We’ve been on this property for a year now and I would say I didn’t start letting myself enjoy it until about 5 months ago.  That’s a whole nother story about why I worry about things to the point of making my head spin. Just gotta breathe and let today be the day.

Now that I’ve tried to slow down a bit and reflect on how amazing it is that we’ve even been given this opportunity in life, even if it were all to fall apart, I am seeing how a piece of our lifestyle does not fit with our bigger goal and intention.  Remember how I talked about getting in touch with Momma Earth, appreciating the seasons, getting my hands dirty, and needing wide open spaces (#lovemesomeDixieChicks)? That’s all still true and applicable. And I feel like the puzzle piece that is out of place is our meat consumption.  Hold on a second, don’t just close this tab of your browser, let me explain a bit more and I am not trying to be preachy.

I love nature.  I love trees, flowers, lakes, birds, mountains, bees, berries, horses, sunsets, rain, and on and on and on (deer are a tad annoying and wasps could nearly kill me but there is room for everything).  And we wanted a piece of land to have a closer relationship and connection to all of it. Being the health focused individual that I am, the evidence has been stacking up for me over the last few years on how much better a plant-based diet is in every way for the Earth and for the guests of the Earth (I’m referring to us humans).  

Plant-based, to be clear, does not mean vegetarian or vegan.  My personal definition is dedicating more space on my plate to vegetables, fruit, grains and beans.  I do believe meat is part of a balanced diet. But I think how much meat we now eat per person in the US (approximately 270 lbs per year, compared to the world average of 100 lbs per year) has increased with no obvious benefit (other than the profits enjoyed by the meat industry).  People aren’t healthier from eating more meat. It doesn’t take less resources (water, land, feed) to ‘grow’ meat. It’s more expensive and it’s less efficient. And the toll it’s taking on the planet is devastating. So why are we doing it?  

I promised I wouldn’t get preachy.  So as I approach the new year with thoughts on how I can evolve into a better person, eating more plant-based is in my top 3.  What are you doing to grow this year – mentally, emotionally, physically?