Why I became Vegetarian

I first became vegetarian when I was 7 years old, while reading a Highlights magazine with my mom.  On one of the pages there was a picture of a field of grass, a picture of a cow, and a picture of a hamburger.  I understood the association between the cow and grass, but I didn't understand how the hamburger fit in.  After asking my mom, and getting the shocking answer, I gave up red meat.  Soon after that I also gave up chicken. 

In high school I discovered sushi.  Before this I had never eaten fish because I thought it was disgusting, but sushi was different somehow. 

When I was 21 I began practicing Tao.  In the process I gave up  my sushi and eventually stoped drinking.  (Giving up alcohol is not a prerequisite for practicing Tao.  I was never much of a drinker.  I hated it actually.  I always got anxiety attacks from drinking, not a very enjoyable experience.  )  I did this for energy and spiritual reasons.  I have noticed a enormous difference in my chi.  Not consuming dead, angry flesh is a good thing for numerous reasons. 

My reasoning for being vegetarian have changed over the years, and so has my conviction.  Maybe it is because I am older, or that I have a broader self-concept, because I feel stronger in my conviction and now, more than ever, want to help others in their path to vegetarianism.