The Wolves Within
An old Cherokee Grandfather said to his grandson, who came to him with anger at a friend who had done him an injustice, “Let me tell you a story.
I too, at times, have felt a great hate for those that have taken so much, with no sorrow for what they do.
But hate wears you down, and does not hurt your enemy. It is like taking poison and wishing your enemy would die. I have struggled with these feelings many times.” He continued, “It is as if there are two wolves inside me. One is good and does no harm. He lives in harmony with all around him, 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.
But the other wolf, ah! He is full of anger. The littlest thing will set him into a fit of temper. He fights everyone, all the time, for no reason. He cannot think because his anger and hate are so great. It is a helpless anger, for his anger will change nothing.
Sometimes, it is hard to live with these two wolves inside me, for both of them try to dominate my spirit.”
The boy looked intently into his Grandfather’s eyes and asked, “Which one wins, Grandfather?”
The Grandfather smiled and quietly said, “The one I feed.”
Life of Bon 
Great blog .. I have missed them.
October 19, 2012 at 11:54 pm
Thanks Mom, I’ve missed popping in myself.
October 22, 2012 at 11:54 am
What a great story. Thank you Bonnie.
October 20, 2012 at 1:07 am
Thanks Dave, I’ve missed you!
October 22, 2012 at 11:55 am
http://campfireshadows.com/ You will probably like his tales of old west blog. He’s on my blog roll as are you and I will send him to visit you now as I know he will appreciate the post.
October 20, 2012 at 6:41 am
Oh, I’ll definitely check him out Carl – I’ve always taken heed to your recommendations. Thanks very much for that!!
October 22, 2012 at 11:56 am
Well, I have to admit, Old man white beard (Carl D) hasn’t led me astray so far and has proved himself once again. He said I’d enjoy your blog. Good post Ma’am, I did enjoy it. I added you to those I follow. He’s right, I do write old west short stories but sometimes I delve into my own heritage (Nez Perce and Blackfeet) to rustle up a good tale. You might enjoy some of them. I’d recommend reading the story “When the Spirit Grandfathers spoke”. It’s a bit deeper in Native spiritualism than others. JW 🙂
October 20, 2012 at 9:33 am
Thanks so much, JW! I cannot wait to stop by your site, particularly the one you recommended. I have very high regard and respect for Native Americans, and never tire of learning about the heritage. Thanks for the add and I’ll be sure to follow you as well!
October 22, 2012 at 12:04 pm
There is great truth in this post. I dare say we’ve all experienced it, either as a victim of anger and hate or as the perpetrator.
October 20, 2012 at 10:54 am
I think so too, Debbie. It’s been around forever, but one that I never tire of hearing again. 🙂
October 22, 2012 at 12:05 pm
This is so true!! ❤
October 23, 2012 at 4:31 pm