.

Ola

>

> Hi

>

> Welcome

>

> You are in good hands. As for the vitamins, starving etc,

remember. You have

> the opportunity to show all the folks around you how great you

feel, how

> much less you get sick. How regular you moods are, how much you

care about

> the environment. You are a pioneer (no pressure)

>

> Danny

>

> Danny's Warehouse

>

> 5701 West Blvd

>

> Los Angeles, Ca 90016

>

> 323 954 8973

>

> www.dannyswarehouse.com

>

> _____

>

> From:

> [mailto: ] On Behalf Of Ola

> Sent: Wednesday, October 08, 2008 8:07 AM

>

> Subject: OT: Much Needed Advice...

>

> Hi everyone, I'm so glad to be part of this group and ready to

throw

> out my first problem, lol.

>

> I have been a happy vegan for 11 months now. It was a natural

> transition my mom and others were happy to support, but other

family

> members.well, not so much. I am always feeling like I'm defending

> myself, faced with a barrage of criticisms: " you're being stupid,

> you'll get sick, you're starving yourself, you need vitamins, "

etc.

>

> Did any of you come across this problem? How did you deal with it?

> Do I just ignore it or do I casually spill out two words, one of

them

> being `off' and be done with it?

>

> Ola

>

October 8, 2008

I'm a pioneer, huh…well now I do feel pressured. Lol.

I am convinced that if everyone was a vegan and practiced yoga we

would have world peace.

The benefits are phenomenal and its distressing people don't want to

take the opportunity to experience these benefits for themselves.

Then again how do you protect the public against meat and dairy

companies who spend billions brainwashing their consumers with

colorful and happy advertisements; ex. Purdue chicken, probably the

worst offender out there.

Just me venting.

Ola

>

> Hi

>

> Welcome

>

> You are in good hands. As for the vitamins, starving etc,

remember. You have

> the opportunity to show all the folks around you how great you

feel, how

> much less you get sick. How regular you moods are, how much you

care about

> the environment. You are a pioneer (no pressure)

>

> Danny

>

> Danny's Warehouse

>

> 5701 West Blvd

>

> Los Angeles, Ca 90016

>

> 323 954 8973

>

> www.dannyswarehouse.com

>

> _____

>

> From:

> [mailto: ] On Behalf Of Ola

> Sent: Wednesday, October 08, 2008 8:07 AM

>

> Subject: OT: Much Needed Advice...

>

> Hi everyone, I'm so glad to be part of this group and ready to

throw

> out my first problem, lol.

>

> I have been a happy vegan for 11 months now. It was a natural

> transition my mom and others were happy to support, but other

family

> members.well, not so much. I am always feeling like I'm defending

> myself, faced with a barrage of criticisms: " you're being stupid,

> you'll get sick, you're starving yourself, you need vitamins, "

etc.

>

> Did any of you come across this problem? How did you deal with it?

> Do I just ignore it or do I casually spill out two words, one of

them

> being `off' and be done with it?

>

> Ola

>

October 8, 2008

My sister makes Thanksgiving every year. She makes all sorts of dishes for me

brings out

the ingredients to show me that it's really vegan. But she has a turkey as she

eats it and

everyone else there does too except my daughter and mom. I hate watching the

carcass

on the table and everyone talking about it like it's normal and wonderful.

Every year she

shows me the vegan food and then says something like ignore the bird on the

table,

he/she gave it's life for our celebration. GRRRRRRRR. I think that she's

getting it now, I

hope and soon she'll realize that the turkey is not meant to give its life for

gluttony.

AND..... the turkey didn't have a choice to give its life. I'm sure it would

have preferred to

live.

Anyway, I feel we are put in these families for a reason. It's taken many years

but finally

my strict conventional dr brother in law phoned me asking for a reference for a

holistic dr

for some patients of his. Wow!!!! I've been veg for 22 years!

Keep up the good work.

Reggie

> > >

> > > Hi everyone, I'm so glad to be part of this group and ready to

> throw

> > > out my first problem, lol.

> > >

> > > I have been a happy vegan for 11 months now. It was a natural

> > > transition my mom and others were happy to support, but other

> family

> > > members…well, not so much. I am always feeling like I'm

> defending

> > > myself, faced with a barrage of criticisms: " you're being

> stupid,

> > > you'll get sick, you're starving yourself, you need vitamins, "

> etc.

> > >

> > > Did any of you come across this problem? How did you deal with

> it?

> > > Do I just ignore it or do I casually spill out two words, one of

> them

> > > being `off' and be done with it?

> > >

> > > Ola

> > >

> >

>

October 8, 2008

I sometimes skip family dinners as I can't stand eating at a restaurant watching

everyone eat

carcass and smelling it. Sometimes I'll go and bring my own food too. They are

used to me

being strange now. Funny I'm the strange one b/c I don't want to cause

suffering.

Reg

>

> Sorry to hear that you had to minimize the time with your family,

> for me that's not an option. On some level I do feel its envy so I

> try not to gloat about the positive changes a vegan lifestyle can

> bring because people will become defensive and feel like they're

> doing something wrong in their own lives.

>

> Ola

October 8, 2008

No kidding eh?

Do you have vegan friends around? Where do you live?

It's disgusting that these companies are allowed to advertise. I get so upset

that they are

permitted to make commercials showing people eating animals like it is wonderful

and

happy happy happy.

>

> I'm a pioneer, huh…well now I do feel pressured. Lol.

>

> I am convinced that if everyone was a vegan and practiced yoga we

> would have world peace.

>

> The benefits are phenomenal and its distressing people don't want to

> take the opportunity to experience these benefits for themselves.

> Then again how do you protect the public against meat and dairy

> companies who spend billions brainwashing their consumers with

> colorful and happy advertisements; ex. Purdue chicken, probably the

> worst offender out there.

>

> Just me venting.

>

> Ola

October 9, 2008

Ola, When i talked about being low profile, in Michio Kushi's Book he

talks about courage.He says, "After we discover justice we must have

the courage to live it. Courage, too, can be divided into yin and yang.

Yang courage is often violent and attacking.The leaders of the French

Revolution were full of this type of courage. What do you thinkof it?

Do not forget that everything that is yang has a very short life. We

cannot run for very long without becoming tired. Courage that

demonstrates your physical and material powers will soon exhaust your

resources.

Another kind of courage, almost unknown in the West,

may be called yin courage.It does not express itself outwardly very

often, it keeps hidden and withdrawn.Instead of wavibng banners and

atrguing for change, the person with this ability deepens himself and

encourages others to change themselves.This kind of courage can last a

long time, and one who has it can be long lived and healthy.

So, Ola, use your time wisely to deepen

yourself. i know this may sound very strange, but i have realized that

my family's reaction to what i was doing was actually a blessing in

disguise. as heartbreaking as it wwas at the time. They went out of

their way to hurt and humiliate me. One thing they did was to have

various family get togethers and not invite me, and my mother made sure

i knew they were happening. In my sorrow, i studied one particular book

to comfort myself, and it did help me grow spiritually, and so the

loneliness, pain and isolation was actually an angel in disguise.i

would just like to say i am of no particular religion, and i respect

everyone's choice of faith. The book was The Gospel of Peace Jesus"s

Teachings of Eternal Truth. It describes Jesus's troubles with his own

family and Michio's problems with his family's non acceptance of what

he was teaching. i am not sure how many times i have read this book and

how much it helped me. And it makes the case for what Jesus was

actually trying to teach was Macrobiotics, he wasn't asking anyone to

worship him personally. It also talks about people who don't fit in.

That we are actually the chosen ones, and so it is a blessing to not

fit into your family. i hope this helps you, Ola.

From: Ola <akadamska@...>Subject: Re: OT: Much Needed Advice... Date: Wednesday, October 8, 2008, 3:10 PM

I'm a pioneer, huh…well now I do feel pressured. Lol.

I am convinced that if everyone was a vegan and practiced yoga we

would have world peace.

The benefits are phenomenal and its distressing people don't want to

take the opportunity to experience these benefits for themselves.

Then again how do you protect the public against meat and dairy

companies who spend billions brainwashing their consumers with

colorful and happy advertisements; ex. Purdue chicken, probably the

worst offender out there.

Just me venting.

Ola

>

> Hi

>

> Welcome

>

> You are in good hands. As for the vitamins, starving etc,

remember. You have

> the opportunity to show all the folks around you how great you

feel, how

> much less you get sick. How regular you moods are, how much you

care about

> the environment. You are a pioneer (no pressure)

>

> Danny

>

> Danny's Warehouse

>

> 5701 West Blvd

>

> Los Angeles, Ca 90016

>

> 323 954 8973

>

> www.dannyswarehouse .com

>

> _____

>

> From:

> [mailto:] On Behalf Of Ola

> Sent: Wednesday, October 08, 2008 8:07 AM

>

> Subject: OT: Much Needed Advice...

>

> Hi everyone, I'm so glad to be part of this group and ready to

throw

> out my first problem, lol.

>

> I have been a happy vegan for 11 months now. It was a natural

> transition my mom and others were happy to support, but other

family

> members.well, not so much. I am always feeling like I'm defending

> myself, faced with a barrage of criticisms: "you're being stupid,

> you'll get sick, you're starving yourself, you need vitamins,"

etc.

>

> Did any of you come across this problem? How did you deal with it?

> Do I just ignore it or do I casually spill out two words, one of

them

> being `off' and be done with it?

>

> Ola

>

October 9, 2008

, Ola and everyone,

This is a topic that ALWAYS comes up and probably has as many solutions as there are people faced with it.

For myself personally it just makes no sense to keep pushing - people are always defending whatever it is they're doing, even if they realize on some level that it is they who are always not feeling so great, popping some pill or another, going to doctors - and not I - but it is VERY hard also to do the yin thing as mentions - it does take alot of internal will to not say anythng, to remain calm, to not defend or not respond when told some not so nice things.

The only thing I can truly say is since the food you eat does change you, the more you eat of calming foods, the more you can become that. Of course it makes a difference where you began, so for each person it's different. And of course each person has different challenges - for myself personally in realizing anything I say has the opposite effect, duh, finally got to me, I stay quiet for the most part. It's hardest when my kids aren't feeling good and there's nothing I can say that they're willing to try.

Change is slow, I believe - and patience is the only thing that truly works. Maybe on their own, some of them might realize - if you notice, there's change in society also - slow, very slow, but it's definitely there!!!!!

I'm sure you'll find all of us have vented some time or another - if you can find other tricks that work for you for you not to get upset, more power to you - for myself, I just try to surround myself with books, with mb discussion groups, with other mb people to reassure myself I'm not alone and just keep getting better at cooking and eating balanced.

We've all been there - you'll get past it - don't let it get you too down

Klara

From: Ola <akadamska (DOT) com>Subject: Re: OT: Much Needed Advice...Date: Wednesday, October 8, 2008, 3:10 PM

I'm a pioneer, huh…well now I do feel pressured. Lol. I am convinced that if everyone was a vegan and practiced yoga we would have world peace. The benefits are phenomenal and its distressing people don't want to take the opportunity to experience these benefits for themselves. Then again how do you protect the public against meat and dairy companies who spend billions brainwashing their consumers with colorful and happy advertisements; ex. Purdue chicken, probably the worst offender out there.Just me venting. Ola >> Hi> > Welcome> > You are in good hands. As for the vitamins, starving etc, remember. You have> the opportunity to show all the folks around you

how great you feel, how> much less you get sick. How regular you moods are, how much you care about> the environment. You are a pioneer (no pressure)> > Danny> > > > Danny's Warehouse> > 5701 West Blvd> > Los Angeles, Ca 90016> > 323 954 8973> > www.dannyswarehouse .com> > _____ > > From: > [mailto:] On Behalf Of Ola> Sent: Wednesday, October 08, 2008 8:07 AM> > Subject: OT: Much Needed

Advice...> > > > Hi everyone, I'm so glad to be part of this group and ready to throw > out my first problem, lol.> > I have been a happy vegan for 11 months now. It was a natural > transition my mom and others were happy to support, but other family > members.well, not so much. I am always feeling like I'm defending > myself, faced with a barrage of criticisms: "you're being stupid, > you'll get sick, you're starving yourself, you need vitamins," etc. > > Did any of you come across this problem? How did you deal with it? > Do I just ignore it or do I casually spill out two words, one of them > being `off' and be done with it? > > Ola >

October 9, 2008

, Ola and everyone,

This is a topic that ALWAYS comes up and probably has as many solutions as there are people faced with it.

For myself personally it just makes no sense to keep pushing - people are always defending whatever it is they're doing, even if they realize on some level that it is they who are always not feeling so great, popping some pill or another, going to doctors - and not I - but it is VERY hard also to do the yin thing as mentions - it does take alot of internal will to not say anythng, to remain calm, to not defend or not respond when told some not so nice things.

The only thing I can truly say is since the food you eat does change you, the more you eat of calming foods, the more you can become that. Of course it makes a difference where you began, so for each person it's different. And of course each person has different challenges - for myself personally in realizing anything I say has the opposite effect, duh, finally got to me, I stay quiet for the most part. It's hardest when my kids aren't feeling good and there's nothing I can say that they're willing to try.

Change is slow, I believe - and patience is the only thing that truly works. Maybe on their own, some of them might realize - if you notice, there's change in society also - slow, very slow, but it's definitely there!!!!!

I'm sure you'll find all of us have vented some time or another - if you can find other tricks that work for you for you not to get upset, more power to you - for myself, I just try to surround myself with books, with mb discussion groups, with other mb people to reassure myself I'm not alone and just keep getting better at cooking and eating balanced.

We've all been there - you'll get past it - don't let it get you too down

Klara

From: Ola <akadamska (DOT) com>Subject: Re: OT: Much Needed Advice...Date: Wednesday, October 8, 2008, 3:10 PM

I'm a pioneer, huh…well now I do feel pressured. Lol. I am convinced that if everyone was a vegan and practiced yoga we would have world peace. The benefits are phenomenal and its distressing people don't want to take the opportunity to experience these benefits for themselves. Then again how do you protect the public against meat and dairy companies who spend billions brainwashing their consumers with colorful and happy advertisements; ex. Purdue chicken, probably the worst offender out there.Just me venting. Ola >> Hi> > Welcome> > You are in good hands. As for the vitamins, starving etc, remember. You have> the opportunity to show all the folks around you

how great you feel, how> much less you get sick. How regular you moods are, how much you care about> the environment. You are a pioneer (no pressure)> > Danny> > > > Danny's Warehouse> > 5701 West Blvd> > Los Angeles, Ca 90016> > 323 954 8973> > www.dannyswarehouse .com> > _____ > > From: > [mailto:] On Behalf Of Ola> Sent: Wednesday, October 08, 2008 8:07 AM> > Subject: OT: Much Needed

Advice...> > > > Hi everyone, I'm so glad to be part of this group and ready to throw > out my first problem, lol.> > I have been a happy vegan for 11 months now. It was a natural > transition my mom and others were happy to support, but other family > members.well, not so much. I am always feeling like I'm defending > myself, faced with a barrage of criticisms: "you're being stupid, > you'll get sick, you're starving yourself, you need vitamins," etc. > > Did any of you come across this problem? How did you deal with it? > Do I just ignore it or do I casually spill out two words, one of them > being `off' and be done with it? > > Ola >

October 9, 2008

Ola,

I think you're very much on the right track for being sensitive on how others may feel - I'm not saying right in the way that you might convince them, but rather right in the way that it's more peaceful for you.

Have you read The Hipchick's Guide to Macrobiotics? the reason I love her so is because she brings a lightness to it all by her humor. Here's a blog entry on veganism she just wrote - tho realize the audience who came to hear her showed they were interested - you don't get that automatically at a family affair - this isn't an answer how to deal with family, just something that might lighten the load a bit:

http://www.hipchicksmacrobiotics.com/blog/calling-all-vegans/

Klara

From: Ola <akadamska@...>Subject: Re: OT: Much Needed Advice... Date: Wednesday, October 8, 2008, 8:47 PM

Sorry to hear that you had to minimize the time with your family, for me that's not an option. On some level I do feel its envy so I try not to gloat about the positive changes a vegan lifestyle can bring because people will become defensive and feel like they're doing something wrong in their own lives.Ola > From: Ola <akadamska@. ..>> Subject: OT: Much Needed Advice...> > Date: Wednesday, October 8, 2008, 11:07 AM> > > > > > > > > > > > Hi everyone, I'm so glad to be part of this group and ready to throw > > out my first problem, lol.> > > > I have been a happy vegan for 11 months now. It was a natural > > transition my mom and others were happy to support, but other family > >

members…well, not so much. I am always feeling like I'm defending > > myself, faced with a barrage of criticisms: "you're being stupid, > > you'll get sick, you're starving yourself, you need vitamins," etc. > > > > Did any of you come across this problem? How did you deal with it? > > Do I just ignore it or do I casually spill out two words, one of them > > being `off' and be done with it? > > > > Ola >

October 9, 2008

Ola,

I think you're very much on the right track for being sensitive on how others may feel - I'm not saying right in the way that you might convince them, but rather right in the way that it's more peaceful for you.

Have you read The Hipchick's Guide to Macrobiotics? the reason I love her so is because she brings a lightness to it all by her humor. Here's a blog entry on veganism she just wrote - tho realize the audience who came to hear her showed they were interested - you don't get that automatically at a family affair - this isn't an answer how to deal with family, just something that might lighten the load a bit:

http://www.hipchicksmacrobiotics.com/blog/calling-all-vegans/

Klara

From: Ola <akadamska@...>Subject: Re: OT: Much Needed Advice... Date: Wednesday, October 8, 2008, 8:47 PM

Sorry to hear that you had to minimize the time with your family, for me that's not an option. On some level I do feel its envy so I try not to gloat about the positive changes a vegan lifestyle can bring because people will become defensive and feel like they're doing something wrong in their own lives.Ola > From: Ola <akadamska@. ..>> Subject: OT: Much Needed Advice...> > Date: Wednesday, October 8, 2008, 11:07 AM> > > > > > > > > > > > Hi everyone, I'm so glad to be part of this group and ready to throw > > out my first problem, lol.> > > > I have been a happy vegan for 11 months now. It was a natural > > transition my mom and others were happy to support, but other family > >

members…well, not so much. I am always feeling like I'm defending > > myself, faced with a barrage of criticisms: "you're being stupid, > > you'll get sick, you're starving yourself, you need vitamins," etc. > > > > Did any of you come across this problem? How did you deal with it? > > Do I just ignore it or do I casually spill out two words, one of them > > being `off' and be done with it? > > > > Ola >

October 9, 2008

I have a sister as well and even though she's not a vegan she goes out of her

way to accommodate me whenever I stay with her and her family, especially during

the Holidays. Her hubby, even though I like him, is one of my critics. As they

say, you can pick your friends but you can't pick your family.

Ola.

> > > >

> > > > Hi everyone, I'm so glad to be part of this group and ready to

> > throw

> > > > out my first problem, lol.

> > > >

> > > > I have been a happy vegan for 11 months now. It was a natural

> > > > transition my mom and others were happy to support, but other

> > family

> > > > members…well, not so much. I am always feeling like I'm

> > defending

> > > > myself, faced with a barrage of criticisms: " you're being

> > stupid,

> > > > you'll get sick, you're starving yourself, you need vitamins, "

> > etc.

> > > >

> > > > Did any of you come across this problem? How did you deal with

> > it?

> > > > Do I just ignore it or do I casually spill out two words, one of

> > them

> > > > being `off' and be done with it?

> > > >

> > > > Ola

> > > >

> > >

> >

>

October 9, 2008

I have a sister as well and even though she's not a vegan she goes out of her

way to accommodate me whenever I stay with her and her family, especially during

the Holidays. Her hubby, even though I like him, is one of my critics. As they

say, you can pick your friends but you can't pick your family.

Ola.

> > > >

> > > > Hi everyone, I'm so glad to be part of this group and ready to

> > throw

> > > > out my first problem, lol.

> > > >

> > > > I have been a happy vegan for 11 months now. It was a natural

> > > > transition my mom and others were happy to support, but other

> > family

> > > > members…well, not so much. I am always feeling like I'm

> > defending

> > > > myself, faced with a barrage of criticisms: " you're being

> > stupid,

> > > > you'll get sick, you're starving yourself, you need vitamins, "

> > etc.

> > > >

> > > > Did any of you come across this problem? How did you deal with

> > it?

> > > > Do I just ignore it or do I casually spill out two words, one of

> > them

> > > > being `off' and be done with it?

> > > >

> > > > Ola

> > > >

> > >

> >

>

October 9, 2008

No, all my friends are meat eaters. I have a complicated relationship with my

friends but we respect each others choices and its been working well so far.

I live on Earth. Out of all the planets its the nicest one, LOL. More

specifically I live in Chicago.

How about these companies make a commercial showing how they run their factory

farms.

Ola

> >

> > I'm a pioneer, huh…well now I do feel pressured. Lol.

> >

> > I am convinced that if everyone was a vegan and practiced yoga we

> > would have world peace.

> >

> > The benefits are phenomenal and its distressing people don't want to

> > take the opportunity to experience these benefits for themselves.

> > Then again how do you protect the public against meat and dairy

> > companies who spend billions brainwashing their consumers with

> > colorful and happy advertisements; ex. Purdue chicken, probably the

> > worst offender out there.

> >

> > Just me venting.

> >

> > Ola

>

October 9, 2008

I never read Kushi's book, sound interesting. Based on what you said I guess

I'm a yin, although I had a yang moment and a guy ended up with two broken

fingers and cracked ribs. He deserved it, he was torturing an animal.

I can't imagine what you went through with your family , clearly you have a

strong spirit to find a positive outlook after what has happened with your

family. Books can certainly give you that one push to get through tough

situations. Sounds like you got that much needed push.

Ola.

>

> >

>

> > Hi

>

> >

>

> > Welcome

>

> >

>

> > You are in good hands. As for the vitamins, starving etc,

>

> remember. You have

>

> > the opportunity to show all the folks around you how great you

>

> feel, how

>

> > much less you get sick. How regular you moods are, how much you

>

> care about

>

> > the environment. You are a pioneer (no pressure)

>

> >

>

> > Danny

>

> >

>

> >

>

> >

>

> > Danny's Warehouse

>

> >

>

> > 5701 West Blvd

>

> >

>

> > Los Angeles, Ca 90016

>

> >

>

> > 323 954 8973

>

> >

>

> > www.dannyswarehouse .com

>

> >

>

> > _____

>

> >

>

> > From:

>

> > [mailto:] On Behalf Of Ola

>

> > Sent: Wednesday, October 08, 2008 8:07 AM

>

> >

>

> > Subject: OT: Much Needed Advice...

>

> >

>

> >

>

> >

>

> > Hi everyone, I'm so glad to be part of this group and ready to

>

> throw

>

> > out my first problem, lol.

>

> >

>

> > I have been a happy vegan for 11 months now. It was a natural

>

> > transition my mom and others were happy to support, but other

>

> family

>

> > members.well, not so much. I am always feeling like I'm defending

>

> > myself, faced with a barrage of criticisms: " you're being stupid,

>

> > you'll get sick, you're starving yourself, you need vitamins, "

>

> etc.

>

> >

>

> > Did any of you come across this problem? How did you deal with it?

>

> > Do I just ignore it or do I casually spill out two words, one of

>

> them

>

> > being `off' and be done with it?

>

> >

>

> > Ola

>

> >

>

October 9, 2008

Thanks Klara, I try to stay in a yin mode but sometimes its hard. I don't push

my ideas onto others but once they ask the gloves are off, lol.

Ola

> >

> > Hi

> >

> > Welcome

> >

> > You are in good hands. As for the vitamins, starving etc,

> remember. You have

> > the opportunity to show all the folks around you how great you

> feel, how

> > much less you get sick. How regular you moods are, how much you

> care about

> > the environment. You are a pioneer (no pressure)

> >

> > Danny

> >

> > Danny's Warehouse

> >

> > 5701 West Blvd

> >

> > Los Angeles, Ca 90016

> >

> > 323 954 8973

> >

> > www.dannyswarehouse .com

> >

> > _____

> >

> > From:

> > [mailto:] On Behalf Of Ola

> > Sent: Wednesday, October 08, 2008 8:07 AM

> >

> > Subject: OT: Much Needed Advice...

> >

> > Hi everyone, I'm so glad to be part of this group and ready to

> throw

> > out my first problem, lol.

> >

> > I have been a happy vegan for 11 months now. It was a natural

> > transition my mom and others were happy to support, but other

> family

> > members.well, not so much. I am always feeling like I'm defending

> > myself, faced with a barrage of criticisms: " you're being stupid,

> > you'll get sick, you're starving yourself, you need vitamins, "

> etc.

> >

> > Did any of you come across this problem? How did you deal with it?

> > Do I just ignore it or do I casually spill out two words, one of

> them

> > being `off' and be done with it?

> >

> > Ola

> >

>

October 9, 2008

,

I am sorry for your pain and suffering, your family hurt you indeed.

While I understand what you say about violence and attacking I find it is very

important for

us to have a voice for the animals. What about all the women who fought for our

right to

vote? What about all those who fought to end slavery? They fought and won. I

feel it is

our job to spread the word, tell others that this injustice is happening by the

billions.

Just sitting back and not saying anything avoids arguments but it doesn't

protect all of the

creatures on the earth, all are G-d's creatures. They have just as much right

to live as we

do.

Reggie

>

> Ola, When i talked about being low profile, in Michio Kushi's Book he

> talks about courage.He says, " After we discover justice we must have

> the courage to live it. Courage, too, can be divided into yin and yang.

> Yang courage is often violent and attacking.The leaders of the French

> Revolution were full of this type of courage. What do you thinkof it?

> Do not forget that everything that is yang has a very short life. We

> cannot run for very long without becoming tired. Courage that

> demonstrates your physical and material powers will soon exhaust your

> resources.

>

> Another kind of courage, almost unknown in the West,

> may be called yin courage.It does not express itself outwardly very

> often, it keeps hidden and withdrawn.Instead of wavibng banners and

> atrguing for change, the person with this ability deepens himself and

> encourages others to change themselves.This kind of courage can last a

> long time, and one who has it can be long lived and healthy.

>

> So, Ola, use your time wisely to deepen

> yourself. i know this may sound very strange, but i have realized that

> my family's reaction to what i was doing was actually a blessing in

> disguise. as heartbreaking as it wwas at the time. They went out of

> their way to hurt and humiliate me. One thing they did was to have

> various family get togethers and not invite me, and my mother made sure

> i knew they were happening. In my sorrow, i studied one particular book

> to comfort myself, and it did help me grow spiritually, and so the

> loneliness, pain and isolation was actually an angel in disguise.i

> would just like to say i am of no particular religion, and i respect

> everyone's choice of faith. The book was The Gospel of Peace Jesus " s

> Teachings of Eternal Truth. It describes Jesus's troubles with his own

> family and Michio's problems with his family's non acceptance of what

> he was teaching. i am not sure how many times i have read this book and

> how much it helped me. And it makes the case for what Jesus was

> actually trying to teach was Macrobiotics, he wasn't asking anyone to

> worship him personally. It also talks about people who don't fit in.

> That we are actually the chosen ones, and so it is a blessing to not

> fit into your family. i hope this helps you, Ola.

October 9, 2008