On Thanksgiving we spend time with our families and give thanks for the blessings we have. For many, this holiday is a time to pause and look inwards — to examine how we can improve our relations with loved ones, and lead happier, more fulfulling lives together. To that end, consider the message of this oft-quoted parable, the Tale of Two Wolves.
An old Cherokee chief was teaching his grandson about life. “A fight is going on inside me,” he said to the boy. “It is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves.”
“One is evil: he is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, self-doubt, and ego.
The other is good: he is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith.
This same fight is going on inside you — and inside every other person, too.”
The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather,
“Which wolf will win?”
The old chief answered…
“The one you feed.”
