I WILL NEVER JUSTIFY MY ADVOCACY.

As a vegan – I sometimes struggle to maintain my positivity.  I’m always told to be sensitive to those who do not understand my choice to maintain my vegan lifestyle.  Friends and family sometimes question why I post such violent images and videos on social media?  I am quite often told that vegans are so “in your face” and “very aggressive”.

In all honesty – the best way to get a message across is the most direct approach. It’s the only way to make people understand their hypocrisy and what kind of cruelty to are supporting.

It is interesting that, as a vegan, I am usually the one who has to apologize for this lifestyle choice.  At restaurants, how many times have I had to say, “Sorry, I’m vegan, I don’t eat any animal products.” – Only to be asked, “Would you like cheese with that.” or “Do you eat fish?” – Fish are living, breathing animals, why would you ask me if I want fish after stating I don’t eat any animals?

I sincerely want to create positive change in our world – this includes positive change for animals.  I don’t support any of the following things:

• The clubbing of seals.
• Bull FIghting.
• Fishing.
• Fox hunts.
• Safaris.
• Pig wrestling.
• Groundhog weather predictions.
• The running of the bulls.
• Cock fighting.
• Dog fighting.
• Any type of animal racing.
• Rodeos.
• Pig roasts.
• Animal sacrifices in the name of religion.
• Horse racing or any type of racing involving animals.
• SeaWorlds or any type of animal “jails”.
• Cattle farming.

These are only a few.  Animals are not ours to wear and definitely not ours for our amusement.

So – I say to all you ‘none-vegans’ – “Don’t call me a radical animal activist – just so I can make you feel better about your decision to eat or wear them” – I am not a radical, I am simply acting on my need to protect and help animals who can’t speak for themselves.

Together, we can make the world a more positive one.

DOES EATING MEAT HAVE AN IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT?

There are many negative health implications related to a diet that is mainly made up of red meat.  In the last century, there have been huge increases in obesity due to poor diet and nutrition.  People are more keen to visit a fast-food restaurants rather than preparing their own food.  Fast-food corporations, with their endless marketing budgets, entice people with processed foods that are cheap and unhealthy and reaping the benefits of their unwillingness to take a more proactive approach to their health and well-being. 

What are the benefits to a diet high in meat consumption? (They are not really benefits):

• High cholesterol and heart disease due to high fat and cholesterol content.
• Conventionally raised beef contains hormones and antibiotics.
• Processed meats (bacon, ham and sausage) are unhealthy due to their high fat, preservative and salt content.
• The mistreatment and murder of animals. 
• Obesity.
• Linked to diseases such as diabetes, heart attack and cancer.

What many people are not aware of are the implications a diet high in meat has on our environment.  Factory farming is not only promoting cruel and the unethical treatment of many animals, it has a devastating effect on the environment, especially when we are seeing water shortages across the globe.  Here are some of the environmental implications:

• Animal agriculture is responsible for 18% of greenhouse gas emissions, more than the combined exhaust from all transportation.
• Livestock and their byproducts account for at least 32,000 million tons of carbon dioxide (Co2) per year, or 51% of all worldwide greenhouse gas emissions.
• Methane is 25 – 100 times more destructive than CO2.
• Methane has a global warming power 86 times that of CO2.
• Livestock is responsible for 65% of all emissions of nitrous oxide – a greenhouse gas 296 times more destructive than carbon dioxide and which stays in the atmosphere for 150 years.
• Emissions for agriculture projected to increase 80% by 2050.
• US methane emissions from livestock and natural gas are nearly equal.
• Fracking (hydraulic fracturing) water use ranges from 70 – 140 million gallons annually in comparison, animal agriculture water consumption ranges from 34 – 76 trillion gallons annually.
• Agriculture is responsible for 80 – 90% of US water consumption.

All above facts are available via the following link:  http://www.cowspiracy.com/facts/

Our population is growing at an alarming rate.  Due to this population growth, the demand for meat grows and with the demand for more meat, there will be more deforestation (trees provide oxygen) and more demand for water.  Ask yourself, why is there such a huge increase in pulminary (asthma/bronchitis) disease, heart disease, diabetes, cancers and obesity?  The introduction of processed foods and factory farming are definitely contributing factors.  People are dying because of what they eat.  Does this seem right to you?  Our elected officials are not doing enough to contribute to a more sustainable future for the people those who have elected them.  They pander to big corporations who only care about their profits. 

We must take a more proactive approach to our health and our environment.  There are many people out there who have viable solutions to make our world more sustainable.  Isn’t it time to allow them to bring their initiative and ideas to the table?  Isn’t it time for REAL change and not the false identity of change our current leaders keep talking about?  Isn’t it time our governments stop spending money on war in favour of creating real positive change across the globe? 

The earth can’t sustain the population growth and our demand for more meat.  People must assess what is more important, the need to eat meat or saving our planet from destruction.

Together, we can make the world a more positive one!

HERE IS WHAT LOVE and PASSION LOOK LIKE

I believe that our LOVE for the environment and our planet should be a real indication for our governments to lead the way to more sustainable and renewable energy sources.  Climate change is happening and REAL action is needed by our governments. If there was any time in history for a shift to happen in order to create positive change in the world – it is NOW.

Corrupt governments are afraid of environmental activists.  They brand them ‘hippies’ and ‘terrorists’, as a matter-of-fact, many governments want to ensure that any individual or group that speaks out or protests for environmental issues, against pipelines, fracking or oil drilling, be put in jail because it is a form of environmental terrorism.  Canada is proposing a bill (C-51) that would do just that.  Legislation like this says much about a government.  It would rather support the big oil tycoons in potentially creating environmental disasters versus protecting our forests, rivers, lakes and oceans. 

It is time for a new generation – time for governments to listen to people who don’t care about creating more wealth for those that have enough.  People want to focus on social issues, environmental issues and issues that would be inclusive to all and not just a few.  This generation that I am talking about is our future and they won’t have much of a future if governments don’t listen to the issues they care for the most like, the environment, affordable education, proper health care, a new economy plan that revolves around sustainable and renewable energy and not getting involved or starting wars.  We clearly see that the “old ways” don’t work.  Bailing out banks and the auto sector didn’t work, there is still much corruption in Wall Street and other financial centres around the world.  It’s time for new ideas that will not support and allow corporate greed to continue.  We need a more holistic and grass-roots movement to politics and it has to begin with all of us.

Here are photo examples of how many of us in the world want to create positive change in government politics, social issues, the environment, income inequality and human rights:

        

March against MONSANTO – Vancouver, Canada May 25, 2013.

People’s CLIMATE MARCH – New York City, USA April 2014 ***The largest environmental march ever with an estimated 400,000 in attendance.

Women’s Rights March – Washington D.C., USA 2009 ***marching against George W. Bush policies regarding women’s reproductive rights, including abortion.

ANIMAL RIGHTS MARCH – Istanbul, Turkey 2014 ***marching for the protection of animals.

CIVIL RIGHTS MARCH – Washington D.C., USA 1963 ***marching for equality of black people during the civil rights movement in America. 

NO Keystone XL Pipeline MARCH – Washington D.C., USA ***marching for the eradication of the Keystone XL Pipeline bringing dirty oil from the Alberta Tar Sands in Alberta, Canada to the USA.

AUSTERITY MARCH – Montreal Quebec, CANADA 2015 ***Students protesting government cuts.

Governments DO NOT want peaceful protests to happen because they want to keep people distracted from the issues that matter – ENVIRONMENT, INCOME INEQUALITY, WOMEN’S RIGHTS, HUMAN RIGHTS, ANIMAL PROTECTION, CIVIL RIGHTS and any other rights that would not oppress people. 

The corrupt didn’t realize that more and more of us DO NOT want to be distracted anymore.  We want to hold our governments and big corporations accountable for their corruption.  We want governments to do the jobs they were elected for – not for the corporations but, for the people who elected them.  It’s time for a revolution of love.  It’s time for REAL change.  It’s time to have your voices heard.

Together, we can make the world a more positive one!

I DECLARE….

I declare the following and stand strongly behind these declarations as they come from a positive place and they come from LOVE:

• A person’s CHOICE to believe in religion should not impede on the rights of those who don’t follow any religious doctrine.
• MARRIAGE is just a word – the process of being or becoming married is NOT solely based and afforded to heterosexual couples.  Individuals who are in loving and in committed same-sex relationships also have the right to be married and call it a marriage because that is what it is!
• There is no difference between physical abuse towards an animal or a person.  Abuse is abuse.  All sentient beings should be treated with respect, compassion and love.
• Don’t ever apologize for wanting to spread love and positive energy into the world.  Stand behind what you believe with conviction and with passion and people will respect your views.
• Religious beliefs SHOULD NEVER influence legislation – religious views are choices people make in what they believe and should never be used to deny civil liberties of others.  Leave religion OUT of politics.
• Money should never influence a decision for a person, organization or government to do something that will have a positive impact on society.  Isn’t the positive impact worth the money?  Example:  Climate Change – spending money to make our planet more sustainable and moving towards more renewable sources of energy is a good thing whether or not you believe that climate change is happening.
• LOVE is my religion – I know that I am here on this planet to create positive change in the world.
• Finally…if you believe in “GOD” – He/She/It made us in His/Her/Their own image.  We are a reflection of Him/Her/It.  So ‘GOD’ is gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, black, white, yellow, red, Muslim, Jewish, Catholic, Christian, man, woman, child.  GOD is everyone and everything so when you are judging someone else, you are judging GOD.

Together, we can make the world a more positive one!

HOW DO YOU IDENTIFY YOURSELF?

If you had to write a brief description of yourself, what would you say about yourself?  What are your greatest attributes?  What are the things you don’t enjoy about yourself?  Have you really ever thought about how others see you?  Do you even care?

I’m going to take a look at these questions and answer them as honestly as I can. 

What are my greatest attributes?

My loyalty, my passion, drive and desire to create positive change into the world, my empathy, my honesty and sincerity.

What are some things I don’t enjoy about myself? 

I like everything about myself.  I like the direction my life took.  I love that I advocate for the ethical treatment of animals.  I love that I have made the choice to become vegan.  I love that I think with my heart.  I love my strong convictions in creating positive change into the world.  I love being in love.  I love learning and growing.

Do I care about what others think of me?

The only person that matters in my life is ME.  Without trying to create the best possible me – I would not be able to motivate others into creating positive change in the world.  I do care about how other people view me – especially if they view me in a negative way.  I encourage feedback in order to ensure I become a better person.  What I don’t care for is when people make judgments about me.  I don’t care if you do not like what I am wearing, the colour of my eyes or hair, that I have gained a few pounds or that I raise my voice a bit when I am defending the earth, our environment, animals that have no voice or people who are oppressed because they were born with certain uniqueness. 

A brief description about myself:

To expand on what I have said above – my commitment in my life is being the best partner, husband and friend to my partner of 21 years.  I want to continue to advocate for the things I am passionate about (animals, environment and the LGBTQ community).  I want to become a beacon in creating positive change in the world – if I have influenced just one other person to be kind to animals, our planet or to each other – my job is done but I’m not going to stop.  I am comfortable and love living my life in the most authentic way possible.  I am not afraid to share my views about many of the injustices in this world.  I really believe that we should treat others in the same way that we want to be treated.  I am not afraid to be expressive and passionate in my convictions and have been known to get into heated discussions about those passions and beliefs.  I am avid believer that ‘one person can make a difference’ and get quite offended when people say that a problem is too big to solve.  I get annoyed when people also say, “you can’t change the habits or thoughts of so many people.” – I don’t think Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, Mother Teresa, Gandhi, Rosa Parks, Jane Goodall, Ingrid Newkirk or so many other influential people thought this way.  Even Adolf Hitler didn’t think this way. 

I believe I am honest, caring, loving and passionate.  I am overly sensitive – which is an amazing attribute considering most people think that being overly sensitive is a negative trait and a sign of weakness.  Sensitivity is a sign of strength and empathy – people who are sensitive can really put themselves in any situation and act to ensure a positive outcome is not too far from reach.

Today, so many people are too concerned about how others see them and are afraid to live an authentic life.  Imagine the changes we can make in the world if people would just live authentic lives.  Imagine if more people cared about the environment, the poor, the ethical treatment of animals, child poverty, income inequality and other issues that are more deserving of our time and efforts.  More people care about Hollywood gossip than the possible extinction of certain animal species.  We can make huge strides in protecting our declining forests, lakes and oceans but we need to raise our voices and we need to raise them LOUD and STRONG!   The time is now.

Together, we can make the world a more positive one!

WE NEED TO SAVE VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK

How would you feel if your home was destroyed and your loved ones killed?  That is precisely what is happening in this region of the world, more specifically, Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Virunga National Park is Africa’s oldest park.  It borders Uganda and Rwanda and is the continent’s most biologically diverse protected area.  It covers 7800 kilometers (3000 square miles) and includes forests, savannas, lava plains, swamps, erosion valleys, active volcanoes, and glaciated peaks of the Rwenzori mountains.

The park is composed of three sectors:

1. The northern sector – Rwenzori mountains that border Uganda.
2. Lake Edward – The Isasha river valley and the Rwindi plains are the dominant geographical features that define the parks central sector.
3. The southern sector – Best known for the mountain gorilla’s that live on the flanks on the dormant Mikeno volcano.

Why should you care?  The park is in another continent and we are nowhere near the political conflicts that are happening there.  Just because the conflict is happening elsewhere doesn’t mean that we are not obligated to do whatever we can to help.  We are all citizens of this planet and it is in our best interest to speak out against human, environment and animal atrocities.

Our planet continues to be raped for its natural resources.  Big businesses are buying governments all over the globe for those limited natural resources.  Wars are waged, animal and human lives are lost all at the expense to earn a big corporation more money.  This is absolutely wrong and must end.

When I talk to people about environmental disasters, the inhumane treatment of animals and human rights violations they turn a blind eye and figure that there is nothing they can do.  They are wrong.  All they have to do is take interest and act – and this can be done right from home.  First, educate yourself about the issue then decide what your plan of action is.  I make monetary donations when I can but mainly share information via social media as I am now.

So, what can you do about helping Virunga National Park?  Here are two suggestions:

• Educate yourself by watching the amazing documentary Virunga – this is available on Netflix and via live stream on the official movie website: 

http://virungamovie.com/

• You can learn about the Virunga National Park, what they do, current projects and all sorts of other information on the parks official site:

http://virunga.org/the-park/

Virunga National Park is pivotal in protecting the few remaining mountain gorilla’s.  They also help protect the elephants in this region.  Virunga’s elephants drastically reduced in numbers due to poachers from 3000 to approximately 400.  In the last year – the Mabenga herd was hit particularly hard – less than 100 remain and are in grave danger of being wiped out entirely.

The park supports local villages and citizens.  It supports the families of rangers that have been lost due to the conflict and fighting in the region.  How can we not assist people who have such passion to protect a national treasure and all its inhabitants, with their lives?  It is our duty and it is our right. 

It’s time that we start a revolution of love and a revolution for the planet and our environment.  We need to give a clear message to those who wish to see our planet destroyed because of their love of money.  We need to rise and form a coalition to protect the planet from further destruction.  Together, with strength, we can make the difference that is needed.

Please support Virunga by visiting  http://virunga.org/the-park/ and http://virungamovie.com/ be part of history and a revolution of love.

Together, we can make the world a more positive one!

 

IS YOUR FOOD CAUSING FATIGUE?

We all know and understand that food plays a very important role in how you feel.   We need to feed our bodies food that will provide proper nutrients and minerals so that we can have energy throughout the day and function at optimal health levels.  Our bodies will let us know what foods makes us feel good or make us feel bad. 

NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF FOOD

A diet that consists of sugary, processed, meat and unnatural foods can increase cancer rates, diabetes, heart disease and stroke because of the artificial flavours and colours, GMO’s (genetically modified organisms), MSG (monosodium glutamate), trans fat, antibiotics and hormones.  Here are some foods that are consumed in large quantities and why they are bad for your body and overall health:

Milk

• Doesn’t provide the calcium our bones require
• Increases risk of fractures
• Mother’s milk is good for babies i.e., human to human, cow to calf, goat to goat, etc. once weaned off milk, animals and humans never need milk again.

http://saveourbones.com/osteoporosis-milk-myth/

Meat

• Contain artificial preservatives which are very toxic to the body
• Most meat today, contains antibiotics and hormones
• Many animals are raised on foods that are unnatural to their diet and are fed GMO’s
• Ingesting inhumane meat is unhealthy for the body and soul (the trauma and violence an animal goes through – all that negative energy is then consumed and lives within those who eat it)

http://www.onegreenplanet.org/news/the-secrets-out-the-reason-red-meat-is-so-bad-for-our-health/

Processed Foods (mostly boxed and packaged for longer shelf life)

• Can be high in added sugars, low in fiber and whole grains, processed with sodium, high in fat or include trans fat and lots of saturated fat

Soft Drink/soda/pop/colas 

• Too much sugar
• No nutritional value
• Could cause early menstruation in young girls

POSITIVE EFFECTS OF FOOD

Eating a plant-based diet consisting of 80% fresh, raw and organic produce is vital for our bodies to receive proper minerals and nutrients.  Eating a plant-based diet, consisting of more vegetables than fruit is beneficial for the following reasons:

• More energy and less fatigued
• Lower cholesterol
• Lower blood pressure
• Lower risk of cancer
• Better blood sugar 

You can provide the body all the proper nutrients, vitamins and minerals on a plant-based diet that includes whole grains, seeds and nuts.  Taking a proactive approach to our diet is a great way to prevent illness and maintain a healthy body.

Eating a vegetarian and vegan diet is not only a health benefit to you, it is an excellent way to be environmentally conscious and save hundreds of animals from being slaughtered/murdered.

http://www.forksoverknives.com/we-are-more-than-what-we-eat-the-hidden-benefits-of-eating-a-whole-food-plant-based-diet/

Sources:

• http://www.forksoverknives.com/
• http://www.onegreenplanet.org/
• http://www.naturalnews.com/
• http://www.thechinastudy.com/
• http://www.vegsource.com/event/campbell.htm

 Together, we can make the world a more positive one!

SUPERBOWL XLIX

I don’t mind competitive sports – or the fact that many professional sports athletes train so hard to achieve their wildest dreams.  Let’s take a look at how much professional athletes get paid or what their contracts are worth…..

FOOTBALL

1. Matt Ryan ($43.8 million)
2. Matthew Stafford ($33 million)
3. Peyton Manning ($27.1 million)
4. Darrelle Revis ($23.8 million)
5. Geno Atkins ($22.4 million)

BOXING

1. Floyd Mayweather ($105 million)
2. Manny Pacquiao ($41.8 million)
3. Wladimir Klitschko ($28 million)
4. Canelo Alvarez ($21 million)

SOCCER

1. Cristiano Ronaldo ($80 million)
2. Lionel Messi ($64.7 million)
3. Zlatan Ibrahimovic ($40.4 million)
4. Gareth Bale ($36.4 million)
5. Radamel Falcao ($35.4 million)

BASKETBALL

1. LeBron James ($72.3 million)
2. Kobe Bryant ($64.7 million)
3. Derrick Rose ($36.6 million)
4. Kevin Durant ($31.9 million)
5. Dwayne Wade ($29.9 million)

These salaries and endorsements for these athletes totalled $838.2 million dollars, according to Forbes:

http://www.forbes.com/athletes/list/#tab:overall

Here are some statistics for this years Superbowl – Superbowl XLIX:

• 118.5 million viewers watched the halftime show
• 120.8 million viewers in the 4th quarter

**Above statistics from Nielson Ratings**

• $4.5 million – cost to run a 30 second ad during this years Superbowl.

The NFL is listed as a not-for-profit who’s commissioner was paid $44 million last year.  Taxpayers are losing $10 million due to the tax exemption the NFL is granted as a not-for-profit….does this make sense?

Couldn’t $4.5 million be used to fight poverty or feed the hungry?  The brands that are paying these professional athletes – are they allocating the same amount of money to charities as they give to athletes as endorsements?  Is it justifiable to give athletes millions of dollars in salaries while those who are committed in saving lives receive a fraction of that?

In a world that is continually being divided due to income inequality and the tax breaks that big businesses receive – is it any wonder that world citizens are craving for a revolution?  The distribution of wealth, corporate greed, corrupt governments and politicians are the reasons why people are at a breaking point. 

Would 120 million viewers be as engaged if they were exposed to commercials about the violence animals face on a daily basis?  Would people be more concerned about the planet if they understood the implications of how these same brands are polluting and destroying the earth in order to advertise and sell their products? 

It would be fantastic to see a PETA, Greenpeace or WWF ad during the Superbowl.  People need to be made aware of what is happening in our world and commercials from these real not-for-profit organizations would definitely engage them to act.  Maybe it’s time the NFL start thinking about creating real positive change in the world.

Together, we can make the world a more positive one!

 

 

HEART or BRAIN?

Are you  a person that makes decisions based on your emotions and feelings or do you take some thought prior to taking certain steps?  Are you a very sensitive person?

For me, my heart mostly drives my actions.  I believe that my sensitivity is mostly operating in over-drive.  I sometimes get emotional when I connect with nature as I marvel at her beauty.  I am angered when I see beloved pets tied to posts in wet and cold weather while the owners get coffees or buy groceries.  I am saddened when I see people struggling to walk across the street.  I am filled with emotion when I see a lone senior sitting on a park bench.  Do other people feel as I do and have the same hyper-sensitivity as I do?

Many people view sensitivity as a negative trait – I see it as having compassion and a BIG heart.  Making decisions with based on what our heart is telling is should be something to be proud of.  Decisions of the heart, tend to move us towards the things we are passionate about back to our authentic selves.  We are conditioned and to taught to believe the things our parents believed – grow up, graduate high school, go to university, get a job, get married, buy a house, have children, invest money for retirement, grow old and die.  Our lives do not have to reflect the lives of those who lived before us and we don’t have to follow what others deem to be ‘the way’.  I have unlearned many of the things that were taught to be right.  I was told that eating meat was necessary for health benefits, only to discover that wasn’t so.  I was told that I must meet a girl, get married and raise a family – had I listened to that, I would have denied the true essence of my being and not lived an authentic life as a gay male.  I was told that we should not question authority – but what if that authority is filling your head with lies?  There is a reason we have ‘that little voice inside our head’ – this voice is the voice that gives you messages and warnings from the heart.  It is our connection to our authentic self and the universe.

Acting from the heart allows us to act from a place of compassion and without judgement.  Think of those people who gave their hearts freely, willingly and without any fear of the consequences.  Princess Diana didn’t think about getting infected with HIV when giving love to the patients she visited in hospices.  Mother Teresa didn’t think twice about showing compassion to lepers.  Nelson Mandela didn’t stop advocating for civil rights after being thrown in jail.  These inspiring people provided compassion without judgement because they had so much love to give to those who needed it the most.

Without the need to act from love, what would this world look like?  Imagine if more of us connected to the vibration and energy of love?  There would be less war, less destruction of our environment, more respect for animals, more support for our seniors, less poverty, less greed and less negativity.  Isn’t that the world we should all be living in and striving for?

In this new year, one of my processes to evolve is to meditate on love and to help spread love into the world.  Without love we can not survive.  Join me in and let us make the REVOLUTION OF LOVE grow.

Together, we can make the world a more positive one!

WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

If something unaccepted happened in front of you to another person in which you would be required to assist them, would you?  Here is an amazing video of a monkey assisting another monkey after losing consciousness from being electrocuted….we can learn much from our animals friends and their compassionate instincts.  Enjoy:

Sometimes our instincts provide the best of outcomes in many situations.  Listen to that voice within that provides the answers that will really make the difference in your life – that voice is your connection with the energy that created all and your connection with the universe.

Together, we can make the world a more positive one!