Which one wins? The one you choose to feed—Votra Magazine
Inside every person, a battle rages between two wolves—one of darkness, one of light. In this powerful Cherokee tale, Votra Magazine explores the choices we make every day and the impact they have on our lives.
The fire crackled in the night, sending golden sparks dancing into the dark sky. A young Cherokee boy sat cross-legged beside his grandfather, his eyes wide with curiosity. The old man, wrapped in a worn but dignified blanket, poked at the flames with a stick, his weathered face illuminated by the firelight.
“My son,” the old Cherokee began, his voice steady as the wind through the pines, “inside every person, there is a battle—a battle between two wolves.”
The boy’s brows furrowed. “Two wolves?” he echoed, tilting his head.
His grandfather nodded. “Yes. One wolf is Evil. It is made of anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, lies, false pride, and ego. This wolf thrives on fear and bitterness, always hungry for more.”
The boy shuddered at the thought. “And the other?” he asked.
The old man smiled, his deep-set eyes reflecting the wisdom of his years. “The other wolf is Good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith. This wolf does not take—it gives. It does not destroy—it heals.”
The boy was silent for a moment, watching the flickering flames. He could feel both wolves stirring inside him—the rage from earlier when his friend had teased him, the guilt of stealing a piece of bread when he thought no one was looking, but also the warmth he felt when he helped his little sister, the happiness of laughing with his mother.
Finally, he looked up. “Grandfather… which wolf wins?”
The old Cherokee exhaled deeply, as if the answer had been carved into the wind long before this moment. He placed a firm, gentle hand on the boy’s shoulder.
The fire popped loudly, and for the first time, the boy understood. Every day, every moment, he had a choice. He could give his energy to anger, resentment, and fear, or he could nourish love, patience, and kindness.
That night, as he lay under the stars, he made his decision.
Which Wolf Are You Feeding?
We all have two wolves inside us—a constant struggle between darkness and light, destruction and creation, selfishness and selflessness.
Every decision we make, every thought we entertain, every word we speak feeds one wolf or the other. When we hold onto anger, we strengthen the wolf that thrives on it. When we act with kindness and grace, we nourish the wolf that brings peace.
The truth is, the battle never ends. The wolves will always be there, waiting for our choice.
So ask yourself: Which wolf am I feeding today?
Because in the end, the one you choose to feed… wins.
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