What Wolf Are You Feeding?

This year is different in so many ways. This feels especially true as we approach the end of Summer, and the beginning of the school year. There is so much uncertainty around whether schools will reopen, how a hybrid learning model will affect us and our children, and what the impact will be overall. The stress and anxiety related to all this uncertainty is palpable.

In this environment, it is easy to be a victim of our circumstances, and to surrender to feelings of sorrow, self-pity and resentment. Yet, by changing our perspective, it is possible to use this disruptive moment as a reset, as a catalyst for changes both personal and societal that we've been avoiding. 

There is a Native American parable: an elder is teaching his grandson about life, describing a fight between two wolves going on inside himself. One wolf is angry, jeolous, resentful and greedy. The other wolf is peaceful, loving, empathic and generous. "Which wolf will win?," asks the grandson. The elder replied: "the one you feed."

We may not have control of our circumstances, but we DO have the power to choose how we react to our circumstances. I don't know about you, but all too often I am feeding the wrong wolf, heeding my inner critic who is constantly pointing out where I am falling short. This parable reminds me to feed my better wolf with practices that encourage positive thoughts and healthy actions.

In a lot of ways, the pandemic has motivated us to clarify what matters most, Many of us have become aware that we can live with much less "stuff" in our lives. We may also have discovered that we have too much debt, not enough of a cash cushion, and too much exposure to volatile markets. 

We can work together to put in place a safety net, which includes savings, debt reduction, and a balanced financial strategy that can help you withstand the risks of market volatility. Let's craft a strategy that reflects your goals and priorities.