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My son, David, became a vegan over 10 years ago when he was in his late teens. In those days, he was looked upon as being “alternative,” or as his older sister would call him “granola style!”

Vegans do not eat meat, fish or poultry, nor do they use any animal products or by-products such as eggs, dairy products, honey, leather, fur, silk, wool, an open heart is an open mind - - Dalai Lama by Jennifer Safiancosmetics, and soaps derived from animal products.

David’s love and concern for animals were at the origin of his decision, but the impact that a vegan lifestyle could have on the environment and the many health benefits that came along with it were also important.

While I was not a vegan, I did embrace and respect David’s choice, as long as he got sufficient nutrients and did not jeopardize his health. I do remember, however, negative comments and disapproving looks from other people: “When is he going to be done with this and come back to reality?”

Nowadays restaurants, food stores, cookbooks, many food and health related businesses are striving to accommodate a growing demand for vegan and vegetarian products. It is no longer only for people leading an “alternative lifestyle.”

I am proud to share with you that David now runs his own business as a marketing and branding consultant to companies who produce vegan products. He is also regularly invited to speak about his passion to a diversity of groups across the country.

Mediation seems to have followed a similar path. Years ago, when I became a mediator, I would get mixed looks and comments. Was I aligning with people chanting and “meditating,” or maybe just helping people who could not afford a lawyer?

Today I see much respect for the process and an increasing demand for mediators to help resolve conflicts, in both the business and family arenas. As the multiple benefits of mediation are being recognized, more educational programs are serving professionals entering the field or adding mediation training to their line of work.

I have an older cousin who is recognized as one of the top lawyers in NYC for white-collar crimes. When I started training as a mediator, he seemed quite skeptical about my newly discovered interest. Recently, however, his office has referred some separating couples to me!

What is the takeaway from these two examples? Our children and the following generations may very well sometimes know something we don’t know, and we may have much to learn from them. Let’s keep our hearts and minds open to changing our ways, and choosing new approaches that may be in our best interest even though we are often tempted to avoid what we don’t know.

Jennifer Safian

Jennifer Safian

jennifer safian. divorce and family mediator
divorce and family mediation
upper east side of manhattan (nyc)
new york, ny
(917) 881 5206
jpsafian@gmail.com
Jennifer Safian

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