The Tale of Two Wolves
Last week I was completing my workout, an activity that is part of my daily regiment.
But on this day, things were different.
I typically complete my workout in the morning hours before the world wakes up, but on this particular day our 2 year old son woke up with a fever and visibly not feeling well.
My morning routine was put on pause to focus my energy towards comforting and caring for my sick child.
After a day full of wiping noses, sickly cuddles, and managing medicines, I found myself not completing my workout until 8:30 PM that night.
It was at a time where my energy was low and all I wanted to do was crawl in bed myself.
Although less than ideal timing, it was a requirement for me to get this work done.
So begrudgingly I arranged our living room tumbling play mats to help me with some of the acrobatic upper body moves that were on the workout plan for that day.
On the move of “superman”, I found myself laying stomach down and squeezing the entire back side of my body.
It was TOUGH as my entire posterior chain was LIT UP.
As CJ the trainer from the video was guiding me through the moves, he reminded viewers to push a bit more and push the biceps up to the ears.
Wow.
By this point there was sweat streaming down my back and no feeling left in my hands and my arms felt much heavier, although no weight had been added.
I was about to give in to my negative talk and put my arms down for break when CJ the trainer reminded me,
“This is where the MIND COMES TO PLAY! Your mind muscle - the regulator, the overcomer, the secret weapon, overcomer of odds and limiting beliefs!”
It was just the reminder I needed!
As I leaned deeper into my breath I looked down at my flooring and a wolf face appeared in the floor pattern.
I was amazed by the timing, the certain spot I saw, and how this wolf face appeared to accompany me for the grueling 30 seconds left of this move.
For the remaining time, I breathed deeply and had the focus to squeeze and hold my muscles until the time had expired.
Although it may sound silly, the wolf in the floorboard gave me the strength to keep going, and I finished the workout feeling accomplished and proud I did it.
After this happened to me, I was reminded of the Tale of Two Wolves.
A Cherokee Indian legend that illustrates the ongoing battle in our mind, between the positive and negative.
The conflicting fight between the good wolf and the evil wolf within us is what can define our perspective and outlook on any situation.
The evil wolf is rooted in anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.
The good wolf is rooted in joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith.
Which wolf will win the battle?
THE WOLF YOU FEED!
For a video of the story, click this link to learn more: The Tale of Two Wolves
In the moments we want to give up and give in, consider the wolf that resides in all of us.
We have the choice of which wolf we feed, which wolf we let lead the conversation, and which wolf that will project us forward (or not).
We have the choice to become someone powerful, and it all depends on which wolf you feed.
Which wolf will you feed today?
