In the journey of life, we often find ourselves at a crossroads, faced with a choice between embracing joy or succumbing to despair. This internal struggle is as old as humanity itself, yet it remains profoundly relevant in our modern world.

Imagine an ancient Cherokee grandfather, wise with years, sharing a profound lesson with his young grandchild. He speaks of a fierce battle raging within each of us – a fight between two wolves. One wolf embodies all that is dark and destructive: anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego. The other wolf represents the light: joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith.

The child, curious and eager to learn, asks which wolf will win this eternal battle. The grandfather's answer is simple yet profound: "The one you feed the most."

This parable serves as a powerful metaphor for the choices we make each day. In a world often overshadowed by negativity, it's easy to find ourselves nurturing the darker wolf. We're bombarded with reasons to be cynical, depressed, or anxious. The news cycle, personal setbacks, and the general state of the world can all contribute to a sense of hopelessness.

Statistics paint a grim picture. Depression has become a widespread issue, with studies suggesting it's one of the leading mental health challenges in the United States. The economic burden of major depressive disorder is staggering, estimated at hundreds of billions of dollars annually. But these numbers only scratch the surface, failing to capture the true cost in terms of broken relationships, substance abuse, and emotional turmoil.

It's not hard to find evidence to justify a negative outlook. Life can be cruel and unfair. We witness good people suffering while those who seem undeserving prosper. Unexpected tragedies strike, health issues arise, and relationships crumble. Even in our faith communities, where we hope to find inspiration and enthusiasm, we might encounter apathy and disconnection.

However, the parable of the two wolves reminds us that we have a choice in how we respond to these challenges. While it's true that some people may not be trustworthy and that life can be difficult, fixating on these negative aspects only serves to feed the darker wolf within us.

The challenge lies in consciously choosing to nourish the wolf of light – to actively seek out and focus on the positive aspects of life, even in the face of adversity. This doesn't mean ignoring reality or pretending that everything is perfect. Rather, it's about cultivating a mindset that allows us to see beyond the immediate challenges and find reasons for hope and joy.

So how do we begin to feed the right wolf? It starts with small, deliberate choices:

1. Practice gratitude: Each day, take time to acknowledge the good things in your life, no matter how small they may seem.

2. Seek out positive influences: Surround yourself with people who inspire and uplift you. Engage with media and content that nourishes your spirit rather than drains it.

3. Serve others: Acts of kindness and service not only benefit those around us but also fill our own hearts with purpose and joy.

4. Cultivate faith and spirituality: Whether through organized religion or personal spiritual practices, connecting with something greater than ourselves can provide comfort and perspective.

5. Focus on growth: View challenges as opportunities for learning and personal development rather than insurmountable obstacles.

6. Practice self-compassion: Be kind to yourself in moments of struggle, recognizing that everyone faces difficulties.

7. Stay connected: Build and maintain meaningful relationships, even when it's tempting to isolate yourself.

8. Find reasons for excitement: Actively look for things to be enthusiastic about, whether it's personal goals, new experiences, or the simple joys of everyday life.

By consistently making these choices, we begin to shift the balance in favor of the light wolf. Over time, this can lead to a profound transformation in our outlook and overall well-being.

It's important to remember that this is an ongoing process. There will be days when feeding the light wolf feels impossible, when the weight of the world seems too heavy to bear. In these moments, it's crucial to be gentle with ourselves and remember that tomorrow is another opportunity to make a different choice.

The story of the two wolves also reminds us of the power of community. We're not alone in this internal battle – every person around us is fighting their own version of it. By supporting one another, sharing our struggles and our triumphs, we create a network of strength that can help sustain us through difficult times.

As we navigate the complexities of life, let us strive to be more conscious of which wolf we're feeding. Let us seek out reasons for joy, cultivate peace within ourselves, and spread love to those around us. Let us approach each day with hope, embracing the possibilities that lie ahead rather than dwelling on past regrets or future anxieties.

In doing so, we not only improve our own lives but also contribute to a more positive, compassionate world. We become beacons of light, inspiring others to feed their own light wolves and create a ripple effect of positivity.

The choice is ours to make, each and every day. Which wolf will you feed today?