As we learn about the ways animals are exploited, it’s common to feel anger and frustration. But we need to make sure our emotions don’t overwhelm us—to be effective animal advocates, we should be teachers, not fighters.

Most of us weren’t raised as vegetarians. While we learn more about animal exploitation, it’s often difficult to remember that—just like our friends and relatives who aren’t yet vegetarian—we, too, once contributed to animal suffering.

Because of this, it’s often helpful to ask ourselves, “Why did I become vegetarian?” Chances are, it wasn’t because someone called us murderers or condemned our food choices. Likely, we adopted vegetarian eating because someone helped us see that choosing compassion over killing was a simple way to reduce suffering, while improving our health and the environment.

You can be the animals’ most effective ambassador by leading by example and teaching others with patience. The animals would thank you if they could.