Ending Abuse This Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a reflective and special time for me. It will always be because there was a time when I was not so thankful for my life.

Years ago during one Thanksgiving season, I left an abusive relationship. It was one of the most courageous steps I’ve ever taken to save myself, my spirit, and my sanity. It had to be done, and there was no looking back.

To say that I am now a different person today is an understatement! As the years passed by, I gradually let go of my fear and learned how exciting life is and how beautiful I am as a person. I am still on a journey, as we all are, but I can say with assurance that I am a NEW creation with a new outlook, a new attitude, a renewed mind, and definitely a new spirit!

I will never be made to feel afraid again. I will never be made to feel “caged” again. I will never be treated again like I was “back then.” I will never experience that again because I now know what I think about and who I am attracts what comes into my life. I have learned a lot from that terrible and enduring experience. I now remember it fondly but without the pain. I can now share it and not relive it. I am thankful.

Have you ever felt caged? Have you ever been in fear for your life? Did you ever feel like you truly had lost your mind, or have you ever felt so confused and numb from all the pain? I have been there. I now live to put an end to this type of torture and prison that many of us live in.

However, every holiday season, I cannot help think about other living beings who are caged in fear, in emotional confinement, and in physical torture. And, on Thanksgiving, it is turkeys who are caged and murdered to celebrate a time of “thanks.” Over forty-million turkeys are slaughtered for this holiday. How hypocritical we are as human beings. How can we celebrate a time of peace, travel far to get together with our family and friends, and center our celebration around food and sit down and consume, with fervor, the remnants of an abused and murdered animal?

It really does not make any sense. As a matter of fact, when you truly think about it, eating a turkey (or any animal) and giving thanks when it is not necessary for our survival is a senseless act. There will never be “peace on earth” or peace in our hearts and minds if we continue to torture, abuse, murder, and eat animals. What we put into our bodies, minds, and hearts becomes a part of us.  A person who consumes violence condones violence. If a person partakes in the traditional Thanksgiving by eating a dead turkey, he participates in violence; he participates in abuse. He condones abuse.

What can you do to end animal abuse?

You can be part of the solution by feasting on vegan food for Thanksgiving and not consuming animals and their byproducts. You can begin that day to experience true life.

Here is an example of a vegan Thanksgiving meal:

• Vegan turkey: a vegan alternative to turkey that comes already made with stuffing and gravy
• Mashed potatoes made with olive oil and without butter
• Green bean casserole made with vegan mushroom sauce or coconut sauce
• Boiled or mashed yams or sweet potatoes made with olive oil instead of butter
• Fresh, raw cranberries blended into a sauce
• Raw or cooked corn or corn on the cob spread with olive oil or vegan margarine
• Your favorite green salad with a vinaigrette dressing
• Vegan pumpkin, apple, or sweet potato pie

Find vegan Thanksgiving recipes here.

Let’s stop the abuse this Thanksgiving season and have true peace for all.