There is a well-known parable about a grandparent explaining his inner conflict to a grandchild, describing it as two wolves who live and do battle inside each of us. One wolf is good, one wolf is evil. When the grandchild asks, “Which wolf wins?” the grandparent responds, “The one you feed.”

I’m a big believer in the power of what lies in our periphery. Sights and smells and sounds can unintentionally feed our subconscious. Clutter can cause stress without our even realizing it; mementos from someone we used to love even more so. Thus, the spaces where I spend time are carefully curated with only things that make me smile. Case in point: the bulletin board across from my desk at work (pictured above). Last season it was covered in birthday cards and thank you notes I’d received the previous year. This season it’s my faux window for all things autumn.

This may be the one area of my life where I have no problem throwing things away – even perfectly good things, that I could still make something of – if an image or trinket carries a memory or meaning that’s anything short of warm and wonderful, I toss it. No dithering needed. My mental and emotional real estate is too precious to waste.

The same rule applies to all my senses. From the scent of my laundry detergent to the podcasts I listen to on my evening walks to the music in my car on my morning drive – these days I am proactively feeding myself with things that bring me joy, hoping that gives my better wolf a fighting chance the next time life gives my bad wolf a five course meal.