Life Is About Living... Don't Judge Others...

So, I don't really know where this blog entry will take me.  There are so many things going on in my mind, but they all lead to the same issue...  How come people can be so narrow minded when it comes to someone else believing or doing something in a way that they may not be familiar with?

I mean whether it is religion, relationships, food, talking, thinking, culture, etc, how come people put down others or how come people make others feel like their way is inferior?  Why is it?  Because they don't do exactly like you do?  Because it may deviate from a social norm that you are used to?  Because  you may not understand it??????

Let me enlighten the few of you that do actually read my blog...  Please don't do this to people.  Trying to marginalize people and make everyone fit into some of the same categories only makes you look ridiculous.  People are meant to blossom and be different and be unique!  People are meant to believe, think, eat, worship, talk, walk, whatever- differently.  Society has set forth some socially acceptable "norms" based on our culture, but this is stupid because you know what- our culture is a vast group- a melting pot of people, beliefs and ideas.  No one social norm will encompass every single person!  Why try and pigeonhole people into a way of thinking or being?

To say someone is wrong because "this is the way we have always done it" or because it goes against your personal ideas or beliefs does not necessarily mean you are right.  Everyone has their own perception and in their viewpoint, you are entitled to that.  BUT that does not mean everyone has to have the same...  I am allowed to be different, in whatever way I chose.  Now when there is data and research that backs up one way more than the other- well, I usually try to go that route, even if that means changing something I have always done...

One piece of advice I can give to everyone is be supportive of your friends and family.  Don't criticize them because they are doing something different...  Don't make remarks like this is a phase, or a kick or anything like that.  Don't say things that seem excluding... We are people.  We have feelings.  It isn't like it is some contagious disease...  It is just a change we want to try...

And for those of you who care, I am trying a new way of eating... More whole foods and a more plant based diet.  I would not call it vegetarian or vegan or anything like that b/c it seems to throw people for a loop.  But after doing some research and watching FORKS OVER KNIVES and FAT, SICK AND NEARLY DEAD, it really made me think about what I eat and how I want my kids to view food...  I want to EAT TO LIVE, not live to eat.  I want to EAT WITH A PURPOSE, not just eat because it makes me "feel good".  Food shouldn't have a hold on you...  Food shouldn't be used as a crutch.  I want my kids to see the difference...  I want my kids to outlive me- and at the rate we are going, their generation won't.

Being healthy is more than just working out...  More than eating more veggies... It is a lifestyle...  And for mine- I want to try this.  Don't call me crazy.  Don't say I am being silly.  Don't say anything negative...  Try to understand why- if anything...  I am not trying to convince you or your family to do this, I am not trying to push my ideas or thoughts or way of living on you... I simply ask that you don't judge me and mine- don't treat me differently over something that doesn't even affect you...

Thanks.
Katie