I tend to look on the bright side of life, and then I meet those who ARE the bright side of life.
One such individual is Mimi Zarina, who’s currently conquering the big C with courage, love, positivity, and a whole lot of vegetables! I met her when she attended one of my cooking workshops late last year, and I was utterly blown away with how much she GLOWED. And that was before she shared with me her story. She is a fan of mine, as much as I now am a fan of hers.
I felt compelled to share her perspective on my blog because I notice many people these days becoming easily sad, confused and frustrated from external pressure and expectations. Mimi proves that with the right attitude and placing a priority on self care, the gifts of life are always within arm’s reach.
Mimi is the third featured profile in the ‘Vegan Vantage’ series on this blog, celebrating how the plant-based lifestyle has transformed Malaysians in positive ways.
Thank you for taking the time to answer these questions, Mimi. May we all be blessed with knowing people like you!
Can you share the significant events leading up to your decision of going vegan?
I think I have always been balanced in terms of food and had explored being vegan from time to time. The most significant event that had almost completely migrated me to the plant based lifestyle was the healing journey that I am undergoing now.
What effects on your health – mental, emotional, physical and /or spiritual – have you felt since going vegan?
I have experienced many outcomes since I embraced the plant based lifestyle.
Mentally – I feel more liberated and there is a sense of freedom.
Emotionally – I do feel more calm and at peace. Maybe it’s a result of lower hormonal based food consumed?
Physically – There are a lot of sensations. To start with, my body is much lighter and more energetic. The taste buds seem to be magnified, making food much more pleasurable (since I have also removed sugar from my diet).
How did the people around you respond to your diet change, and how have they evolved with you on your journey?
I have very supportive people around me. My husband, who is not vegan, has been very open to adapt to my plant-based diet. He is extremely encouraging. He would recommend food combinations or even cook vegan dishes for me. The other strong proponent to my vegan diet would be my mum. Other family members are more omnivorous, but there are no complications when we are out together. We would definitely choose dining places that provide vegan options on their menu.
Your optimism is infectious! Do you have any thoughts to share on the importance of staying positive?
This would be a rather abstract topic. Since the diagnosis, I have only had two things in mind:
1. Make the fullest of each day
2. Spend time with my loved ones.
