A traditional American Indian story features a young Cherokee boy who once became annoyed that another boy had done him some injustice. After returning home, the young boy expressed his frustration to his grandfather.
The old Cherokee chief said to his grandson, “I too, at times, have felt a great hatred for those who have taken so much with no sorrow for what they do.
“Hatred wears you down, and hatred does not hurt your enemy. Hatred is like taking poison and wishing your enemy would die. I have struggled with these emotions many times.
“It’s as though a fight is continuously going on inside me. It is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves.
“One wolf is good and does no harm. He is filled with joy, humility, and kindness. He lives in harmony with everyone around and does not take offense when no offense was intended. He will only fight when it is right to do so and in the right way.
“The other wolf is full of anger, envy, regret, greed, and self-pity. The littlest thing will set him into a fit of temper. He fights everyone all the time and for no reason. When blinded by his anger and hatred, he does not have a sound mind. It is helpless anger, because his anger will change nothing.
“It is hard to live with these two wolves inside me. These two wolves are constantly fighting to control my spirit.
“Young man, the same fight is going on inside you and inside every other person on this earth.”
The grandson thought about it for a moment and then asked his grandfather, “Which wolf will win inside you, grandpa?”
The old Cherokee chief smiled and replied, “The one I feed.”
Dear readers, which wolf inside are you feeding?
The Right attitudes beget the right attitudes.
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