How Women Who Run With the Wolves Helped Me See Myself
Have you ever had a book that left a faint impression—one you remembered fondly but couldn’t quite recall why?
That’s how Women Who Run With the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estés was for me.
I first read it years ago during a phase when I was diving into books about self-empowerment and growth.
At the time, it felt like a series of fascinating stories—some parts resonated, but the details eventually faded into the background.
Fast forward to the past two weeks, and this book reappeared in my life at exactly the right moment.
I’ve been part of The Forum E-Series, a nine-day program for women entrepreneurs (thank you, TheForum.ca).
It’s been an incredible experience, connecting with other women who understand the challenges and joys of building something meaningful.
In one of our breakout sessions, I met Christine. During our second time in a room together, she said something that stopped me in my tracks: “Your business reminds me of Women Who Run With the Wolves. Have you read it?” I told her, “Yes, I’ve read it,” but truthfully, I could barely remember much beyond the fact that I liked it.
Her words stayed with me, though. That same day, I downloaded the audiobook and listened to it while driving to a place to reflect today.
By the end of the day, I was in tears. And so I am here to share my experience.
Feeling Seen Through Stories
Listening to Women Who Run With the Wolves again was overwhelming in the best way.
One part, in particular, hit me deeply: Estés’ concept of the “misplaced zygote.” She describes it as feeling like you’ve been born into the wrong family—or perhaps, even placed into the care of people who don’t truly see or nurture you.
That was my experience.
My biological parents, my mother and father, were loving people, but they didn’t raise me. Instead, I was placed into the hands of others—people who were harsh, unkind, and dismissive of who I was.
Growing up in that environment, I often had to suppress parts of myself just to survive.
There was no room for my wild, intuitive nature. I felt boxed in, misunderstood, and deeply disconnected from who I was.
And because those wounds went unhealed for so long, they showed up again in my relationships.
One of the things Estés warns about in the book is being with a partner who doesn’t support or nurture you.
That warning hit close to home.
With my previous partner, I didn’t even get the chance to dream. Every time I shared an idea or expressed excitement about something, he would dismiss me, knock me down, or make me feel small.
It wasn’t just a lack of support—it was active discouragement, disinterest, and even contempt for the parts of me that wanted to grow. Even now, as my ex, he continues to criticize and belittle me.
But looking back, I realize I was drawn to him because of the unhealed parts of myself that had been shaped by my childhood experiences.
I gravitated toward the familiar—the same dynamics of suppression and invalidation I had known growing up.
Hearing Estés articulate this pattern made me feel deeply seen and validated, as though someone had finally put my story into words.
Furthermore, the fact that Christine—this wonderful woman I had just met through this program—was able to see the wild woman in me through the work I am doing was profoundly moving.
It’s been so long since I’ve felt truly seen in this way.
To have someone recognize and validate the essence of who I am, especially after years of feeling unseen and dismissed, was a deeply healing experience.
The Wild Woman Is All of Us
What stood out to me most this time is that the wild woman’s journey isn’t just about women—it’s universal.
It’s the part of all of us that is untamed, intuitive, and unapologetically real.
Society often tries to suppress that part of us, whether through family, relationships, or cultural expectations. Women face unique challenges, but the truth is, this struggle is something everyone experiences in their own way.
This realization ties directly to the mission of Moon Maiden Meditation. My work isn’t just about creating tools like journals or meditations—it’s about offering a space where people can reconnect with their authentic selves.
Listening to Women Who Run With the Wolves reminded me why this work is so important. It’s about helping others break free from the boxes they’ve been placed in and find their way back to their true essence.
Why Programs Like The Forum Matter
What Christine’s words reminded me of is how essential it is to find your “pack.” The wild woman’s journey is not one you’re meant to take alone.
Programs like The Forum E-Series and others I’ve participated in, like those run by The Casa Foundation, are lifelines for women entrepreneurs. They provide a space where we can connect, share our struggles, and be seen by others who truly understand.
As women entrepreneurs, we face unique challenges—not just in building businesses, but in navigating societal expectations and breaking free from old patterns.
My previous partner’s lack of support reinforced those old wounds of feeling boxed in and unheard. But spaces like The Forum offer a different kind of connection. They remind us that we’re not alone, and that there are people out there who truly want to see us succeed.
Thank You, Christine
I want to end this with a heartfelt thank you to Christine and The Forum E-Series. Christine, your words brought Women Who Run With the Wolves back into my life at exactly the right time.
You reminded me that I’m not a misplaced zygote—I’ve simply found my place among people who see and value me for who I truly am.
And to programs like The Forum and The Casa Foundation, thank you for creating spaces where women like me can grow, connect, and thrive.
If you’ve ever felt disconnected from yourself or boxed in by others’ expectations, I hope you’ll give Women Who Run With the Wolves a read. It’s a powerful reminder that the wild woman—or wild human—is always there, waiting for you to come back home.
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