This is a message to everyone trying to make a difference for the animals, the planet, and our society. To every activist out there fighting this fight every day and wondering if they’re making an impact. It’s a message I believe we all—myself very much included—need to hear.
I recently had the most surreal experience. I stumbled upon a comment from Earthling Ed on one of my videos. He posted it six years ago, back when he was getting started with his channel. And this comment completely blew my mind.
While I did finally respond to the comment, I wanted to make a proper reply not only to Ed but also to every activist out there fighting this fight every day and wondering if they’re making an impact.
This is more than a message to Ed. It’s a message to everyone trying to make a difference for the animals, the planet, and our society. It’s a message I believe we all—myself very much included—need to hear.
Ed’s Comment & Why I’m Making a Response Video
Let me say upfront that making a response video is not something I do. But as uncomfortable as this makes me, I decided to make one this time in hopes of reaching other activists who may be struggling and doubting themselves.
I found Earthling Ed’s comment on my 2016 Draw My Life video, “Never Known Hunger.” He said:
“Emily I have taken so much inspiration from your work! Your videos have inspired me to make my own educational content – which I hope also further educates others in veganism. Never stop what you’re doing!”
How surreal to see Earthling Ed, someone so profoundly influential, hoping his content will further educate about veganism! Having no idea the impact he would make in the six years it took me to finally see his comment (sorry about that, by the way, Ed!)
My Reply to Earthling Ed
So Ed, if you do see this, I cannot possibly tell you what this comment meant to me. It’s come to me at a time when I am doubting my efficacy and whether I’m making a difference for the animals. Learning that I had even the slightest part in inspiring your work means more to me than I can ever express.
More importantly, I want to thank you for deciding to educate. It’s astounding to see all you’ve accomplished in these six years. It’s beyond anything I could ever imagine. So thank you for following that kernel of hope.
My Message to Other Activists
Now I’d like to speak to all activists out there. Before anything else, I want to thank you as well. Thank you to everyone out there who is trying. Thank you to everyone who is fighting this battle. Thank you to everyone who also hopes to educate about veganism.
As challenging as it can be to go vegan, being vegan is traumatic. We are aware of so much suffering & injustice.
But I would never trade the pain of awareness for the comfort of denial.
tweet this— Emily Moran Barwick
Please hold onto that hope. Because you never know whom you may reach. You never know where your work is going to go or whom it’s going to inspire.
And the reality is, you may never know. You may never hear from the people whose lives you change.
This fight is draining. It can be debilitating. What we see and face as vegans and activists is devastating. It can feel insurmountable.
I’ve spoken in the past about what I call “the pain of awareness.”
As challenging as it can be to go vegan, being vegan is traumatic.
We are aware of so much suffering. So much injustice. But I, for one, would never trade the pain of awareness for the comfort of denial.
Are We Making A Difference?
As activists, it’s easy to doubt whether we’re even making a dent. If, like me, your activism is primarily online, this doubt is compounded by the uncertainty and inscrutability of social media and Google algorithms. You may become consumed by the numbers, chasing virality to the point of possibly losing yourself.
Speaking for myself, finding this comment from Earthling Ed was bittersweet. It was remarkable to see Ed at the start of his online activism, hoping he’d make a difference, knowing now what he’s accomplished in the last six years. At the same time, it was heartbreaking to look back at my own last six years.
In 2016, I was at the peak of my activism’s reach. But I was running myself into the ground to keep it all going. I paid dearly for pushing myself the way I did. These past six years have been the most challenging years of my life. I never stopped working, but I had to halt content production.
I’ve now been back in active content production for a year. My reach certainly isn’t what it used to be, and I struggle profoundly with whether what I’m doing even matters. While I often feel so very alone, I know I can’t be the only one out there who feels this way.
So I’m saying this to myself as much as I am to everyone else who may be facing similar doubts and struggles: what you do matters. The fact that you are even trying matters.
The Trap of Comparing
Try not to gauge your efficacy by comparing yourself to others. When doing this, we compare our insides to other people’s outsides.
For example, if you compared yourself to me when I was at the peak of my reach and growth, you may have felt like I had it all together. But you would have only been seeing my outside. You’d not have known that inside, I was utterly destroying myself to keep up.
I’ve had to learn the hard way that I have limits other people may not have. And so may you.
But I also have strengths that others may not have. And so do you.
Your unique voice is valuable.
tweet this— Emily Moran Barwick
When fighting this fight, it feels like nothing is ever enough.
I’ll speak from my own experience in hopes that being open and vulnerable will help those of you out there with similar struggles.
I can’t help but feel I am constantly failing the animals. I believe they deserve everything from me. And I know that nothing I experience will ever come close to what the animals are experiencing.
But I have used that reality to negate my health and push myself to extremes that nearly killed me.
I still try to bargain: “if I just pushed harder, tried harder, worked harder..” But I must continually remind myself: while I may be able to reach more people if I “just pushed harder,” I can’t reach a single person if I destroy myself.
Yes, I’d possibly reach more people during that time of pushing. But once I burn out again, I’ll be of no use to the animals or anyone.
It’s difficult to accept that my brain works differently than other people’s brains. As an Autistic, many things that seem simple to manage for others are debilitating for me.
I’ve had to learn the hard way that I have limits other people may not have. And so may you. But I also have strengths that others may not have. And so do you. Your unique voice is valuable.
My Cynical Message of Hope
I’ve been called a pessimist, but I always say I’m a realist. I don’t believe I’ll see a vegan world in my lifetime. I honestly think the environmental crisis we’ve created with animal agriculture will force a change long before we’d have a global shift of consciousness.
With this seemingly cynical stance, you may wonder why I even try. The “why” is the message I most want to leave you with—my cynical message of hope.
I try because the alternative of doing nothing is unacceptable to me.
Yes, it’s hard. Yes, it seems insurmountable. Yes, we may not know if we’re having an impact. But I can tell you one thing. If we don’t try—if we don’t do what we can, however small it may seem—we absolutely won’t make a difference.
So, please don’t give up. But do honor yourself in the process.
You never know whom you may reach.
In Closing
If you are struggling, I have gathered some resources for activist self-care and support below.
I hope that this message has been helpful in some way. Again, to Ed—thank you for taking action and for sharing that comment with me all those years ago.
To stay in the loop about new Bite Size Vegan content and updates, please sign up for the newsletter or follow the Telegram channel for the most reliable notifications.
To support educational content like this, please consider making a donation. Now go live vegan, and I’ll see you soon.
— Emily Moran Barwick
Self-Care & Support Resources for Activists
Please note: these resources are not meant to replace professional mental health counseling, and are not implied endorsements.
- Activist Self-Care from the Animal Save Movement
- Activist Trauma Resources from the Animal Save Movement
- In Defense of Animals Animal Activists Support (helpline, events, etc)
- Article covering Compassion Fatigue, Vicarious Trauma, & Burnout
Books:
- The Lifelong Activist: How to Change the World without Losing Your Way
- Aftershock: Confronting Trauma in a Violent World: A Guide for Activists and Their Allies
Flyers & PDFs:
MORE CONTENT FOR ACTIVISTS:
FEATURED TOPICS:
Subscribe via Telegram
Emily, thank YOU for being so vulnerable and open with your struggles. I’m certain you don’t know the full extent of your impact on this world. It’s evident that you put all of yourself into your work. While this has led to incredibly brilliant work, it comes at quite a cost to you! Especially (as you said) with the fickle world of algorithms in the mix. I SO hope that you can take your own words in this video to heart. You are appreciated. If nothing else, you’ve made a lasting difference in my life.
Anesh, as always your words have moved me. I’m incredibly honored. I will do my best to take my own words to heart, though that is quite an ongoing struggle for me. Thank you, as always, for your kindness and encouragement.
Definitely veganism is on the rise ,from soyfarming to vegan restorans being opened world wide,both as a farmer and as a baker I feel I’m making a change…
…and of course I plan to support bite size vegan financialy more starting from this year.
Thank you, Martin, for making a change in this world. And for all of your support and encouragement!
“if I just pushed harder, tried harder, worked harder..” …. then ‘what’?
Hi Emily… I wish you had completed that sentence. You are so forgiving and empathic of others ‘what you do matters. The fact that you are even trying matters.’
Cut yourself some slack. You are right…a burned out Emily is no good to anyone or anything including Em.
I loved your material back in the day. I was sad to see you pull back and am glad you are back. :)
Thank you so much, Art, for your kindness and encouragement. I do in fact have a HUGE double standard for myself! Working hard to be more empathetic to myself. Doesn’t come naturally. I do so hope that this may reach others out there who also struggle with their own doubts and need to hear encouraging words.
Thanks so much for what you do, Emily, and for what you have done all these years. It most certainly made a difference to me, personally, after I went “plant based” for my health (which was pretty dramatically successful for me). You were instrumental in my evolution from plant-based-for-health to VEGAN for the animals. Your “Draw My Life” videos are deeply moving, and the information you’ve shared is vital and life changing. Yes, YOU are making a difference! For sure! Thank you!
Wow, Norm, thank you! This has really touched me. I’m so honored to have had a role in your journey to ethical veganism. Thank you for your kind words about my work. I wish I had the words to express my gratitude.
Thanks for the response to my comment – that touches me as well. I’m sitting here drinking my morning coffee from a Bite Size Vegan mug … :)
Oh wow! That’s a deep cut…back when I did “merch” a bit :) Well I’m truly honored!
You are and always have been AMAZING Emily and you do NOT fail the animals – I love you to the moon and back xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Lesley, thank you SO very much. This means the world to me, truly!! Much, much love and all my thanks.
Emily you and Ed are amazing influential people for the vegan cause. Neither of you should ever doubt the wonderful work you do. I hope you both keep going for a long time yet influencing and totally inspiring others. Lots of love to you both xxx
Chris, Thank you so ver much for your kind words. I’m truly honored. It is SO hard not to doubt…especially when fighting such an uphill battle. I truly appreciate your words of encouragement. Much love!
Hi Emily ❤️🌱 I’m sure my personal experience going Vegan is not unusual. My world was rocked to its very foundations when I eventually opened my eyes and heart to the truth of what we put animals through for our fleeting pleasure 💔
It was a paradigm shift in my consciousness and you, Ed, Joey and many others helped me find my feet again.
Thank you for all you do and it was a genuine pleasure seeing you come back ❤️🌱👍
Gary, thank you so much for sharing your experience. Having your eyes opened to the reality of what we do to animals is certainly traumatic! I’m so glad that I was part of helping you find some grounding. I so appreciate you taking the time to share this with me!
Emily, you are an amazing inspiration. You are able to put words on things I didn’t know I felt (deeply despondent for not doing enough, in this case) until I heard you say them.
Your blog shaped my formative experience as a new vegan, and I will continue to be grateful for your kind and honest influence.
Oh wow. This is so rewarding to hear on so many levels. As I said in the video, I do often feel so very alone, but I know I can’t be alone in these feelings and doubts. I was so nervous putting a video like this out. Hearing that this helped you identify a source of despondency (and hopefully at the very least help you know your’e not alone!) makes it worth it all. Sending you much love and all my thanks.
Thanks guys, both of you (Emily and Ed)!!!!
You two definitely are changing the world for the better of all sentient beings.
Cheers from a Mexican 🌱 living vegan and spreading the message of vegan lifestyle. (7years ago and thriving)
Thank you so much, Edwin! Sending you much love and yay for 7 years!
Emily, you are a huge asset to our movement and the animals. We are so lucky to have you. But please do pace yourself, so you can last, as I have for the past 48years.
Thank you so very much, Alex, for your kind words of encouragement!
Hi Emily, You articulate beautifully your message on what it means to be vegan in this world. Your words are packed with emotion and meaning. You are truly motivating and just know you are making a difference for the animals. We all have to keep fighting for them. As the saying goes, “There are strength in number”.
Judi, Thank you so very much for your kind words. I’m honored to hear that my words acme across as I was hoping they would. Thank you so much for taking the time to share this with me.
I know it, I say it, but it somehow touched me hearing you say it today. I always love hearing you … even when it brings me to tears 😎 … because you’re as real as it gets. Six months ago I lost my rental home of a dozen years, and my community, to a fire (not, thank goddess, my 5 vegan cats, though they were all missing for days). I’ve stepped back from a lot of activism since then, and I feel like I ‘should’ be ready to move on by now. I’m not, though, and your video is helping me make peace with that. Thank you for this, dearest Emily. I’m glad you took the time you needed, though we missed you!
And you’re right. We never know what effect we may be having. A woman came up to me at an animal rights march and told me that she and her entire family became vegan after I handed her a pamphlet about animal agriculture and climate at a climate march a year before. (That she even recognized me!) I try to remind myself of this on the days it feels like it’s never enough.
Thank you for all you do … you are appreciated ❤
Mo, thank you for sharing this. I’m so sorry to her about you losing your home to a fire! (and VERY glad to hear you and your cats are safe). I’m honored that this video has been able to help you find even a little peace. Do take the time you need! There is no “should” (coming from someone who “shoulds” all over herself all the time!)…but truly, take care of yourself.
Your story of that woman and her family going vegan is so amazing! Do hold onto that. And know that there are others you never hear from whom you’ve also impacted! Sending you much love!
❤❤❤❤❤
I watched all your content way back and am so happy to see you back and looking after yourself. We do what we can do – I became an admin for the largest vegan FB group on South Africa, I opened a vegan business called Mooless – made butter and cheeses and dairy free bakery items. I am now retired and we are only back in SA for three months a year.
But… my son has opened a great coffee shop here where we are staying and he needs vegan items to sell. So I am working with his baker to make easy items that taste good and that he can freeze. I am so happy to see how many people ask for vegan and plant-based options at his shop.
One of his part time staff was looking for more work so I employ her once a week to help me sort out the house here as it was closed up for 21 months. First day she wanted to know why I didn’t eat animal products… told her a few things and since then she has not touched flesh and is insistent that she is never eating animal flesh or dairy ever again.
You inspire me to not doubt that I am not doing enough.. I send your videos and articles to one of my step-daughters as she has also expressed interest in reducing her intake of animal by products. Every bit helps.
Thank you so much for being you xxx.
Maureen, this is so lovely to hear! You are making a real impact out there. Thank you so much for sharing this with me, and for sending my work to others! That’s exactly why I make this content…to be resources for people. I’m still working on finding balance with my work, and making peace with the “ravages” of algorithms. But I’ve been making content steadily again for a year now, and have to keep reminding myself that doing SOMETHING (even if it doesn’t feel “enough”) is better than doing nothing. Sending you much love!
And please please always remember your wonderful video of the Vegan Police. You have no idea how many people I have sent that to over the years xxxxx.
Maureen, SO glad you like that one and thank you for sending it along to others. It’s one of my favorite skits :)
I literally cried like a baby listening to you, Emily. I’ve been vegan since 2006 and haven’t been anywhere near as active and vocal as you have. It saddens me just as much you, I feel all that you feel, yet I’ve chosen to remain mostly in a comfort zone, succumbing to laziness, or fear of offending, or to that overwhelming feeling of “what’s the use? they don’t give a damn.” But our voice does make a difference and we owe it to these innocent, beautiful beings to speak out for them. I haven’t been completely on the sidelines, (we used to offer free vegan cooking workshops, I’ve done a few webinars, and posts on social media… but I could and should be doing more). Thank you for being you and all that you do.
Terry, thank you so much for sharing this with me. I knew there was no way I was the only one who feels this way. I totally understand the feeling of “what’s the use”…knowing what we are up against make it seem so impossible. And maybe it is. But the alternative of just not trying seems to be something I’m unable to accept (for myself). But there is also the other side of the coin of being sure to set healthy limits for yourself with activism (which I’m very much still working on!!) Much love to you!
Hi Emily, Thank you for your video and all your other content. I agree with you that what we know to be true as vegans is indeed devastating. Every minute of every day can be dominated by the knowledge of the unspeakable suffering being inflicted on the innocent.
However unlike most of us you do have a talent to create content.
When you put out creative content there is no guarantee that anyone will listen. But if you touch the hearts of only one in one thousand then you will have achieved more than most.
Keep going, take a break when you need one. You are making a difference and we love you for it. Chris
Chris, this means more to me than I can say. It’s been very disheartening and disempowering to be at the mercy of social media algorithms that years ago seem to have shifted to not putting educational-minded content in front of viewers (even my own subscribers). If I were to make content that was more “grabby” and packaged in a more “click-bait” way, then YouTube would show people. (This video is a prime example! Not that I meant for it to be “click bait” but the human interest aspect of it has YouTube showing it to people in a way it never does for my educational content any longer).
This is at the heart of a struggle for me of what I see as my “reach” vs integrity of my mission. Were to I shift to tactics that I know the algorithms will show people my content, then what am I really reaching them with? If I stay with my conviction of solid educational content, the reality is, the videos simply won’t be shown to hardly as many people. But my hope is those who DO see them receive some value. I hope this makes sense. Your words mean so very much to me. Thank you for taking the time to write this. It was very heartening and something I really needed to hear!
Dear Emily ,
This is so true of all activists trying to make changes in this world. But I do get encouraged at protests when I see people come up to us and ask for more information and admit they were not informed. It gives me hope. Many times I have cried and feel that I am not making any progress when I hear the reports of more cruelty but I continue because I know we can and are making a difference. I do contact government officials about pending bills for animal welfare and I am pleased when they have been past.
“If you don’t like pictures of animal cruelty being posted on social media, you need to help stop the cruelty, not the pictures. You should be bothered that its happening, not that you saw it.” ― Marie Sarantakis
Sally, as always, I so appreciate your thoughtful comment and insights. Thank you for sharing your own struggles and doubts. That quote is so poignant as well. Thank you for the work you do. Thank you for continuing onwards despite the challenges.Much love!
Emily,
Thank you for this.
My wisest brother sent me something like this when I was going through a rough patch after my divorce:
“I want you to know that it’s okay if you only save one person, and it’s okay if that person is you.”
You have already done so much more.
YOU matter, and are precious.
Take care of yourself,
John
PS No need to reply – you are busy!
John, I’m still going to reply :) Thank you so much for sharing that beautiful quote, and for your incredibly kind words and encouragement. Means the world to me!
Again, you are amazing. Right back at you girl. You have inspired me so much and given me so much information since 2015, I am a hardcore devoted loyal vegan and will be for the rest of my life and I have turned my son vegan his friend and a roommate of mine and I share all my awesome cooking and baking so that others can see how easy it is and how delicious it is to be a vegan. I work out, take care of my body so that once again I can show others how easy and amazing this all is and how healthy and super duper powerful one can be as a vegan. I will never give up. Again thank you so much for all your hard work, you are awesome! XO
Thank you so much, Kt! That’s awesome that you’re helping other in your life see how accessible veganism is. It’s powerful when people have real-life examples to look to. Much love to you!
Dear Emily,
I’ve been following you since I first went vegan in 2015. I want you to know that your activism does make and has made a huge difference. I’m sorry to say that I went back to being a vegetarian after being a vegan for a few years, but your response video to Ed made me search for his content, and I can honestly say that I am now committed to being and staying vegan for the rest of my life. I’m embarrassed that I went back a step, just because of its supposed ‘convenience’ and despite being aware of how the animals suffer for my selfish decisions. I’ve thought to myself a number of times that going back probably makes me one of the worst vegetarians: one that is aware of the suffering their choices cause but continues anyway. I want to put this bad decision behind me and raise awareness myself. I’m not sure how, but I owe it to them.
Thanks for everything you do.
Tom
Tom, thank you SO much for being so vulnerable and open about your journey. I’m so very moved to hear you’ve decided to go vegan (again)! As much as you regret going back to vegetarianism, especially understanding the suffering involved, your story will be that much more powerful to others who are vegetarian or have also gone back. It’s always more powerful for people to hear from others who have been in their shoes. So everything you go through can eventually become a way of reaching others in the same place. (I hope I’m making sense). Thank you SO much for re-opening your eyes and being willing to face the truth and make the change. I’m honored to have had any role in “nudging” that shift. Sending you much love!!
Emily, we change the world one meal at at time, one choice at a time. Your contributions have always been informative, honest and humourous, and appreciated. The changes we make are not always evident to the eye, but we are sending out loving and bold messages of compassion into the world which are NEVER lost. I admire you for all you have done.
Maggie, thank you so much for your incredibly kind words about my work. It means more to me than I can possibly say. I greatly appreciate you taking the time to write this. Gave me a much-needed boost as I’m deep in research for my next video and article, which is a quite complex topic! Many thanks :)
EMILY – THANK YOU SOOO MUCH FOR THIS VIDEO AND MESSAGE! It means so much to me and I am passing it on! I also am an avid activist for the animals and often doubt my effectiveness too! One of my 3 fb activist sites is Vegan Empowerment, which is where someone posted this video of yours. My site is all about helping vegans be better vegans and vegan activists by cultivating positivity, integrity and resilience. I’d be beyond flattered if you would join and share YOUR content this is applicable to this. Would love to help YOU get more subscribers! Thank you for being you and all your efforts!
Shanasy, I’m very glad to hear this was helpful for you and glad someone shared it for you to come across. I truly can’t get my content “out there” without the help of others.
I want to point out that with the wonder of the internet I was able to look at some of your videos while you were on the break. I was able to find your videos about bees and honey to inspire other people about not eating honey anymore.
Thank you for sharing my content, Wendy. And while I was on a “break” from content production, I was working full-time still on Bite Size Vegan, completely overhauling the website, speaking, and many other things. If you didn’t get a chance to see my announcement video from a year ago when I resumed content production, you can see it here. Thank you again so much for sharing my content with others. I really can’t get it “out there” without the help of others.
Emily, thanks for the pep talk. I’ve been working on a art project, embellishing rusted fur-bearer traps with glass, metal and color, with the goal of making these torture devices beautiful. The end goal is to discuss why trapping is horrific and change people’s perspective. Twice I’ve shelved this project, asking myself why I’m attempting this in Alaska, and is this fight worth me being locally hated by some. Your video has encouraged me to get back at it. Thank you.
Kim, I’m so honored to hear this. That sounds like a fascinating and powerful project. I can very much identify with wondering whether my art/activism/anything is where I should be placing my time, whether it will make a dent, whether it matters at all. I certainly don’t have the answers. I don’t think any of us do to a degree of utmost certainty. I do think there’s also a pressure and concept (especially with the world of social media having such influence on our perspective) that if whatever we do put into the world doesn’t reach millions of people, or thousands, or hundreds, then it was of no consequence. This erases all of the beautiful, meaningful, important efforts and works of the vast majority of humanity…and if we dismiss our contributions if they’re not “epic”, then we’ll never collectively shift our society. Because it doesn’t ever happen all at once or in massive single movements. It happens through all of the “small” moments and movements that make greater movement possible. Sending you much love and encouragement!