I like this story a lot because it helps me to think more kindly about myself and about others and our struggles and imperfections ….

There is a story that is told by a Cherokee Elder to her grandchildren. She speaks of a terrible fight going on inside each of us. It is a feral and fierce fight between two wolves.  One wolf embodies fear, anger, regrets, greed, arrogance, self-pity, resentment and hubris. The other wolf embodies love, compassion, joy, equanimity, peace, kindness, generosity, sharing, truth and humility.  This battle rages within each and every person.” She paused here for a moment to sit back and ponder, to let the story settle and find its depth.

One of her grandchildren whispers, “which wolf wins?”

Laughing, she answered, “the one you feed.”