Since I’ve been single these last few months, I’ve had more time to think, and I mean really think. I sometimes look back to who I was just a few years ago and wonder if I’m the same person. I used to have what was called (to my former father-in-law’s coveting eye) the magical snack-cabinet. You opened it up and every kind of unhealthy snack could be found within it. I used to be content to watch hours of TV every week. I would work out a lot but if it wasn’t an actual running workout, I felt like I was kind of cheating for that day. And, while I loved animals (and still do), I was afraid to go to an animal shelter and volunteer my time because I thought it would break my heart to leave the animals behind every day. It still hurts, but I now know I’m doing something when I volunteer at the Animal Rescue League of Boston rather than just thinking about doing something.
Here’s the thing – I don’t feel like I am doing enough to help animals. Sure, I’ve adopted a few more over the past few years and while that helps those lucky few, it doesn’t help the hundreds of thousands or millions of other ones out there. While I was taking an online writing course, some class members thought that I was a strong writer and so that I should combine that strength/skill with my love of animals and try to give them a voice. So, that’s what I plan on doing. I’d like to write more regularly on this blog, and I think it would be a good place to highlight some animal issues every week, whether it be highlighting an animal that is up for adoption, or some of the more touchy issues relating to animals. I may also touch on my life as a new vegan from time to time, because the main reason I chose to go vegan was to reduce my impact on their suffering. I know that, alone, it isn’t much. But multiply my situation by many and it starts to add up. I just don’t feel like I have the right to consume animal products. Not anymore.
So, I won’t lie and say I won’t post pictures that might be hard for you to look at sometimes. There are many times that I see something on Facebook and it makes me want to cry (and sometimes I do) but it’s because it has such a huge effect on me that I feel the need to do something MORE. This blog is about chasing my dreams, and one of my dreams is to help a lot of animals, including my own but not being limited to them. Writing is a skill that I have so I need to use it for some good in this world. This blog will just be the start of something that allows me to give a voice to those who don’t have one.
Chasing Simple Dreams 
Hi Terri, I am glad you decided to use your beautiful writting to help the little ones. Have you given a try in the book 10 10 10?
Hi Elizabeth, I did get it from my library and read through it – I’m sorry, I meant to let you know. I really liked it! Thank you for reminding me to start using it in practice.
Such a beautiful post! You are an inspiration. I look foward to your future posts on animals and veganism.
Oh, thank you, Tammy! That is so kind of you to say, and I’m so grateful you took the time to comment. Are you also a vegan or vegetarian?
I admire you so much for your loving spirit to animals. A five star for you. And, I am liking so much your blogs. Keep writing. You can touch and move so many hearts. You are born a writer. Congrats!
Grace, thank you so much. You know how much I value your thoughts about my writing. I really do hope I can move some hearts where animals are concerned. You keep writing too!