Feeling guilty

[wildr0se2]

I still have some products that aren't fully vegan. I lost my mechanical pencil that (I think) was vegan and now I can't find it so I'm stuck with a BIC pen and pencil. On top of that, my medication and vitamins may be animal-derived. I know I can't control my prescription meds, but I wish I thought to set money aside for vegan versions of vitamins. I also don't want to be wasteful by replacing my vitamins (that I still have plenty to get me through the next few months) for vegan versions. I know the idea of being vegan isn't perfectionism, but I'm anxious about not being a good enough animal advocate. I have pretty much phased out animal products in my diet. I also check my clothing to make sure there's no animal furs/leather/etc involved in what I wear. Same with toiletries. The loneliness is also getting to me since I am frequently surrounded by animal product consumers. I am also on the fence about getting a flu and COVID vaccine, knowing that vaccines are usually animal-derived/there's animal testing.

Just needed to vent so I hope I am posting in the right thread.

 

[beancounter]

Don't stress about it. Just do the best you can.

Trying to be 100% perfect will just drive you crazy.

I see that you're in MA. If you live near Boston, I suggest looking up the Boston Vegetarian Society for support (most people are vegan despite the name).

 

[PTree15]

I always look a veganism as a journey, rather than a destination. You are working toward your most "practicable and possible" to avoid animal exploitation, and sometimes, it just takes a while to see where you land. Also, finances can get in the way of working toward your goals, but you are aware and that's key.

Re: loneliness, it's difficult to swim against the tide. I like to think of my efforts as going toward an eventual end to animal consumption, even though I know it likely won't happen in my lifetime. But in my heart, I know I'm helping to pave the way for the possibility of an end to animal cruelty and consumption at some point.

 

[Hakavaka]

I would not stress about it, it is great to care for the well being of animals. But all of this is temporary.

In the New Heaven and the New Earth all animals will become vegans as well, they will not be eating each other anymore. All of creation will be set free from the curse it was put under due to the sin of Adam and Eve when they transgressed against God and sin and death entered the world. This affects each and everyone of us till this day, but the good news is that God was manifest in the flesh in His Son the Lord Jesus Christ, who died for our sins, shed His blood on the cross to redeem us and to give us the gift of eternal life.

You may find it interesting as vegans that in the New Earth, the people who enter the New Jerusalem will be eating leafs and lions will be eating grass instead of other animals. You will finally have what you wish for, a world free from animal cruelty. How do you get there? You can start by confessing your sins to God, repenting, asking Jesus to send you the Holy Spirit to guide you into all truth, get baptized, call on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Start praying and reading the Bible, always check whatever someone says from the Scriptures! Don't believe everything you hear, only that which is written.