Let’s get this out of the way: I’m vegan.
But I’m not perfect. Not even close. And that’s okay.
There’s a weird pressure in the vegan world—this idea that once you choose to stop eating animals, you’ve also committed to being 100% zero-waste, gluten-free, ethically-sourced, nutritionally-balanced, and socially graceful at all times. And while those are great ideals, most of us are human beings doing our best in a system that makes compassion inconvenient.
🌱 It’s Not All or Nothing
I’ve accidentally eaten things with dairy in them. I’ve bought oat milk from companies owned by not-so-vegan conglomerates. I’ve worn shoes I bought years ago that aren’t cruelty-free. Sometimes I say “plant-based” just to avoid a conversation.
Does that make me “less vegan”?
Some people might say yes. I say: screw that.
The point of veganism isn’t to earn purity points. It’s to reduce harm—to animals, to the environment, and to ourselves. That doesn’t require perfection. It requires intention.
🤯 Perfectionism Can Burn You Out
The world isn’t set up for veganism. Reading every label. Asking awkward questions at restaurants. Navigating social events. It can be exhausting, especially at first.
And when people slip up, the guilt can be intense. Or worse, the judgment—from others or from within. But here’s the thing: most of the change we need in the world won’t come from a small group of “perfect” vegans. It’ll come from millions of people making more compassionate choices every day—even if they’re not perfect.
💚 The Imperfect Path Still Matters
Every meal without meat. Every product you skip. Every conversation that plants a seed in someone else. It all counts.
You don’t have to do everything. Just something.
And then something else after that.
So if you’re vegan but not perfect—same here. Welcome. You’re doing just fine.