One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that was going on inside himself. He said, “My son, it is between two wolves….One is evil: Anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority and ego. The other is good: Joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith”. The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather: “Which wolf wins?” The old Cherokee simply replied: “The one I feed”.
I was telling Pat, my massage therapist, about a recurring dream I’ve been having about wolves, which led her to share the above story with me. It is certainly pertinent to all of us and a powerful way of reminding ourselves that we alone are in control of our emotions. We can’t control the events that come our way, but we can control how we choose to respond. And it’s not okay to leave 2 bowls out…
By the way, I took the above picture a few winters ago while outside on a walk with Kristy…. at the zoo.
The countdown is on — my discharge date is February 28th! It will be a busy and exhausting week for myself and family as we finalize all the details of the move. However, I am extremely excited to be moving on (that is an understatement)! Unfortunately, the weather has been a little feisty these past few days, causing a few inconveniences, but certainly nothing insurmountable.
I’m still riding out a stubborn pressure sore, but it continues to get better every day. The only consolation is I’m not missing out on any beautiful 75° days. However, my dad will be in Orlando over the next week so I’m counting on him to bring some back. He will be down there for work, but will have the opportunity to check out an organization called Step It Up. Step It Up is an aggressive rehab facility that caters to individuals with spinal cord injuries. I’ve heard nothing but good things about the people that work there and hope that I am able to make it down to the Sunshine state later in the year.
As I’ve mentioned before, I’m excited to get to my apartment and begin a regular physical therapy routine. I can’t wait to start working out again! I’m hungry to keep getting stronger and moving forward! You could say, I’m hungry like the wolf (okay, that was a really cheesy Duran Duran reference, but I couldn’t resist)!
Thank you everyone for your prayers and support!
Scott
We are only about 40 mins from Sanford… in Florida…please let us know how we can help. Best wishes on your move to your apartment… sounds wonderful. You deserve the best. Keeping you in our prayers.
Pat and Mike in Orlando
Hey Buddy–FEB 28th!!! ALRIGHT!!! Get you outa there! Awesome story about the wolves. Check this out: one day after a yoga asana session, I laid down for a corpse pose or “savasana” and had this happen in my brain. I pictured myself walking through the snow and I suddenly realized I had two wolves with me. One was to my left, and one my right. I remember thinking to myself ‘everything to my right felt dangerous’–but the wolf was there to protect me. To my left everything seemed ‘peaceful’, as well as the wolf to my left, who was calm and friendly. So what I am adding is this: we experience people, energies, situations–not all good not all bad….but she is exactly right–we can control our reactions and our “non-reactiveness”….so I put the cloak or the medicine of the friendly wolf on most of the time. But…if someone presents you with “bad energy”….well, that wolf on the right is ready. We must “defend” ourselves. My wolf on the left has taught my wolf on the right how to be patient, more calm, more understanding…but push him too far, and he will show you his teeth and his battle scars!
Hi Scott,
Glad to hear that your move date is so close. How uplifting it will be to be in your own place. I am so happy for you and will be thinking of you on the 28th.
Love and prayers,
Cherry
Hey Scott,
Your photo is lovely, I actually thought it was a painting at first glance.So thrilled for you on your impending move. Good luck on the 28th, your guardian angels will see to it that all goes well.
Jody:)
Scott
You have surrpounded yourself with a great group of friends
We continue to offer prayers for your transition
Fred K
So Exciting!!! Less than a week. Please post your new address for all of us. Snowing here today-again!! Winter is getting old. Love and prayers Aunt Marilou
Orlando!! Good luck!
I can’t wait to hear about your NEW apartment!!!! I can only imagine how excited you are to move out into your own place!!!
According to today’s forecast, Feb. 28 is supposed to be 44 degrees – I hope that sticks so you can have a good day for the move.
God Bless,
(Bobbi’s friend)
Hi Scott.
Great news about the move. I hope that all goes well and that any hiccups are minor ones.
I expect there will be a big apartment warming party. !!!
Scott, sounds like great news and a date to look forward to on Feb 28! I’ll let the Duran Duran quote slide so long as you agree not to start wearing your hair like their lead singer!
Thanks, Scott, for the courage and hope that you continue to give me (whether you realize it or not)!
P.S. Yeah, it all depends on which wolf we desire to feed. Thanks for the green light to “leave two bowls out”!
Fr. Frank sj
Well I am a little sad that I even knew the Duran Duran reference.
Keep feeding the craving wolf with intimacy with God. He’s the only one who can truly fill you. But you know that 🙂