1. sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others.
   “the victims should be treated with compassion”

Before I got sober, I wore blinders over my eyes, guarding myself from much of the horrors that carry on in the world. Wars, murders, abuse, hate.  I just didn’t have the desire to face the truths.  I was too broken to deal, really.

After I got sober, I started to de-numb, and face many truths I once shied away from.  I began to look deeper into areas of life that affected me, but I was unaware of its effect.  Factory farming is one area I began to pay close attention to.

At the time of new sobriety, I was not a big meat-eater.  I ate some turkey or chicken on occasion.  But I did eat a lot of eggs and cheese.  Dairy was a big part of my diet.  Not for long, I was soon to find out.  During my research about where animal meat (for food) really came from, I ran across information I was horrified by.  The awful life farm animals endure for no reason other than human consumption.  They are forced to live a terrifying, uncomfortable, and usually inhumane life.  These poor animals are treated as if they have no feelings…as if they feel no pain and don’t experience fear or joy.  The information I was finding was nothing less then horrifying to me.

Then I ran across this short video called Farm to Fridge, that describes exactly what happens from conception of farm animals, to slaughter.  Watching this video changed me on a cellular level.  I was never to be the same again.  I finally understood the true meaning of the word…compassion.  And from that day forward I never took another taste of meat or dairy.  I refuse to be a consumer of products that participate in such a horrific operation.  Animals are feeling beings. They are sentient.  Far more loyal and loving then the human species, and I no longer could see them as food.  In fact, I became ashamed that I didn’t pay attention to the factory farm operations before I got sober.

But it is never too late to change and make a change, and that is exactly what I did.  I made a promise to myself and to the animals of the world that I would fight for them the best way I knew how.  And I continue to do that.  The experience not only made me more compassionate towards animals, but towards people as well.  The word compassion is party to every aspect of my life today, and it has made me a better, sober woman.  A women of service to people and animals.  I am not perfect at it, but I do the best that I can to be the best person I can be.  And fighting for the voiceless in the world is one way I know how to live up to my beliefs.

I thank sobriety for opening my eyes to the world.  I thank sobriety for allowing me to really feel again.  And to understand that powerful word known as compassion.  I urge you to watch the video Farm to Fridge and to bear witness to the truth that most people want to hide from.  I know I did for many years.  But not anymore.  And now that I know the truth, I can be part of the change I wish to see in the world!

God Bless.