Holding the Mirror Up on National Honesty Day

By Amanda Crow, Guest Contributor

Today is National Honesty Day.  At first, this topic scared me as I am no one to be sitting on my “high horse.”  The more I thought about it, the more I realized this day should be about honesty to oneself.

Being honest with ourselves means holding a mirror up and asking if our actions are in line with our values.  Often people feel strongly about their love for animals and concern for human/worker rights and the environment.  Yet personal actions can be way out of line with those beliefs.

The great news is that veganism is the ultimate first step.  It isn’t the end by any means, but actually the beginning to living more honestly.  Going vegan directly takes away support for animal and human exploitation and is the greatest step a person can take to reduce their contribution to global climate change.

Veganism and living compassionately are about aiming to do the  Most Good, Least Harm as Zoe Weil, co-founder of the Institute for Humane Education, always says.  I will be the first person to admit that beyond being vegan, I too need improvements in aligning my actions with my beliefs.

So on this quirky holiday, let’s be honest with ourselves and make sure we are living in accordance with the values we cherish most about ourselves.

Photo credit: shareski via Flickr