CONTENTS

Introduction

The Making of a Joyful Vegan

Section OneBecoming Vegan

Chapter One

“Don’t Tell Me. I Don’t Want to Know”

Blissful Ignorance and Willful Blindness

Chapter Two

The Awakening

The Epiphany That Changes Everything

Section TwoStaying Vegan

Stage One

Bearing Witness

Compassion Fatigue, Self-Care, and the Voracious Consumption of Information

Stage Two

Guilt, Regret, and Remorse

Finding Peace and Choosing Self-Forgiveness

Stage Three

Coming Out Vegan

Explaining the V-Word to Family, Friends, and Yourself

Stage Four

Evangelism and Fundamentalism

Knowing the Difference Between Enthusiasm and Zealotry

Stage Five

The Angry Vegan

Dispelling the Stereotype and Understanding Its Roots

Stage Six

Finding Your Tribe

Embracing Your Identity, Building Community, and Feeling a Sense of Belonging

Stage Seven

Finding Your Voice

How to Talk to a Hunter (Or Anyone Else with Whom You Disagree)

Stage Eight

Stretching Your Comfort Zones

Expansion of Awareness and Skills

Stage Nine

Finding Your Place

Advocacy and Activism

Stage Ten

Integration and Adaptation

Identifying as a Joyful Vegan in a Nonvegan World

Acknowledgments

Special Recognition

Resources and Recommendations

Endnotes

About the Author