My New Happy: Mindful Monday: Which Wolf Will Win?

Monday, November 28, 2016

Mindful Monday: Which Wolf Will Win?


Like many, we spend the long weekend after Thanksgiving decorating our home for Christmas.  It's a happy time, with lights and laughter and music, and a little complaining by the boys.

But this year, I couldn't get in the spirit.  T went back to school early, to attend the big rivalry football game.  I was missing my dad and my uncle.  Each ornament I hung on the tree brought back a memory of a time now gone.  My bad mood was trickling down to C and my husband, ruining what should be a fun, happy day.

And then I remembered something I read a few months ago.  The exact words eluded me, so I stopped what I was doing and went to find the book.  And there it was:
There is a story about a Navajo grandfather who once told his grandson, "Two wolves live inside me.  One is the bad wolf, full of greed and laziness, full of anger and jealousy and regret.  The other is the good wolf, full of joy and compassion and willingness and a great love for the world. All the time, these wolves are fighting inside me."  "But grandfather," the boy said, "which wolf will win?"  The grandfather answered, "The one I feed."
I was feeding the bad wolf, allowing my happy holiday memories to take a negative tone.  Once I started feeding the good wolf, the joy and excitement of another Christmas season returned.  There were still a few tears and moments of sadness, but I realized that my happiness is up to me.

In the end, the tree was trimmed, the decorations put in their place.  T will be home for Christmas in a few weeks, and as long as my heart beats, my dad and uncle will live on.

I've decided which wolf will win.


32 comments:

  1. LOVE YOU!!!! The good wolf wins and Your sweet daddy and uncle are watching you from heaven..proud as can be!!!

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  2. I love this! What a great story to keep things in perspective!

    Jill
    Doused In Pink

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  3. Great story...Lucia and I use a similar analogy but it's from Virginia Wolf...we talk about being . Glad you could find some cheer.

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    Replies
    1. Sometimes I just have to get over myself and go looking for it :)!

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  4. Boy I love this story! Glad your good wolf won! The tree looks lovely.

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  5. That s a beautiful story! Are you already decorating! We start here after 5december.

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    Replies
    1. Yep, all done. We usually decorate the weekend after our Thanksgiving.

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  6. Oh my gosh, Lana. This is exactly what I needed to read today. I have been in a funk about my personal life for about a month now and the holiday season was actually adding to my negativity. This really bummed me out since this is normally my favorite time of year. Today is the day I decided to switch my mindset so I stop ruining things for myself and this story is the perfect inspiration! Thank you!

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    Replies
    1. I'm so glad you liked the story Whitney! The holidays can be so hard, and it's easy to look around and focus on the negative. I really want to be positive this year too!

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  7. What a brilliant story! I need to remember this.

    bisous
    Suzanne

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  8. You brought tears to my eyes reading this! What a great example... I need to remember this when I am having a difficult day. There was a night where I was 'overthinking' and I tossed and turned for hours and couldn't get to sleep. I def. need to feed the good wolf!

    Carrie
    curlycraftymom.com

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    Replies
    1. I'm the queen of overthinking things :)! I feel like I need to put this on a plaque on my desk!

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  9. Your heart is so beautiful! I hope your Christmas will be truly lovely!

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  10. Gorgeous. The story is appropriate! Last year I didn't feed the good wolf. Couldn't feel the spirit.
    We decorated too!

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  11. Now I can't help but think your uncle and your dad had a hand in helping you find the book, Lana. Wow. Keep on feeding that good wolf. They'd expect nothing less.

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  12. Lana - what a great reminder! Thinking of those that are no longer with us, especially if is one of our parents is difficult. And, times like this and memories sure does stir them back up. Thinking of you.

    Lisa
    Daily Style Finds

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  13. Awe Lana, this made me tear up... I too wanted to have a happier Christmas this year... and I realized I needed to decide to do that... so like you I am feeding the good wolf... I am thrilled we are friends on Facebook now too xox

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  15. Lana!! This post made me cry! You made the better choice! Good for you for realizing it!

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