Sometimes, It Is a Choice

I’ve hemmed and hawed for a duet of years on if I want to remain a vegetarian (feel free to read about the why I’ve been on the fence here). And after considerable thought, conversation, licking pieces of turkey (okay one. I licked ONE piece of turkey), and drooling over the idea of sashimi (I really do want to try it before my end of days), I have to say this: I’m recommitting to vegetarianism for me. 

I don’t love what we’re doing to the environment because of eating meat. I don’t believe I could kill my own food unless forced to or unless living/working on a personal farm for years. I think adding to the meat-eaters adds to the problem, and while vegetarianism isn’t a solution, it’s a step in the right direction. And I’ve met a few vegetarians this year that are so resolute in their convictions without being overbearing – who believe what they are doing is the better choice even though they miss meat to a degree – and they’ve inspired me to believe in something.

I also don’t care what you do so long as you do it thoughtfully. I will watch you eat re-legalized foie gras with glee and ask how it tastes because yes, I crave the experience. I will probably at some point eat meat again if only to experience certain things for a few years because I am intensely curious about most things, including the tastes and textures that define our world.

It feels good to decide this.