Over the years, I’ve struggled with living a life that aligned with my values while also trying to realize my dreams. I became caught up in the pursuit of “success,” embarked on a career in the film and television industry and eventually started my own production company, producing music videos for the likes of Jay-Z and Calvin Harris. I walked the capitalism tightrope, always dreaming of more but never actually feeling like I was “doing the right thing.”

I thought that compromise was inevitable until I came across something called the Triple Bottom Line, or the 3 P’s — People, Planet, Profit — which was originally intended to encourage large corporations to trade ethically and to place as much attention onto “people” and the “planet” as that which they place on “profit” — nice huh?

This triggered the idea that maybe, just maybe, if we were to adopt this into our lives, not only could we play a role in helping the planet and all of the beautiful animals and people on it, but we could also begin to realize our own dreams and ambitions. After all, there’s nothing wrong with wanting to make something of our lives, especially if we can start an Animal rights revolution at the same time, right?

There is, however, a bit of a problem.

We’ve wreaked havoc on the planet, abused millions of animals, and in the process, triggered all manner of awful diseases, environmental disasters, and the horrific evolvement of the animal production machine.

So, it’s high time we began the healing process, and fortunately, there’s a solution, and the purpose of The Beautiful Life Journal is to play a tiny role in saving our beautiful planet and creating a fair and altruistic world for all.

The Plant Revolution

Plant-based diets have become increasingly popular over the last few years and have been heralded as a positive form of proactive healthcare. The fuel that we put into our bodies not only gives us the energy and nourishment to survive and flourish but, as reported in a study published in the Lancet a few months ago, consuming more fruits, vegetables, and legumes can lower the risk of heart disease and cancer.

We encourage anyone embarking on The Beautiful Life journey to embrace plant-based living. Click on this link to download a free 7-day recipe book for some inspiration.

Mindful Meanderings

As well as plant-based diets, connecting with nature and exercise of the mind and body are all key to ensuring fulfillment. Over the last few years, I’ve found that practicing yoga and mindfulness has had a pretty incredible impact on me. A quick technique which can be used anywhere is the “Five Senses” exercise where you literally live “in the moment” by focusing firstly on five things that you can see (a crack in the pavement, a bird in the sky, a cloud, anything), then four things you can feel, three things you can hear, two things you can smell, and finally one thing you can taste. This brings awareness of the present moment, helping you to find peace and calm — it’s so useful. I quite often do it when walking my dog — a double whammy, being in nature and in the moment!

Animals and Altruism

One of the greatest things that we, as humans, can do every day both for ourselves and for others is simply to be altruistic. It’s the tiny little things that we do every day that really do make a difference and it all begins with overcoming what businesswoman, author, and Ted speaker, Margaret Heffernan terms “willful blindness,” whereby we choose to ignore certain things when we go about our daily business. A classic example of this is in the choice to consume animals and to ignore the horrific suffering of sentient beings in the process.

Imagine if we set out each day to do an act of kindness — altruism has been scientifically proven to positively impact our mental health. Remember how good it feels when you do someone a good turn? If we extended this to all species, imagine how peaceful a world we would create.

So, what can you do each day to live more ethically? How about going chemical free in the home — better for your health and the planet — or taking up the Veganuary challenge, cooking a vegan meal for a friend or family member, or even becoming an activist or lobbyist and spreading the word.

A Calling

We are in the midst of an ethical revolution — just look at some of the most innovative and successful brands of the Twenty-First Century — Stella McCartney, Hampton Creek, People Tree, Method Home — who are growing while creating an ethical and animal-friendly world.

There are so many opportunities for each of us to find and pursue our true purpose. Begin by asking yourself what your strengths and weaknesses are, as well as what your special talents and skills might be. You could also start what I like to call a “Creative Circle” by gathering like-minded friends or colleagues who want to make a difference and who can perhaps collaborate to change something in your local area, or campaign for something better, or even start a co-operative or business.

Now is the time to lay plans that will satisfy the creative spark that is always burning in the pit of your stomach. And I urge you to start today with doing just one tiny little thing.

Believe me, it will make a difference.

Let’s Change The World.

To find out more about The Beautiful Life, follow this link and sign up to our free quarterly newsletter which focuses on ethical living and ethical business.

To continue your journey, check out The Beautiful Life 90 Day Journal for ethical, happy, healthy, and successful living, and you can visit this link for more information.

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