Hey there, it's me again, Mr. Sheff.  One of the things I work with my students on is "character education."  We talk about and discuss what traits people need in order to become either better students and/or people.  First I am going to start with a story.  After that there will be some notes, ideas, and thoughts about life in general.  Hopefully you will find something useful on this page that you can use in your own life.

Two Wolves

An elderly Native American was teaching his grandchildren about life.  He said to them, "A fight is going on inside me.  It is a terrible fight between two wolves!"

 

"One wolf is evil ~ he is fear, anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, competition, superiority, and ego."

 

"The other wolf is good ~ he is joy, peace, love, hope, sharing, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, friendship, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith."

 

"This same fight is going on inside you.

And inside every other person too."

 

The children all thought about what he had told them for a moment. 

Then one child asked the grandfather,

"Which one will win?"

 

The old grandfather replied simply:

"The one you feed."

 

I have always enjoyed that tale for its simplicity in delivering such honest and deep truth regarding human nature.  If you are a person who has not had these internal struggles then I encourage you to find some time to reflect upon your self:  decisions you have made or arethinking about making; are selfish or selfless; do you place the needs of others before the wants of self? 

It is a hard thing for people to do I think: to hold the light of judgement and critique to oneself.  Many I know cannot, and will not do it.  In doing so you open yourself up to some potentially harsh truths about what type of person you really are. 

So here is a challenge:  take some time to look yourself in the eye...literally.  Stand in front of the mirror and look into your own eyes.  Then look further, see the truth that is within you about how you conduct yourself and the choices you make.....can you be a better human being?  Are there thuigs you need to improve that go beyond physical and into your mind, heart, and soul.  Are you a giver, a taker, both?  Are your wants more important than others' needs?

Reflect upon your life and yourself.  Make a habit of examining your life.

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