Feeding the Right Wolf: Balancing Your Inner Emotions

SHOW NOTES:

On this show…we are balancing our inner emotions as we decide, which wolf to feed. Ever feel like there’s a tug-of-war happening inside you? One part of you wants to lounge on the couch, scrolling endlessly, indulging in snacks, and just existing in cozy bliss. Meanwhile, the other side is nagging at you—reminding you of the gym membership you’re paying for, the book you said you’d read, or that goal you promised yourself you’d chase. It’s an internal battle, and let’s be honest, some days, the lazy wolf wins. But what if I told you that this struggle isn’t just about self-discipline or willpower? It’s a deeper, universal experience that has been described for generations through the ancient Cherokee story of the two wolves.

According to this tale, inside each of us live two wolves: one represents negativity—anger, jealousy, regret, self-doubt—while the other embodies positivity—love, kindness, hope, and gratitude. They are constantly at odds, each vying for dominance over our thoughts, reactions, and ultimately, our lives. The question is: which wolf wins? The answer is simple but powerful—the one you feed. On this show, we’re diving deep into this idea, exploring the dangers of leaning too far in either direction and most importantly, how to maintain a healthy balance. Because let’s face it, we’re all human. Sometimes, the negative wolf gets a few too many scraps, but the good news? We can always make a conscious choice to shift our focus, change our perspective, and start feeding the right wolf again.

Let’s do a little test to see if you can recognize which wolf is speaking in different situations. I’m going to give you a few common thoughts we all experience, and I want you to guess which wolf is talking—positive or negative. No overthinking, just go with your gut.

• “I’ll never be good at this, so why even try?”

• “I messed up, but I can learn from this and do better next time.”

• “Everyone else has it figured out. I’m so far behind.”

• “I’m proud of how far I’ve come, even if I’m not where I want to be yet.”

• “I don’t trust people. Every time I let my guard down, I get hurt.”

• “There are good people in the world. I just have to find the right ones.”

How did you do? It’s pretty clear once you break it down, right? The negative wolf thrives on absolutes—never, always, no one, everyone—and it feeds on doubt, fear, and comparison. The positive wolf, on the other hand, embraces growth, possibility, and resilience.

When the Wolves Wear Disguises

Here’s where it gets tricky—sometimes, the negative wolf pretends to be the positive wolf to keep its grip on you. Have you ever told yourself:

• “I just expect the worst so I won’t be disappointed.”
• “I’m not being negative, I’m just being realistic.”
• “If I don’t trust people, they can’t hurt me.”

These thoughts feel like self-protection, but in reality, they’re fear in disguise. The negative wolf doesn’t just show up as anger or sadness—it can creep in as cynicism, overthinking, or even perfectionism.

Courtney E. Ackerman asks about Positive and Negative Emotions: Do We Need Both? Found at Positive Psychology

Ria Bhagwat claims 'Lemonading' Is the Life Strategy That'll Make You Happier (and There's Science to Prove It) found at Real Simple

On the Anasazi Foundation’s YouTube channel, I found THE LEGEND OF THE TWO WOLVES || Native American Legend

CHALLENGE: This week, observe which wolf you’re feeding with your thoughts and actions. Make conscious choices to nourish your positive wolf, and watch how your inner landscape transforms.

I Know YOU Can Do It!