plantbased – Angela Crawford, Ph.D

The Courage to Live Your Values

September 8, 2025September 9, 2025Leave a Comment

Sheep in a barn looking toward camera — Photo by Trinity Kubassek on Pexels.com

When I went vegan, I discovered surprising inner shifts that accompanied this journey, including a greater sense of peace, freedom, meaning, fulfillment, and authenticity. Being vegan aligned me with core values I had always held: compassion and kindness, wanting to lessen suffering, and caring for animals and our natural world.

The peace and freedom that I found through living my vegan values is shared by many other vegans. When I surveyed and interviewed vegans for my book, The Vegan Transformation: A Journey to Heal Yourself and the World, I asked how veganism has contributed to their emotional well-being. The most common response was: “Being true to my inner convictions and values.”

Survey respondents expressed that through living a vegan lifestyle, they felt aligned with core values, morals, and ethics that mattered deeply to them, such as kindness, compassion for animals, healthy living, and caring for the planet. This led to a cascade of positive outcomes, including greater peace, confidence, integrity, satisfaction, and purpose, as reflected in these survey responses:

“[I feel] greater internal peace and sense of harmony arising from living in a manner that more fully aligns with my values of compassion and respect for all.”
“I adore that my life is making the least impact possible in a world where we are faced with constant decisions. I find peace that my lifestyle is positive for the animals, the environment, and my health.”
“Knowing that I am living according to my values. I feel like I found something that connected a lot of dots for me. . .and a lot of causes that were always near to my heart.”
“There is a weight off my shoulders to be no longer involved in animal cruelty—although I didn’t know that weight was on my shoulders until it lifted.”
“There is an incredible sense of confidence and inner peace knowing that you are living in line with your true values. I have never felt so healthy and true to myself. This feels like I am my authentic self for the first time in my life.”

What are values and why do they matter?

Our core values are basic and fundamental beliefs that guide our attitudes and choices. They serve as a moral compass, helping us discern what is important to us and how to act accordingly. They describe the personal qualities we choose to embody and the kind of person we want to be. They guide how we treat ourselves and others, and show us how to be authentic, so that we act in ways that reflect what really matters to us.

Knowing what your values are, what you believe, and what matters to you can help to make decisions that are best for you. We tend to be healthier psychologically when our thoughts, feelings, and goals are in alignment with our values. Living in alignment with our values can lead to greater fulfillment, self-worth, and sense of purpose.

Yet, many of us haven’t taken the time to reflect on or define our core values, much less determine if we are living in alignment with them. And it can take courage to follow our values when they require us to stand up to peer pressure or societal “norms” and expectations.

In my many years as a psychologist, I have found that being out of touch (and out of sync) with our values is a major contributor to the emotional malaise and existential distress that many of us face.

Cognitive dissonance

When we act in ways that do not match our values, and we become aware of this inner inconsistency, we may experience what is called cognitive dissonance. Cognitive dissonance is the mental discomfort that comes from holding two or more conflicting beliefs, attitudes, or values, or behaving in ways that are not in sync with our personal values. This misalignment between our beliefs and behaviors can contribute to an inner conflict that is uncomfortable or downright distressing.

The tension and stress of cognitive dissonance is heightened depending on the level of disparity between our beliefs and actions, and how much the conflicting beliefs or values matter to us. It can be especially distressing when we are out of alignment with values that are central to our moral compass or our identity. When we act against our core principles, we may feel shame or guilt, or inwardly question our “goodness” or integrity.

The discomfort of cognitive dissonance usually leads to one of the following choices: We change our behaviors so that they better match our values, or we alter our perceptions to lessen the inner conflict and associated discomfort. This can occur through changing our values, so that they match our behaviors, or perhaps more commonly, through shifting our perceptions to obscure any contradictions between our values and behaviors.

The cognitive dissonance of eating meat

Most of us have compassion for animals and hate to see cruelty, suffering, or neglect. We adore our companion animals, may enjoy watching birds and wildlife, and are deeply distressed when we see an injured or suffering animal.

However, we are conditioned from a young age to view farmed animals who are raised for meat differently from other animals, even though they too are sentient beings. We turn a blind eye, looking away from the inhumane living conditions, the cruel practices that are routine in animal agriculture, and the violence of the slaughter process. (I won’t go into those details here, but to learn more, I recommend reading Food Revolution by John Robbins or Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer, or others listed on my resource list.)

How do we make sense of this disconnect between our concern for the well-being of animals—and the reality that billions of them are bred, raised, and slaughtered each year for human consumption, in ways that would horrify the average person if we looked more closely? This inner conflict between our caring for animals and yet eating a diet that contributes to the suffering and death of many animals has been called The Meat Paradox, a term first coined by Dr. Steve Loughnan and colleagues.

The contributing factors to this disconnect are complex, including our social conditioning that normalizes eating animal products; the invisibility of factory farming and slaughterhouses; agribusiness advertising and lobbying; family and social traditions centering around certain foods; our food habits and cravings; and our psychological tendencies to compartmentalize and to dissociate from disturbing information. (To learn more about the social psychology behind these factors, I recommend Why We Love Dogs, Eat Pigs, and Wear Cows by Dr. Melanie Joy.)

Benefits of aligning with vegan values

For many vegans, there is an awakening that leads them to shift to a vegan lifestyle, whether it is something they learned through a program or article, a personal health crisis, or an unexpected experience that opened their eyes. (I share about my vegan awakening in this article). For some people that shift happens overnight. For others, it’s a lengthier process that emerges over time. Whether the change was immediate or took time to unfold, my research participants found that aligning with their values through a vegan lifestyle brought a cascade of positive inner changes, such as greater peace, confidence, integrity, freedom, fulfillment, meaning, and harmony.

If slaughterhouses had glass walls, everyone would be a vegetarian.

– Paul McCartney

Aligning our daily actions with our core values – in terms of how we treat ourselves, others, and the world around us – is emotionally and spiritually healing.

Below are a few reflection exercises to help you explore your values – and to move toward greater alignment.

Journal questions to reflect on:

What matters most to you? What do you want in life, for yourself and others?
Consider past experiences when you were being most true to yourself. What values were represented in those experiences?
Consider past experiences when you were very upset about something. What values were being impacted?
What kind of person do you aspire to be? What qualities do you want to be known for?
Consider traits of people you highly respect. What values do they demonstrate?
Check out a core values list. Which values are most important to you? Then, narrow your list down to the top 3-5 values.

How do your purchasing and food choices reflect your values?

Most of us are unaware of the connections between our values and what we consume, because we rarely see the process by which our food or other items are produced. To learn more about the ethical and environmental impact of your purchases, review guides offered by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), Humane World for Animals (formerly Humane Society), or Environmental Working Group (EWG). Set an action plan based on what you discover.

Consider the definition of veganism below. How does this definition of veganism fit with YOUR core values? What is one step you can take toward greater alignment?

Veganism is a philosophy and way of living which seeks to exclude—as far as is possible and practicable—all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing, or any other purpose; and by extension, promotes the development and use of animal-free alternatives for the benefit of animals, humans, and the environment. In dietary terms, it denotes the practice of dispensing with all products derived wholly or partly from animals.

– The Vegan Society

Exploring our values, and aligning our behaviors with them, is an ongoing process. Continuing to check in with our values, and refine our choices to be even more aligned, can help us to create a healthy, fulfilling, and authentic life. When we cultivate the courage to honor vegan values – making compassionate choices that cause the least harm possible for sentient beings and for our planet – it creates positive ripples for our own mind-heart-spirit wellness – and spreads a little more hope, healing, and kindness in our world.

This article was adapted from my book, The Vegan Transformation: A Journey to Heal Yourself and the World (chapter Two, “The Courage to Live Your Values”).

Angela Crawford, Ph.D. is a psychologist and author of The Vegan Transformation: A Journey to Heal Yourself and the World (Lantern Publishing & Media, 2025), which was launched on April 22, 2025, Earth Day.

Dr. Crawford is certified as a MSVA Master Vegan Lifestyle Coach and Educator, licensed PCRM Food for Life instructor, and Transformational Coach. A speaker and teacher about the psychological benefits of veganism, she is passionate about the power of personal transformation to create a more fulfilling and purposeful life, and a kinder, healthier world.

Hands forming heart shape with sunset in the background

Plant-Empowered Lifestyle for Heart Health

February 26, 2025March 4, 2025Leave a Comment

Chronic illness takes a huge toll. I have witnessed its impact on the lives of many of my clients, my parents, and numerous friends and family. For those afflicted with a chronic medical condition, it often takes a toll on their very quality of life—impacting everything from daily activities, to work, to relationships, to finances, to independence and autonomy.

Chronic medical conditions also create a huge societal toll. In the US, we are facing a large-scale health crisis. It affects our country’s economic well-being, as we spend huge amounts on medical care. In fact, the US spends more per capita on health care than any other nation, double that of other industrialized nations. Despite our higher health care spending, Americans have lower life expectancy than other high-income nations.

Cardiovascular disease, in particular, has become epidemic in the US. Over 75 percent of people between ages sixty to seventy-nine, and 90 percent of those over age eighty, are afflicted with some form of cardiovascular disease, according to the American Heart Association (see article by AARP). And research suggests that heart disease often starts when we are young, long before we see any signs of its progression.

Early in my career as a psychologist, I learned about the power of mindset, stress management, exercise, and other lifestyle factors for influencing health, but I had little understanding of the role of nutrition. When I first learned about research by pioneers such as Drs. Neal Barnard, T. Colin Campbell, Dean Ornish, and Caldwell Esselstyn, showing the healing power of a plant-based diet to prevent and reverse many common lifestyle diseases, I was blown away. (See my Plant-Powered Resource page for a list of books and resources that share this research).

Since I have a strong family history of heart disease, I was especially impacted by learning that Drs. Ornish and Esselstyn have shown that even severe coronary heart disease can be reversed (and prevented) through a low fat, plant-based diet. Learning that we aren’t solely at the mercy of genes, circumstances, or the medical system, and that we can take charge of our own health, was eye-opening and empowering.

Dr. Dean Ornish has conducted revolutionary research, since the 1980’s, showing that a healthy lifestyle, centered around a plant-based diet, stress management, exercise, and social support, can reverse coronary artery disease, even among those with advanced cases. In addition to improvements in his patients’ physical symptoms, functioning, and well-being, scans of their blood vessels showed reduced blockage and improved blood flow. (For more about Dr. Ornish’s programs and research, read his book, UnDo It, or check out his website).

Similarly, Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn, Jr. conducted research examining the effects of a whole food, plant-based diet for patients with severe coronary artery disease. He found that patients who followed a low fat, plant-based diet showed significant reductions in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, coronary events and symptoms, and also evidenced reductions in blockages in their arteries. These improvements enabled his patients to return to previously enjoyed activities and regain their quality of life. (See Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease by Dr. Esselstyn to learn more.)

After my father went through cardiac bypass surgery, I sent him a copy of Dr. Dean Ornish’s cookbook. I don’t think he ever tried the recipes, or significantly changed his diet, although he seemed to appreciate my intentions. (And unfortunately, I lived too far away to share healthy plant-based meals with him on a regular basis). His cardiovascular disease progressed, leading to additional procedures and surgeries. It was heartbreaking to see the impact of these health issues on his life, activities, and independence. My grief was compounded by both parents passing at a younger age than I anticipated due to lifestyle related diseases. Even though I was an adult when I lost them, I felt very much like an orphan after their deaths.

I believe that the loss of my parents played a role in my own desire to be as proactive as possible with my own health, so that I can remain independent, vibrant, and healthy for as long as possible. I have come to realize that we have significantly more personal power over our health than many of us have been told. Rather than clogging our arteries with the Standard American Diet (SAD diet), we can make healthy dietary choices that improve our well-being and decrease our risk for degenerative, lifestyle diseases.

One of the stories I share in my forthcoming book (The Vegan Transformation: A Journey to Heal Yourself and the World) is that of Dr. Akil Taher, a physician, author, and motivational speaker. Dr. Taher began experiencing chest pain in his fifties. Medical testing revealed severe coronary artery blockages, which were addressed by placing stents. Six years later, when the arteries had become narrowed again, he underwent cardiac bypass surgery at age 61. This pivotal experience ultimately led him to adopt a whole-food, plant-based diet. Dr. Taher’s book, Open Heart, chronicles his journey from “couch potato” to running marathons and mountain climbing. His example highlights the profound impact of plant-based diet, mental and emotional resilience, spiritual growth, and finding life’s purpose. He now educates people on preventing and addressing the causes of chronic diseases, rather than treating the consequences of disease after it has happened. (See Dr. Taher’s website to learn more).

It’s empowering to realize that we have more personal power over our health than we have been taught. While we can’t necessarily avoid all illness, we can become informed and make lifestyle choices that support our health. Since learning these connections, it has been part of my mission to empower myself and others toward better physical, emotional, and spiritual health, through the power of a plant-powered, vegan lifestyle.

This passion is one of the reasons I became a licensed PCRM Food for Life instructor and now offer classes on plant-based cooking and nutrition for my online and local communities. Food for Life (FFL) classes promote healthful eating based on the latest scientific research, to help participants reduce their risk for diet-related diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. FFL is offered through Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM), a national nonprofit organization that promotes preventive medicine, particularly good nutrition.

Many of us have never learned the power of plant-based nutrition and other healthy lifestyle changes to improve our health and well-being. Once we learn the WHY and the HOW of a healthy, plant-based lifestyle, it can transform our health and our life.

Our health and well-being are among our greatest resources. When we include ourselves in our circle of care, this in turn can empower us to extend our compassion and care to others. Whatever our reasons for moving toward a plant-based lifestyle (whether for personal well-being, animal compassion, and/or the health of our planet), the healthier we are, the greater impact we can have on ALL the things that matter most to us.

NOTE: Segments of this article are adapted from The Vegan Transformation: A Journey to Heal Yourself and the World.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article and on my website are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. In addition, if you are taking medications for a health condition, it is important to discuss any dietary changes with your physician, as changes in diet may impact the amount of medication needed.

Angela Crawford, Ph.D. is a psychologist, vegan educator, transformational coach, and plant-based culinary instructor. She is author of The Vegan Transformation: A Journey to Heal Yourself and the World (Lantern, April 2025). She also hosts a YouTube channel, @The Vegan Transformation.

Emotional Self-Care for Vegans through the Holidays

December 18, 2024Leave a Comment

Table set with plates, flowers, and blue tablecloth — Photo by Paulette Wooten on Unsplash

While holidays are often a beautiful time of celebration and connection, they can also be rife with family expectations, unhealthy dynamics, and old emotional baggage. These “normal” holiday challenges can be intensified and magnified for those of us living a vegan lifestyle. We may feel like we are walking a delicate tightrope, surrounded by family gatherings, foods, and traditions that don’t align with our values. Under these circumstances, it’s easy to feel isolated, anxious, tense, and even emotionally drained. How can we maintain our peace while honoring our compassionate values? In this article, I discuss three key practices to navigate the holidays with grace and resilience (and maybe even a little joy sprinkled in).

First, before we dive in, I invite you to reflect: What social situations are most challenging for YOU during the holidays? Perhaps you are the only vegan in your family or social circle, and you feel isolated and unsupported. Perhaps you are not sure how to navigate social gatherings centered around animal foods. Or you feel frustrated by family tensions or conflicts. Whatever your holiday challenges, it can be incredibly helpful to proactively develop a plan for how to approach these.

You may wish to grab a note pad or journal to reflect on the questions and suggestions offered below. Consider your personal situation, goals, and desires – and create your own unique holiday self-care “prescription.”

1. Be intentional

Once we become vegan, we see the world very differently than we had previously. We now recognize animal foods (the “centerpiece” of many holiday meals) as the products of suffering, and no longer choose to purchase, eat, or partake in these. As we learn more about the impact of our choices (on animals, humans, the planet, and our own health), we move toward more mindful, conscious, healthy, and compassionate ways of living. Whether others are ready to join us yet or not, we can still be proactive in considering how we want to celebrate. We have the power to influence how our holidays will be.

I invite you to take a moment to envision your ideal holiday season. Take some time to dream and imagine. Who would you spend the time with during the holidays? What kinds of things would you focus on? What foods would you eat? What activities would you engage in? What are the values you want to live by and the mindsets you want to cultivate? Play out an “ideal” holiday, from when you get up to when you go to bed, using all your senses – sights, sounds, sensations, feelings, smells, and tastes.

Now, as you’ve visualized what your ideal holiday might look and feel like, let’s bring it down to a more tangible level. While your vision may or may not fully unfold, there are things you can do to help move in that direction. Reflect on the following questions:

What social events and family traditions do you want to continue to be part of?
Which events will you choose NOT to attend?
What new traditions would you like to create?
What vegan foods will you prepare and bring to events?
How will you incorporate time for rest, renewal, and self-care?
How will you communicate with non-vegan family and friends about the changes you would like to make?

Be creative in exploring solutions that work best for you. It may be as simple as bringing lots of great vegan dishes to social gatherings – ensuring that you have food to eat, while allowing others to discover how scrumptious plant-based cuisine can be. Or you may decline to attend certain gatherings, and instead, plan a vegan meal with friends. Perhaps you might get together with non-vegan family and friends later for a drink, vegan dessert, or movie. Maybe you will schedule some personal time for an activity you love. As you consider these questions and ideas, give yourself time to explore what feels best to you and to discover creative solutions.

2. Emotional self-care

No matter how beautifully you plan your holidays, you’re probably going to experience some anxiety, stress, tension, or frustration at some point. For many of us, holidays are already a stressful time, because there’s so much baggage attached to it. There are family expectations and dynamics, as well as cultural messages and expectations. This “normal” holiday stress can be magnified when we have experienced life changes or losses – or are living and eating differently than the majority of those around us. This means that having an emotional self-care plan for the holidays is essential.

Here again, being proactive can be hugely helpful in preparing for and thriving through the holidays. Take time to reflect (and journal) on the following questions:

Which holiday situations do you anticipate will likely bring up stress? How can you prepare for these situations?
What plan can you have for handling unexpected stressors? What techniques can you use in the moment to manage stress?
How can you implement ongoing self-care to lessen stress?
What self-talk and actions will nurture greater self-compassion?
How will you nourish yourself physically? (e.g., eating plenty of healthy whole plant foods, exercising, getting adequate sleep).
What support systems do you have in place?
What pleasurable activities will you enjoy? How can you take time to laugh, play, and enjoy the beauty of life?

Mindful self-awareness is an important foundation for healthy emotional self-care. Consider checking in with yourself periodically to ask these questions: What am I feeling? What do I need? Do I have the energy or bandwidth to continue this conversation or situation right now? Can I take a moment to pause and return to this later? What would nourish me right now, or what might I need to do later?

To navigate emotional stress more effectively, it helps to develop ongoing self-care practices (your self-care “prescription”). Choose a few practices that you are willing to commit to regularly, such as meditation, yoga, affirmations, breathing techniques, taking a walk, time in nature, journaling, time with companion animals, art, or music.

Based on the questions and suggestions above, what daily practices will you implement to relax, manage stress, and process emotions? Write out your holiday self-care prescription, including how and when you will implement these practices. (For additional suggestions, see my recent article on coping with difficult emotions.)

3. Healthy communication

As you explore new ways to navigate the holidays, ultimately you will need to communicate with others about your desired changes. In approaching these conversations, you may wish to reflect: What are creative ways to honor my values AND enjoy meaningful festivities with those I love? How can I communicate this in ways that allow me to be true to myself, while remaining connected to those I care about?

If you are a new vegan, this will include letting those close to you know that you are no longer eating animal products. You may need to explain that you will not be eating Grandma’s beloved pumpkin pie or Uncle Pete’s special pasta Bolognese. It’s important to recognize that for some people, sharing food is their way of sharing love. In these situations, it can be helpful to emphasize that you still love and value the other person(s) and your relationship – and that your decision to go vegan is a personal one, based on values such as ethics or health. You might offer to bring some vegan dishes to share and note that you are happy to provide more information about veganism or plant-based diets if they are interested.

There is an art to effective communication. In some situations, communication flows smoothly and naturally, and you don’t have to give it a lot of thought. However, some conversations can be emotionally charged, and therefore more challenging. Below are some suggestions for navigating these challenging conversations more effectively.

Set an intention for your communication.

The book Crucial Conversations emphasizes the importance of taking time to pause and clarify your intentions and desires before initiating important conversations. This allows you to connect with your Wise Brain, the part of your brain that holds emotional intelligence. Take a deep breath, and then ask yourself questions such as: “What do I really want here – for myself and for the other person? What do I want for the larger situation? What is the best way to express myself to create those results?” This reflection connects you with your deeper wishes, so you can be proactive, not reactive, in how you communicate. It helps to discern the right timing, words, tone, and body language to have a fruitful conversation.

Is your agenda healthy?

In her book, Beyond Beliefs: A Guide to Improving Relationships and Communication for Vegans, Vegetarians, and Meat Eaters, Dr. Melanie Joy discusses the importance of having healthy expectations and intentions for our communication. When we are focused on being “right,” or changing another person, this rarely leads to meaningful communication. Perhaps the healthiest intention for a conversation is greater mutual understanding. We may have secondary goals, but without mutual understanding, our conversation becomes more of a lecture or monologue, not a true interaction. We are each more likely to be touched and moved when we feel heard and understood. Our words will also have more impact, coming from a place of greater understanding and connection.

Communicate assertively, not passively or aggressively.

Assertive communication entails expressing your feelings and needs clearly and directly, in a way that is respectful of the other person as well as yourself. When you communicate assertively, you are honest about what you feel, where you stand, and what you would like to see happen, and at the same time, do this in a way that honors the dignity of the other person. Assertive communication is not just about words, but also about a respectful tone of voice, body language, and manner. It includes using “I-language,” and sharing your perspective and story so that others can better understand where you are coming from. It also involves active listening, to better understand the other’s concerns and perspectives. Assertive communication increases the likelihood of achieving greater mutual understanding and discovering creative solutions.

Passive communication, in contrast, is when we don’t speak up at all, or dance around the issues, rather than be clear and direct. Often this occurs when we are trying to please others or avoid conflict. When we are indirect, this may lead to misunderstandings, and even unintended conflict, because others can’t “read” our desires and intentions.

And then there’s aggressive communication, which comes across as hostile or threatening. It can range from speaking in an angry tone of voice, to name-calling, to verbal attacks, even to physical violence. Those on the receiving end of aggression tend to feel threatened, which triggers a fight-or-flight response, often leading to anger (fight), or to withdrawal (flight). Passive-aggressive behavior is a more subtle form of aggression, which can include sarcasm, ridicule, or sabotaging behaviors. If you’ve ever been on the receiving end of aggressive or passive-aggressive communication, consider how this made you feel. It’s safe to say that this style of communicating rarely lends itself to positive understanding or meaningful change.

Consider: How can you implement intentional, healthy, assertive communication to express your wishes, needs, and/or changes in holiday plans with loved ones? (Check out my Vegan Communication Resource list for additional resources to improve communication.)

Bringing it all together

In this article I’ve discussed three core strategies for navigating the holidays more peacefully: Being intentional and proactive, prioritizing emotional self-care, and implementing healthy communication skills. Developing these skills occurs over time and with practice. While being vegan in a not-yet-vegan world can bring up emotional and interpersonal challenges, it contributes to so much that is positive – for animals, the planet, and for our own health and peace of mind. In honoring our deepest values, and walking the path less traveled, veganism offers an opportunity to live more authentically in our relationship with ourself and with others. Living authentically may ulitimately enable us to navigate the holidays (and beyond) with greater grace, peace, fulfillment, and joy.

Check out my recent presentation on Emotional Self-Care for Vegans (available on YouTube) for additional tips on thriving emotionally through the holidays.

Angela Crawford, Ph.D. is a psychologist, transformational coach, vegan educator, and plant-based culinary instructor. She is author of The Vegan Transformation: A Journey to Heal Yourself and the World (Lantern, 2025).

6 Keys to Living Your Purpose

April 3, 2023May 29, 2024Leave a Comment

Beautiful autumn scene with colorful leaves — Photo by Lucas Calloch on Unsplash

Becoming vegan has been a path of personal transformation for me. When I learned about factory farming and awoke to the immense suffering of farmed animals, I became determined to make changes in my own life to reflect compassion for all sentient beings. I also wanted to help others move toward and sustain a healthy and compassionate plant-powered lifestyle.

This led to me finding a deeper sense of purpose than I had ever experienced before. I saw that in the choice of what I ate daily, I had power to say No to cruelty and oppression – and “vote” through my choices for a kinder and healthier world.

I also found my Voice. As an introvert, I’ve generally lived a quiet and private life. After becoming vegan a little over 4 years ago, I was trained as a Vegan Lifestyle Coach and Educator through Main Street Vegan Academy (an educational experience I highly recommend). This gave me confidence to share my vegan values with others. I started a blog and website about 3 years ago and began research for a book on the transformative power of a vegan lifestyle. I now speak and teach about the benefits of compassionate vegan living for our emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual well-being.

It gives such deep meaning and fulfillment to live our purpose. And through each of us living our purpose, we contribute to healing our world.

Living our purpose doesn’t mean we will be happy all the time. When we awaken to suffering and injustice, it can be really painful. And yet, research (and personal experience) shows that making choices that are aligned with our values and being guided by our higher purpose is more fulfilling than simply trying to “feel good” all the time.

Here are some keys to living your purpose in a way that is healthy and impactful. You may want to have a journal to write in as you reflect on these ideas and questions.

1) Notice – what are your passions, what do you care about deeply, what intrigues you, and what makes you curious?

2) Also notice what makes you angry – what feels unjust or not right? What problems in the world around you are most upsetting to you? Where do you feel most called to make a difference?

3) Make a list of your gifts, abilities, and skills. Think of all the different areas in your life where you have shared your gifts. Ask others for input – they may see gifts that you overlook because they come so naturally.

4) Where is the intersection between your passions, your gifts, and the issues that most concern you? Create a list of ways that your gifts can be applied to help the causes you care about. Write down all the ideas you can think of… and then see where you feel the most energy and excitement. Choose one idea to start, take one step forward – and see where it leads.

5) Don’t forget your own self-care in the process. When we are empathetic to the suffering of others, we can forget or neglect our own well-being. But to be a sustainable and truly impactful advocate, we must include healthy lifestyle practices, have a good support system, and remember our own limits. We are most effective when we take care of ourselves emotionally and physically. Consider what daily practices will help you stay healthy and well.

6) It helps to be connected to something larger than yourself – whether that be your love of nature, your deepest values, spiritual faith, and/or sense of connection to a Higher Power. For me personally, a strong spiritual faith and trusting my inner guidance have been integral to finding and sustaining my purpose. I also have found that it helps to visualize the compassionate world I hope to see – this helps me to stay connected to my larger vision, even during difficult times. To be even more impactful, connect with others who share your vision – we can accomplish more when we collaborate with others.

The vegans I have met through my research have found countless ways to bring their unique passions and gifts toward their vision and purpose. This includes: Cooking and sharing great vegan food, working for animal protection organizations, coaching, mentoring, activism, gardening, volunteering, creating vegan businesses, artwork, writing, nutritional guidance, and educating others about the benefits of veganism and plant-based living.

There are many ways we can make a difference. Our individual steps may feel small – but when we work together, we create momentum and synergy. As each of us shares our individual gifts, we are part of a greater whole. Together, we can envision and create a more compassionate, healthy, and sustainable world.

Angela Crawford, Ph.D. is a psychologist and transformational coach. She is passionate about empowering people to create healthy, purposeful lives that nurture mind, body, spirit, and the planet. Dr. Crawford is certified as a Master Vegan Lifestyle Coach and Educator (through MSVA), and has a Plant-Based Nutrition certificate (T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies at e-Cornell). She is currently doing research for a book on the psychological and emotional impacts of a vegan lifestyle. She serves as a psychology advisor for WeDIDit.Health, an on-line community that shares the benefits of a plant-powered lifestyle. She is also a supporting psychology expert for Compassion Rising, a compassion-based educational program. She hosts a YouTube channel, The Vegan Transformation. For additional resources to support your veg journey (e.g., books, websites, documentaries), CLICK HERE.