Feed Heart, Soul and Mind a Healthy Diet

The Charlston Gazette / Essays on Faith / Joseph J. Mazzella

I have heard of an old Native American tale about an elder and a young boy.

In the tale, the elder tells the young boy how each of us has two wolves inside of ourselves. One wolf is vicious and violent. It is full of fear, hatred, anger and destruction.

The other wolf, however, is kind and peaceful. It is full of love, joy, gentleness and goodness.

These two wolves, the elder explains, are forever at war with each other inside of us.

The boy then asks the elder which wolf will win this war. The elder smiles and says, "The one you feed."

I don't know about you, but I have decided to eat healthy from now on when it comes to my heart, soul and mind.

I know which wolf I want to win. I know which way I want to live. I know what I want to share with others. I no longer want to eat unhealthy thoughts, negative feelings and pessimistic ideas.

I no longer want to sicken my stomach with anger, fear or hate. I want rather to feast daily on thoughts of joy, feelings of love and ideas given from God. I want rather to dine happily on peace, goodness, laughter and delight with everyone I meet.

I know that this may take a lot of effort. I am sure that a lot of unhealthy thoughts will still try to sneak onto my plate and into my heart, soul and mind each day. I know, however, that the more I try, the more I will succeed.