The Two Wolves: A Lesson in Choices

Once upon a time in a quiet village nestled in the mountains, a wise old Cherokee chief lived with his family and community. He was known far and wide for his wisdom and understanding of life. One day, he was sitting with his young grandson by the fire, sharing stories and lessons about the world.

As they sat together, the young boy was troubled, having heard some of his friends discussing conflicts and struggles they faced. He asked his grandfather, “Why do people fight, and why do they feel anger and sadness?” 

The chief looked thoughtfully into the flames, then turned to his grandson and said, “Let me tell you a story about two wolves that live inside each of us.” 

He continued, “Inside every person, there are two wolves constantly at battle. One wolf represents darkness: it is filled with anger, envy, greed, arrogance, resentment, lies, and ego. The other wolf represents light: it embodies joy, peace, love, hope, humility, kindness, and truth.”

The boy, intrigued, asked, “Which wolf wins, Grandfather?” 

The chief smiled gently at the question and said, “The one you feed.”

The grandson pondered this for a moment, considering the implications of his grandfather’s words. “So, if I feed the wolf of light by being kind and loving, then it will grow stronger and happier?”

“Exactly,” replied the chief. “Whatever you nurture in your life will grow. If you choose kindness and compassion, the wolf of light will flourish. If you dwell in anger and negativity, then the wolf of darkness will take over.”

With newfound understanding, the grandson felt a sense of empowerment. He realized that he had a choice in how he responded to the world around him. The lesson was clear: our thoughts, actions, and choices shape who we are.

As the evening wore on, the boy reflected on many moments in his life. He thought about the times he chose to be kind to others, even when he felt upset. He also thought about when he allowed negative emotions to control his actions, leading to regrets.

Years passed, and the grandson grew into a strong young man. The memory of his grandfather's lesson stayed with him throughout his life. Whenever he faced challenges, he would remember the two wolves and consciously choose to feed the one that would strengthen his character and spirit.

He became a source of inspiration in the village, teaching others about the importance of choice and emotional resilience. The villagers learned to recognize the wolves inside themselves and to nurture the qualities they wanted to see in their lives.

And so, the legacy of the wise old Cherokee chief lived on, reminding everyone that we each have the power to shape our destiny through our choices, always deciding which wolf to feed.

Moral: This story highlights the significance of self-awareness and choice in shaping our character. Nurturing positive thoughts and actions leads to a more fulfilling and harmonious life, while allowing negative emotions to take control can lead to unhappiness. Ultimately, we are responsible for our own journeys, learning to nourish the light within us.