In a world of 8 billion people, why do so many of us feel completely alone? The answer might surprise you—and it’s been howling at us from the wilderness all along.

Wolves & Your Pack Identity

You may have noticed that my last name is Wulf, an Old English spelling of wolf. That didn’t happen by accident.

When I was about 12 years old, I met a beautiful pair of timber wolves at the Sacramento Zoo (thankfully, they were moved to a more suitable habitat after that). They walked right up and looked into my eyes for several seconds. I was struck with awe—and somehow I knew that they were from my clan… or I was from theirs.

Many years later, I went through a divorce and decided it was time for a name change. You can probably guess why I chose Wulf.

Since then, I’ve learned a lot about how humans evolved with wolves—and I’ve painted a lot of wolves. But what do these amazing beings have to teach us today? Quite a lot, actually.

The Loneliness Epidemic No One Talks About

Here’s a truth that might sting: though we’re more connected than ever, many of us are lonelier than ever.

Your phone buzzes with notifications. Your social feeds are full of “friends.” Your calendar is packed with meetings. But when the lights are out at 2 AM, the questions creep in—the ones that whisper, “Does anyone really see me? Do I actually belong anywhere?”

You’re not broken. You’re not antisocial. You’re not “too much” or “not enough.”

You’re just human. And humans weren’t designed to do life alone.

The problem is, we’ve bought into a cultural fairytale: that independence equals strength. That needing others makes us weak. That the ultimate goal is to be self-sufficient so we never need anyone.

It’s killing us. Studies show chronic loneliness is worse for our health than smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Our bodies are screaming what our hearts already know: we need our pack.

The Lone Wolf Lie

Hollywood sold us the image of the lone wolf—majestic, stoic, silhouetted against a full moon. We’ve turned it into a symbol of strength—the rugged cowboy riding the range, the superhero who saves the day.

Reality check: real lone wolves are dying.

A wolf without a pack is:

• Starving (solo hunting success: 10% vs 70% for packs)
• Exhausted (no one else to share the watch)
• Vulnerable (easy prey for bigger predators)
• Short-lived (most don’t last a year alone)

Meanwhile, wolves in packs thrive. They play, raise families, and live long lives (as long as humans leave them alone).

The lesson? We’re a lot like wolves—not built for solo survival. We’re built for belonging.

In fact, current genetic, ecological, and cultural evidence strongly supports the idea that humans and wolves shaped each other’s social evolution—especially regarding cooperation, extended family living, and complex social organization.

Why We’re All Secretly Howling

Think about the last time you felt truly seen—not just listened to, but really understood. When someone looked at you and their eyes said, “Yes. I get you. You belong here.”

You felt like you fit in!

That feeling? That’s your pack connection. During Covid we called it our pod. Kids call it their posse. I like to call it my clan, reflecting my Celtic roots.

Whatever you call it, it’s not weakness. It’s biology.

Humans evolved in tribes—right alongside and in cooperation with wolves. We survived because we supported each other, created meaning together, and built our identity as a group.

But somewhere along the way, we confused independence with strength. We learned to hide our needs, and in the process, we became lone wolves in a world designed for cooperation.

What Wolves Know About Pack Identity

Here’s what fascinates me: every wolf pack has its own unique identity. They have:

• Territory: Clear boundaries they defend.
• Language: Distinct howls—like a signature song.
• Style: Some hunt strategically, others boldly.
• Rituals: Greeting ceremonies, coordinated hunts, communal howls.

That shared identity makes them strong. It creates belonging, purpose, and safety.

Now flip the question: What’s your pack identity? Where do you feel at home? Who speaks your language? What rituals give your life rhythm and meaning?

If you’re not sure, maybe you’ve been living like a lone wolf when you were meant for a pack.

Finding Your Human Pack

Wolves don’t waste time trying to belong everywhere. They find their territory, their clan, and claim it fully.

For us, it starts with a few simple questions:

Who Are Your People?

Not acquaintances. Not followers. The ones who:

• Get your quirks
• Share your values
• Celebrate your wins
• Stick around when things get messy

What’s Your Role?

Wolves have specialties: hunters, guardians, nurturers, scouts. Everyone contributes. What’s your gift? Where do you naturally strengthen your group?

What Rituals Anchor You?

Connection isn’t automatic—it’s created. Weekly calls with friends, shared traditions, morning coffee groups—all tiny threads that weave identity and belonging.

Life Without a Pack

Here’s what happens when you try to go it alone:

🔥 Burnout: carrying loads meant for many
🌀 Decision fatigue: no trusted sounding board
😰 Imposter syndrome: no pack reflecting your worth<
🎭 Lost identity: trying to be everything to everyone
💔 Emptiness: meaning comes from shared life, not solo achievement

Sound familiar? It’s not failure—you’re just trying to live life as a lone wolf.

I’ve been there. And I know it can be hard to find your pack when you are a quirky oddball like me who doesn’t fit into the mainstream culture. But your people are out there—or maybe right here reading this along with you.

Have you been alone with your magic? Maybe you’ll find your pack in our Faehallows Magical Moon Circle Membership where we celebrate the New and Full Moons each month on Zoom, exploring astrological significance with guided shamanic journeys, and chats about what’s up for each of us?

Life With Your Pack

When you find your people, everything changes:

✨ Clarity replaces confusion
💪 Courage replaces fear
🎯 Purpose feels obvious
🏠 Life feels like home
🚀 Growth accelerates
😊 Joy becomes natural

It’s not fantasy. It’s how we’re wired to thrive.

The Pack Principle is Important in Business Too!

Here’s a twist: the same principles that transform your personal life also transform your business.

The brands we love most aren’t just selling stuff. They sell belonging.

• Apple isn’t selling laptops. They’re selling identity: Think Different.
• Nike isn’t selling sneakers. They’re selling community: Just Do It.
• Patagonia isn’t selling jackets. They’re selling tribe: Protect the Earth.

Business is just another form of pack-building. The businesses that thrive are the ones with:

• Clear identity (so their people can find them)
• Consistent rituals (content, values, experiences)
• Authentic communication (trust deeper than transactions)
• Community focus (turning customers into advocates)

Claim Your Pack Brand Identity

At Wulfworks, that’s exactly what I can help you do.

I create the tools that act as your pack signals:

• Websites that invite people to identify with your mission
• AI brand photos that show you as the trend setter of your pack
• Brand boards that keep your visuals consistent
• Logos that feel like a badge of belonging

Because when your business identity is clear, your people don’t just buy from you—they join you.

Final Howl

Wolves have been showing us the way all along.

They don’t apologize for needing their pack. They don’t confuse independence with strength. They lean into identity, connection, and belonging.

Maybe it’s time we did the same.

• In life: find your people, claim your role, create your rituals.
• In business: clarify your identity so your people can find you and join your pack.

Stop howling alone. Start leading your pack.

You’re not here to attract everyone to your business—or your life. You’re here to gather your clan and support them in claiming their true identity.

Want some help building your pack identity?

Let’s talk about building your brand →

And by the way, even the tiniest toy poodle is essentially a wolf in disguise. So, if you have a dog or two, celebrate the domesticated wolves that are still shaping your life today.