Bewilderbrain is a continuing expedition.
To discover and illuminate some of the wild workings of the neurodiverse brain. Along the way, to find ways to navigate its myriad pathways and peculiarities, and to help find shelter from its storms.
bewildering: Adjective, Confusing or Perplexing.
The neurodivergent among us are used to finding aspects of the world, life, other people, bewildering. Very often, we, and our unique brains, can be bewildering to others.
Within this word though, is the suggestion of seeing life through a different lens, with the freshness, the originality, the creativity, the difference, of a neurodiverse brain.
It also contains the suggestion of the wild, and wilderness, which I think of as referring both to the landscapes of our brains, and my favourite remedy to the turbulence of life: To Be Wilder.
Bewilderbrain therefore reappropriates this word as follows:
bewildering Verb,
To wander through the amazing landscapes of the neurodiverse brain, in exploration and celebration, to unleash its creative force, seeing the magic wherever it may hide, and embracing even the smallest of journeys into the crazy world around us, as well as the wilds of nature.
“ I went bewildering today….and I discovered….”
This is an expedition into learning acceptance, strategies and wellness for those of us who are differently wired. It is an honest look at the difficulties of neurodiversity, as well as a celebration of its gifts.
I hope to explore new ideas and science around neurodiversity, including ideas to enhance wellbeing that may offer alternatives or compliments to medication. To explore creativity, and being outdoors, as a means of channelling excess energy and fiery inspiration.
I will stray off the beaten path in search of ways to reframe our differences, and to create our own kind of harmony with our brains.
bewilderbrain aspires:
To raise awareness of the uncharted ways in which neurodiversity can affect our lives, and to find the language to empower our understanding, and better articulate our unique brains to others.
To advocate for better understanding of our limitations as well as the unique skills that are part of us.
To investigate the measures we need to look after ourselves to live happier, more fulfilling lives.
To enable the dropping of masks and expectations, allowing our true selves to flourish openly – expressing our neurodiversity and our difference
To seek out the sweet balm of humour wherever it may hide – as a therapy – as a necessity – as a fortification and sustenance in a discordant world.
***
I’m not going to pretend any of that is an easy ask, but it’s a heartfelt desire.
To learn, to educate, to evolve.
To embrace rather than to hide
To live life untamed.
On my travels, I will explore nature and walking, as some of my great passions, and as one of the most powerful tools for wellbeing available to us.
My walking diary is a side serving of nature wandering, for anyone who may be interested, or who wants to feel mindful and connected for a few minutes.
I record the sights, sounds, and wild ramblings of my brain in exploring the town and countryside around me, photographing and finding joy in tiny moments of beauty and discovery, and hopefully offering a few minutes of respite and escape to readers.
About Me
My name is Zoe. I am in my very early late forties, and I live with my partner and children in a little house in the South Wales valleys.
Two years ago, I discovered that symptoms I had struggled with for years, most notably anxiety and chronic exhaustion, were caused by the neurodevelopmental condition ADHD.
This revelation started a metamorphosis of learning and change in my life, sometimes gruelling, often shocking and frustrating.
At other times inspiring, funny, joyful.
I have learned so much about my differently wired brain, about me, but my learning curve is still in its infancy, and there are so very many others out there in the same boat. I have an incredibly inquisitive mind, and feel driven to keep researching ways in which we can better help ourselves.
Life changing realisations and diagnoses tend to make you evaluate what is important in life, and amidst the other chaos and flux of my brain, one thing I have realised beyond question is that nature is my saviour.
Nature and the outdoors are fundamental to me and my family. Our connectedness with nature can shape and define our experience of life, and I fervently believe that harnessing its simple but awe inspiring power in our day to day is one of the strongest tools in our self-help kit, not just for neurodiversity, but for mental health in general.
I can be passionate, deadly serious, rocket fuelled – especially about things I really believe in.
I can also be extremely silly, and I make no apologies for this; it brings me joy.
bewilderbrain 