Early in 2012 I started reaching out to vegan friends on twitter to ask them to share their testimonials. My hope was that by getting vegans to share their stories we could educate and inspire others and give people first hand accounts to replace perceptions or stereotypes. I’m incredibly grateful to those that have participated. Their stories speak for themselves! If you enjoy the series please let us know!

Carme

My name is Carme, I am from Barcelona (Catalunya), and when I grow up I want to be an
artist. I live in England with my beautiful family, my dogs and my cats.

Many years ago, I became aware of the cruelty to animals involved in the food chain and
decided not to be part of it, becoming vegetarian. Unfortunately, Spain is not very
vegetarian friendly and when I became pregnant the doctors persuaded me to leave my
diet for the wellbeing of my baby. I know now the arguments they used were completely
wrong.

A couple of years later, my family moved to England. London first and the countryside
later. One spring day, driving my children to school, I saw a little lamb on the road. He was lost and probably had escaped from a farm nearby. The lamb was returned to his mum but I started thinking about the future of such a sweet creature. That was my trigger to turn
vegetarian again.

One by one my family joined me, with more or less convictions, but they followed agreeing
with the principles of walking away from death and cruelty. We don’t need to kill anything
for our personal gain to lead a perfectly healthy life.

About three years ago, I decided it was time to definitely leave behind all animals products
and become a vegan. Half of my wardrobe went with the decision, my coats and
everything involving wool. But the lack of coats was replaced by a huge peace within.

My family carries on being vegetarian but I am the main cook in the house, which means,
most of our meals are vegan. I am sure they will take the leap when they feel ready for it.

Barcelona is a very cosmopolitan city and has changed a great deal since I left. I was very
pleased to see so many vegan restaurants in the city, and what is more important, the
awareness of the people.

Having said that, my Catalan family still don’t understand why I refuse to wear or eat
animals, but I am working on it and the last time I visited my sister cooked fantastic vegan
meals for all the family for the first time!

We live nowadays in a world where abuse and death are on our television everyday and society seems to be insensitive to it. We all need to be more compassionate and I am
truly convinced that a vegan lifestyle pulls you away from the “don’t bother” attitude, giving
a wonderful energy and deep set of principles that reach into every corner of our souls.

I try my best to explain to everyone who wants to listen how fantastic the vegan diet is and
not only good for your body – it really is – but also for your mind.

To be vegan it is not an easy choice and I know I am sort of an outsider, but aren’t we all in
one way or another?

I am not able to bring world peace, stop hunger or global warming (I wish I could), but I
am trying my best to create a better future for the children and, in my opinion, vegan is
the key which opens the door to compassion, mindfulness and peace.

I said at the beginning, “When I grow up I want to be an artist,” and it is true. I have
been painting now for a few years, but I can’t ever be happy enough with my work. Maybe
one day I’ll get there.

I also enjoy books, music and walks in the countryside. As you can see, not very special
really. I live physically in England but I am a permanent resident in twitterland, too. So if
you want to say “hi” you just have to knock and I will be there.

I am so grateful to Carme for sharing her story! Our mutual friend, Nina (aka @vinylfestish) introduced Carme to me on twitter and it has been great to know her since. You should be sure to say hello and let her know you appreciate her sharing her testimonial!

Feeling inspired? Do you have a story to tell? Please read this post and learn how you can be part of the Vegan Testimonials Project. There are also some interviews about the project that you may enjoy. Kasey Minnis (@veggiemightee)  interviewed me for This Dish is Veg. Ashley Flitter also interviewed me about the project on The Unintentional Vegan. And I just finished an interview with Jamessina on Jamessina.com.