In Game of Thrones, Sansa remarks to her sister, Arya, that “the lone wolf dies but the pack survives” when talking about Winter. It is also said several times in the books, one time being a conversation between their father Ned, and Arya.
The meaning behind this quote is that when Winter comes, the people of Winterfell must protect each other, survive, and share their strengths to make it through.
If you’re like me, you have a hard time not wanting to face things alone. When I am going through something, I literally have to force myself out of my comfort zone and ask for help or support when I need it. I have this idea in my head that if I need something, I am inconveniencing someone else by asking. As comfortable as it can be to go it alone, it can be incredibly lonely at times.
The truth is, we need people. We need support from others, and it makes us feel good to be there to support others during difficult times.
The human brain is hardwired to form groups and tribes for self-preservation. Years ago, if a person left their group they would likely die. They could have been eaten by a tiger or experienced some other misfortune on their journey alone. But when you had a tribe, staying alive wasn’t just an individual’s responsibility. All members worked to ensure the safety of their people and because of that their chances of surviving were higher.
In modern times, this applies to our emotional and mental health. It’s important to surround yourself with people who will be there for you and vice versa. For me, I feel a lot of relief just telling someone else out loud what is going on with me. I don’t necessarily need advice. Sometimes just confiding my struggles with one other soul makes all the difference.
