- Sep
- 16
Scott Anderson Welcomes You to PETA Prime!
Posted by Scott Anderson at 7:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (9)
Long ago, the idea of being 60, let alone enjoying being 60, seemed awful to me.
Yes, it's true that bounding out of bed in the morning without a care in the world or a pain in my knees and ankles is but a distant memory. Ditto that when it comes to looking in the mirror enthusiastically. I now see only a ragtag band of dull, forlorn hair where once upon a time there was a full carrot-colored red mop. I try to take it all in stride, although I found it only mildly amusing when a friend recently called a local cremation service asking for more information and, as a joke, left my name and number.
But all this and more notwithstanding, getting older has prompted a wondrous and most welcome change in my life. It is liberating that I don't have to sweat the small stuff anymore. I also care much more than I ever did about enjoying each and every day and each and every person in my life.
All this joy doesn't come from worrying about what's to come in the future. It comes from knowing what matters most to me-today.
I have worked for social causes my entire life-including a lucky 25+ years with PETA and the PETA Foundation. The only thing I need to prove, as trite as it may sound, is that my life … my work … my actions all point to something beneficial. For me, that means doing whatever I can to promote compassion-for the sake of all beings.
Helping animals, challenging the status quo, and standing up for what you truly believe in … it's all serious business. But it doesn't need to be dull, boring, or lonely. In fact, having fun is an essential ingredient for all of us baby boomers who are hell-bent on leaving a good mark on our less than perfect world.
All we need to do this is a bit of old-fashioned community spirit and real connections to likeminded people, and we're good to go.
That is what PETA Prime is all about for me. It's a place to share your skills, interests, and ideas about making kind choices and a place to feel inspired by others. It's also a place to celebrate this glorious trip we call life and the knowledge and experience we've gained along the way … and, perhaps most importantly, making every day count-for our sake and for the sake of all beings.
So welcome. Make yourself at home. Tell us what you think. And come back and visit as often as possible!
Posted to Family & Friends | Posted to Tags: aging, PETA Prime, Scott Anderson, welcome
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Melissa says...
September 16th, 2008, 5:12 pm
I am really excited to find a place where I can come together with other folks who feel comfotable in their skin and can talk about what they really believe. Hurray for PETA Prime.
Alice says...
September 16th, 2008, 7:59 pm
Words of wisdom And well spoken! It really isn't so bad gettiing older. Especially when you find your purpose in life – helping animals! Thanks for the great blog.
Eva says...
September 19th, 2008, 9:09 pm
I'm not sure when I became an animal advocate. It snuck up on me while I wasn't really paying attention. I started becoming controversial with friends who would tell me they were going hunting… and I struggled to continue the friendship. I couldn't put the steak in my mouth anymore because suddenly, despite the fact that I was salivating, I was acutely aware of where it was coming from. Now, 7 years later, I try not to act in a radical manner when I explain my choice. I try to be gentle when I explain to my friend's children that even the mouse they are trying to kill and rid the house of – will struggle for its life. Nothing wants to die. Certainly nothing wants to suffer. Nothing should be taken advantage of because it is less capable to protect itself. It has taken me 47 years of life to come to this stage and realization. I am delighted to find Peta Prime for those of us who are older, but even more convicted!!! We are young enough to have an intelligent, compelling manner and old enough to be gracious and patient. With this attitude people will eventually come around and listen – and subsequently, convert. My husband of 20 years converted to vegetarianism 8 months ago!! (Finally!)Thanks Peta Prime.
Belinda Watson says...
September 20th, 2008, 3:27 pm
I live in Oklahoma, and sometimes I feel like the only vegan on the planet! Surrounded by rodeo riders, hunters, fishermen, pig farms, beef packing plants, chicken farms, and steakhouses, I need to feel the commeraderie of others who share my revulsion for those things. At PETA Prime, I feel company and validation for my choices. Thanks!
Julie says...
September 20th, 2008, 6:00 pm
I'm 49 and work with a bunch of 20 somethings. It's amusing each day to see what they are stressing out about. I have to really try not to laugh when they come seeking advise. Their problems seem so trivial, yet I'm sure I was a bit neurotic at that age myself. I'm happy to say that in the last 10 years I've been able to shift the worrying about what's going on with me off, and turn the what's going on in this world on…especially the animal world. I've been vegan for these past 10 years and undoubtedly improved my karma 10 fold. It's no secret to anyone that knows me that I have a passion for being compassionate to animals. My co-workers say that if I were to see a car accident, I would stop just to make sure no animals were harmed in the accident. Ha, ha.
Bonnie Bonsor says...
September 20th, 2008, 8:36 pm
I am so happy to see this method of communication for Peta and the many people who are like-minded, warm-hearted, compassionate individuals! I find that our species (human) is lagging behind sadly in our development – as evidenced by the animal abuse Peta so valiantly tries to change – and I am feeling so uplifted to be able to communicate with those who are on the higher end of the scale! Every time I hear of an animal being hurt or abused I give my cats Chloe and Patrick extra treats and hugs – and lately they have become accustomed to being served their dinner and breakfast in bed (literally). I am so happy to have this new newsletter! Thanks to everyone at Peta and I hope to hear from a lot of you! (I live in Wilmington NC but I grew up in Newport News VA – a 55-year-old boomer/hippie/theater person. Cheers to everyone! Bonnie
susan wilkins says...
September 21st, 2008, 10:47 am
I have just read all the above comments and they have made me very happy, it is so nice to realise that you are not alone in showing compassion for all living creatures, I would love a dog but unfortunately the rest of the family do not share my wishes, but one day when I am alone I will be able to please myself, I dream about living by the sea with my small dog for a companion.
Linda Burgo says...
September 22nd, 2008, 1:06 pm
Scott.
Very good to meet you and Alex on Sunday in Oakland, CA. Thank you for the hospitality to me and Miss Pia Zadora! Let's keep up the good work. Just got a post on Zappos. Have done business with them before – didn't do my homework! I have since written them a letter and asked them to take me off their mailer until they forgo the use of fur in their products. Look forward to the next venu…
Linda Burgo
Bill says...
July 9th, 2009, 7:09 pm
What a wonderful idea to tailor a site for those of us on the other side of life, age-wise. Not that we don't like interacting with everyone, but different age groups often share different perspectives that are best understood and appreciated by those of like experience. I look forward to linking to Peta Prime facebook soon!