How can two wolves teach you to fight back against the negativity of our world? Truthfully, times are tough. 1 in 5 people have a mental health issue. The world is engaged in a war whose battlefield is fought inside our minds. Fear, toxic stress, anxiety, depression, hate, jealousy, and pessimism are rapidly rising in our society.
You are actively attacked by fear-based propaganda, gossip, anger, selfishness, and decaying morality from the news media, social media, friends, family, colleagues, product marketing, and entertainment. Our society often elevates a dangerous mindset placing precedence on living a life fueled by what other people think of you, as opposed to a higher focus on God, purpose, selflessness, resilience, coping, and contentment. There is hope. You are ultimately in control of what you choose to consume, how you act, and the proper perspective for how you view your life and experiences.
The opening paragraph in Chapter 1 of The Pursuit of Growth book shares my favorite parable, which I believe effectively outlines a strategy for victory in the war raging inside your head.
An old Cherokee chief teaches his grandson about life. “A fight is going on inside me,” he said to the boy. “It is a terrible fight 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 this for a minute and then asked his grandfather, “Which wolf will win?” The old chief simply replied, “The one you feed.”
Who are the people whom you spend most of your time? What news do you consume? Who do you follow on social media? What books, movies, music, podcasts, and entertainment do you consume?
What does the voice inside your head focus on? Do you spend time daily focusing on goals, perspective, positivity, affirmations, prayer, disciplines, learnings, passions, and purpose?
What are you feeding your mind? Is it strengthening you, or, weakening you? What can you add to your life to increase your mental strength? What can you eliminate in your life to improve yourself?
Live The Pursuit of Growth
