This week I released my podcast, Jessica Talks Veganism, where I talk about veganism and bring more vitality to my words. Although writing was an easy and comfortable approach to activism, I realized to fulfill my mission statement and speak against injustice honestly; I must use my voice. Activism is uncomfortable, and the more uncomfortable you get, the greater the chance you inspire someone else to make a change. I still get nervous advocating for animal rights, fearing that others would perceive me in a negative light. These restraints I was holding to my capabilities hurt my character and identity. These feelings of fear spanned into several aspects of my life: could I push the pace? When running a race, would I run to my most tremendous potential? I love this quote I read that goes along the lines, “you never know what you are capable of until you try” (Carter). There have been many times that I questioned my identity as an activist. Was it worth trying at all? If I didn’t keep fighting those voices, I would have never grown to meet the person I am today and the incredible accomplishments I have made. I want to offer some advice to my readers to help them live up to their most significant potential or, essentially, to live limitlessly.
Tip #1: push the pace.
This tip does not just apply to races, meets, or whatnot, but our abilities to get uncomfortable. I recommend my readers find change in their routines, maybe trying a new meal or walking into new neighborhoods.
Tip #2: live unapologetically.
As an animal activist, blogger, and podcaster(!), it can seem not very comforting to continue sending home messages to your audience. You may think before posting, haven’t they heard enough of me? Do they care? But to become the person you want to be, you need to live on your terms. If you are scared to advocate for animals, remember that your page, your voice people want to hear. You have every right to express the way you feel, and nobody should ever make you feel invalid for your experiences, feelings, and beliefs.
Tip #3: take time off.
At the beginning of my animal activism, I was a vegetarian. At the time I went vegetarian, I decided to delete Instagram and all social media platforms completely. This decision was the best thing I have ever done for myself. After several years, this August, I decided to reinstall Instagram only to connect more with my friends during Quarantine. When I gave space to myself during these years, I felt more accessible and connected to my loved ones. I would not spend hours upon hours on social media, and I would go weeks without my phone. When this came into the conversation, one of my favorite teachers told me I had done what most adults could not do in eighth grade. When you put aside your phone and give time to your thoughts, you can mend your most extraordinary actions.
Tip #4: get rid of toxicity.
When I was younger, I would hang around people that did not make me feel my best and inspire me for the worse. I would tolerate verbal abuse every day, accepting these behaviors without a second thought. It took me many years to realize how much they hurt me and how necessary I needed to cut those people from my life. I now try to live a life that I want to live, hang out with people that make me happy, and surround myself with positivity. As a result of past experiences, I realized that I could have been a better person when I was younger. I could have been nicer, more outgoing, and responsive to people that deserved these feelings mutually. These are some of my regrets, but I have tried to live a life that I can be proud of.
Tip #5: look back at your old self.
When I mean look back at your old self, I don’t mean from a physical point of view, but psychological. Chances are most of us were in a rough patch, overcame lots of challenges and difficult experiences (we are in a global pandemic)! Many of us have used Quarantine to improve our mental health, relationship with food and our bodies and become a happier version of ourselves. My mom tells me that since going vegan, I have become more optimistic and more self-assured. When I feel invalidated in my experiences and accomplishments, I remember who I am: Jessica Nadine. Have I become someone I would have otherwise wanted to be?
Tip #6: try something exhilarating.
When I try to set my mind away from things, I like to overcome something I couldn’t have in the past. When I first started running in Quarantine, I could not run for longer than ten minutes at a time. When I run a faster time than before, or my watch tells me I am faster, I remember that I put in the work and overcame something I never thought I could. I recommend going on walks to new towns, using your phone as little as possible to truly absorb the exhilaration of adventure.
Thank you for reading my article, and I hope it could have been of assistance to you and your journey. I know everyone is different, so each of our journeys will fork, but I wish you the best in all respects. I know it can be scary to try new things, ride that roller coaster, accept your body in all aspects, but we must do these things to live limitlessly truly. Leave the tips on this page or carry them with you; I hope to hear from you. Please share this article with friends and family, and have a fantastic day.
From,
Jessica
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