330/365: The Wolves Within

gray wolf pendant by Erin Scully

As a little girl, I used to collect charms and trinkets that held what I believed to be magical powers. Some were just "for pretends" and some were tried-and-true good luck tokens that brought me strength during times of shyness and insecurity. I never quite grew out of my interest in charmed objects, perhaps mostly for the feelings such symbols conjure.

A few weeks ago, this unique pendant came in the mail for me. It has become one of my favorite charmed objects. It was made by my darling friend, Erin Scully, who is a metalsmith and jewelry designer. Among other designs, she deconstructs vintage furs and up-cycles them into unique, one-of-a-kind pieces of jewelry. Vistit Aeryn Kae, her Etsy shop, to view more of Erin's lovely work.

The pendant is made of recycled gray wolf fur, a guinea hen feather, vintage yarn and nylon cord. Knowing Erin, I have a feeling she puts her good juju into every piece she hand crafts. As soon as I put this necklace on, an old story flooded into my memory...

"The Wolves Within" a Cherokee legend:

An old Cherokee is teaching his grandson about life. "A fight is going on inside me," he said to the boy.
"It is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves. One is evil- he is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority and ego." 
He continued, "The other is good - he is joy, peace, love, hope serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith. The same fight is going on inside you - and inside every other person too."

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, "Which wolf will win?"

The old Cherokee simply replied, "The one you feed."

So Erin's wolf pendant has become a talisman of sorts, giving me strength in knowing that I have the power to choose where I focus my energy. I've been grateful for the reminder these days, as I battle feelings of guilt and self-doubt, and strive to let faith and joy overcome.

We always have a choice. 

Which wolf are you feeding?