Life is a dance between light and shadow, joy and challenge. Every moment presents a choice—where we direct our energy determines the course of our journey. The key to fulfillment is nurturing positivity, gratitude, and a mindset rooted in abundance.  

An old Cherokee tale offers a powerful lesson about our inner world. A grandfather tells his grandson that two wolves live inside each of us—one filled with fear, anger, and negativity, and the other overflowing with love, peace, and gratitude.  

When the boy asks which wolf wins, his grandfather replies, “The one you feed.” 

Though the exact origins of this story are uncertain, its wisdom remains timeless. It illustrates how our thoughts and choices shape our reality. Every day, we have the opportunity to nourish joy or allow negativity to take root.  

Shifting Energy: How to Feed the Wolf of Joy

Finding joy isn’t always effortless, but it’s always possible. It requires intention—a conscious redirection of energy toward what uplifts rather than diminishes.  

1. Move Through Stress to Make Space for Joy

Stress can settle into the body, blocking clarity and ease. Movement helps release tension, making room for lighter energy.  

Try this:

– Stand up and shake out your arms and legs, releasing stagnant energy.  

– Take ten deep breaths, inhaling peace and exhaling stress.  

– Stretch gently, focusing on areas where you feel tension.  

Stress doesn’t disappear on its own—it must be released through movement, breath, and intention.  

2. Recognize the Wolves & Make an Active Choice

These two forces aren’t just abstract concepts; they show up in everyday life through our thoughts, emotions, and reactions. The wolf of fear might manifest as:  

– Doubting yourself before taking a leap of faith.  

– Holding onto resentment or replaying past mistakes.  

– Feeling overwhelmed by worry instead of embracing possibilities.  

On the other hand, the wolf of joy appears when:  

– You choose to appreciate what’s in front of you rather than focus on what’s missing.  

– You approach challenges with curiosity and resilience instead of dread.  

– You intentionally cultivate gratitude and kindness, knowing they create a ripple effect.  

Before we can shift our energy, we first need to recognize which wolf has been leading our thoughts. Take a moment throughout your day to pause and ask yourself:  

– What emotions am I feeling right now?  

– Is my inner dialogue uplifting me or dragging me down?  

– If I’m stuck in negativity, what small action can I take to shift my focus?  

Once you recognize your patterns, the real work begins—redirecting your energy. When negativity creeps in, try this exercise:  

1. Pause & Breathe – Close your eyes and take five deep breaths. Imagine releasing negativity with every exhale.  

2. Reframe Your Perspective – If you find yourself focusing on a problem, ask: What lesson might this be teaching me? How can I approach this differently?*  

3. Redirect Your Attention – Shift your focus to something positive. Step outside, listen to uplifting music, call someone you love, or revisit your gratitude list.  

4. Affirm & Reset – Speak aloud an empowering affirmation: I choose joy. I choose gratitude. I nourish the energy that lifts me higher. 

3. Cultivate Joy Through Daily Intention

Joy isn’t something we passively wait for—it’s something we cultivate. What we focus on expands, so nurturing positivity makes it grow.  

Try this: Each morning, set an intention. Say aloud:  

Today, I choose joy. I seek beauty. I embrace gratitude. 

Throughout the day, return to this mantra whenever negativity creeps in. By reinforcing this focus, you train your mind to seek goodness rather than dwell on frustration.  

4. Surround Yourself with Energy That Uplifts

Energy is contagious. The words you speak, the company you keep, and the spaces you inhabit all influence your state of mind.  

Create a joy-filled environment: 

– Play music that lifts your spirit.  

– Engage with people who inspire and encourage you.  

– Fill your space with colors, scents, and objects that bring warmth.  

Your surroundings and interactions either nourish joy or drain it—choose carefully what you allow into your life.  

The Choice is Always Yours. Life will always have challenges, but within every moment lies an opportunity. Will you feed the wolf of fear, or nourish the wolf of joy?  

Through small, intentional shifts, you create a life filled with light and fulfillment. The journey is ongoing, but every step in the right direction makes a difference.  

Which wolf will you feed today?