Qualities of the Wolf

“The West is where I belong, the wolves and I, and my old friends now dead. May we meet again on the other side...” Blue Horse A Lakota warrior. During my youth in Louisville, I did not follow the crowd. I don't follow the crowd today. While my peers hung pictures and posters of the popular bands and musical artists in their rooms, my bedroom was decorated with photographs and articles having to do with wildlife. Primarily wolves. If anyone had ever asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I think my answer would have been, “A Wolf”. Part of the attraction to the wolf was that they exhibited traits and qualities that I desperately wanted to incorporate into my own life. Their nature, even now, serves as a guide I urge myself to live by. The reality of it is that the wolf is a social animal. Intelligent and friendly he is one of the most faithful animals in the world. Although they have the strength and knowledge to stand alone, they shows us the importance of family and friends. The wolf pack learns to work together and respect one another s position in the pack. The packs leader uses his discipline to keep order in the group, yet he also shows great love and affection for all members. The “wolf qualities” in my personality leads me to spend a great deal of time alone, yet I cannot deny the need, the desire of companionship and togetherness. I truly believe that in my own life, these qualities have also lead to some of my failures with other people. The wolf brings learning with him; he tells us that sometimes we must cross barriers in our lives; take risks and to even sometimes go beyond what is considered "normal" behaviour in order that we may learn and grow. These barriers may be difficult and painful to cross at times but knowledge is gained through experience; and strength is gained through battles. That describes my own existence.