Sometimes we think of activists for peace as those people who dedicate their entire lives to the cause. However, there are some simple choices that every single person can make each day to stand up for peace and change the world in small and big ways.

 

One way to stand up for peace is in your food choices. Adopting a non-violent, vegetarian diet is one way to save almost 100 lives each year. When we stop to reflect upon the philosophy of peace and non-violence, it becomes clear that the merciless slaughter of animals is in direct contradiction to the belief in a peaceful co-existence with others in the world. Eating a decaying corpse as part of a peaceful dinner just doesn’t make sense when you really think about it. If cutting out all meat at much seems too much, start with a species at a time until you are vegetarian. It’s likely that, simply imagining that sweet face and will to live of a cow, pig or chicken will have you thinking twice before wanting to much on it. 

 

Better yet, consider adopting a vegan diet. It’s easier than you think. In this day and age, there are vegan versions of pepperoni pizza, any imaginable type of ice cream, yogurt, desserts of all kinds, and even barbecue faux ribs.

 

It’s also important to speak up when you see an injustice. If more teachers and adults stood up to the kids they see bullying others, there just might be fewer suicides from overwhelmed and bullied kids, a tragically all too frequent occurrence in recent years. 

 

Yes, sometimes being confrontational is the only way to create peace when people are doing wrong. There’s a difference between standing up to someone verbally and getting violent. The way to peace is education and discord, as well as taking action, so let someone know when they are doing something that hurts others. You may be seen as annoying, but it’s better that than someone who sits by and watches others get hurt. If you see an adult hitting a kid, call protective services; also, talk to the person about why it’s wrong.