If you are a good person, fair, considerate and self-respecting, bright and modest, educated and well-rounded, poised, equipped with a good sense of humor and passionate about something, these gifts will make themselves known. They are undeniable because they simply are. They don't need to be generally denied or accepted; they just need to be. We tend to be accepted widely but superficially or narrowly but deeply. The rare person is embraced widely and deeply (except maybe Johnny Depp!). Those who don't appreciate your unique blend may have a concoction excessively like or unlike your own, host competing motives or insecurities at the moment, or simply may not be a kindred spirit. And that's ok. Instead of fussing over a persona and stressing about the grapevine, let's develop our gifts, use them to craft great memories with each other, and feed relationships with those who truly do respect, appreciate and embrace us deeply.
Speaking of reputation, vegan eating still seems to carry a stigma of extremist silliness. Paradoxically, eating a steak dinner doesn't seem to carry the same stigma. I don't eat 100% vegan (give up cream-based dessert and the occasional wedge of cheese?!), but - despite my cravings - I try to be honest about the benefits and challenges of a vegan diet and concerns about and conveniences of animal-based meals. I've always preferred fruits and veggies over meats, so eating veggie/vegan foods feels natural. Can you think of a few vegan goodies you already enjoy? (Hint: beer, wine, coffee, PB&J are just a few.) Here's one bursting with flavor that will feel like a natural choice:
quinoa salad with black beans & mango
1 mango, peeled & diced
1 organic red bell pepper, seeded & finely diced
1 c chopped scallions
1 c chopped fresh cilantro
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
2 tbsp grapeseed oil
1/4 tsp salt
1 (15oz) can organic black beans, drained & rinsed
2 c cooked organic quinoa (non-GMO): 2/3 c quinoa & just over 1-1/3 c vegetable stock
optional: avocado, fresh lime juice
1. Make the quinoa per package instructions. Cool.
2. Combine mango, pepper, scallions, cilantro in a mixing bowl.
3. Add vinegar, oil, salt and stir.
4. Add quinoa and stir. Fold-in beans. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
(serves 2 because it's always more fun when there's enough to share or have seconds)
l i v e e x u b e r a n t l y™
quote image by natalie @ calliope, words via bitsotruth, photo by stan @ calliope, recipe from Veganomicon
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