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If we feel anger or resentment, it is often possible to say why we do, what caused it and to therefore feel justified.

However, for some individuals, feelings of anger or resentment stay with them and become entrenched in their thinking and responses.

When asked why they feel angry, it can be difficult for them to explain where this feeling originated. All they know is that anger has become part of their life and it colours their outlook, and their interactions with others.

An old Cherokee Indian story illustrates how the choices we make can lead us down either a constructive or a destructive life path.

The story describes a group of children sitting with their Cherokee grandfather following a disturbing fight between two adults in the community.

When one child asks why people fight, the grandfather explains that inside the bodies of all people are two opposing wolves. One wolf is black and is filled with hate, anger, fear, envy, greed, arrogance, and cynicism. The other is white, and is filled with peace, love, acceptance, hope, courage, humility, compassion and faith.

Then one child finally asks, "How will we know which one wins?" To which the grandfather simply replies, "The one that we feed."

This simple story encourages us to question whether we may have been "feeding" the emotions that have caused unhappiness, making them more powerful and controlling.

The positive message is that we have a choice which "wolf" we feed and this realisation can be the impetus for making significant changes in our life.