I was a vegetarian for 1.5 years. The concept of veganism seemed too extreme. I thought I might as well live in the woods and never pay for clothing or electricity or any pleasures again if I was going to go such lengths.

Then I was confronted with my hypocrisy, and after a lifetime of eating habits rooted in cognitive dissonance and buried distress I just- stopped doing it.

Yes, there are some challenges. I already think they're trumped by other challenges in my life, like navigating new responsibilities with my age, getting a job, and driving. The thing that was really, truly testing was deciding and committing to veganism when it seemed hard and scary. That was the hill. Every meal since has been comparably painless.

Ethics aside, I have personally gained more in nutrition knowledge, cooking skills, and general independence too! I'm happier, and I feel less hesitant to do "hard" things. I'm so grateful to this sub, because it would never have happened without you.