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 beautiful South Wales valleys.
Over the past years, like so many, I have struggled with my mental health.
The discovery three years ago that my volatile and sensitive, but also sparky and occasionally brilliant brain was powered by ADHD, was a true revelation.
It started a metamorphosis of learning and change in my life, sometimes gruelling… frustrating….at other times inspiring, funny, joyful.
My journey has brought recognition of the space that needs to be made in the world for all neurotypes to flourish.
Of the obstacles we need to overcome.
Of the fact that we need to broaden our perspectives on people, on our ways of thinking, living, and understanding each other.
In a world in which so many external events are utter chaos, it has also brought clarity on how we can pursue life to make it more joyful.
Depression, anxiety, sadness, apathy – there are a litany of insidious enemies in the modern world that seek to attack us from within. But they all wear terrible disguises and have chronic flatulence problems, so if we see them coming…if we practice awareness….maybe we can fend them off…
I make it my mission to gently defeat them.
With what rudimentary but powerful weapons do I fight?
My rather brilliant armoury, which is of course decorated with verdant green foliage and gallons of tea, consists of nature, walking and humour.
Three exceptional musketeers of mental health.
The birth of bewilderbrain…
In the incredible journey of the last few years, and amidst the other chaos and flux of my brain -one thing I have realised beyond question is that nature is my saviour.
My grounding goddess in shining, leaf woven armour.
I believe that our disassociation, both from nature, and from each other, causes and worsens so many of lifes ills.
Our connectedness with nature shapes and defines our experience of life, and I fervently believe that harnessing its awe- inspiring power in our day to day is one of the most powerful tonics on offer.
I believe in the wonderfully simple act of stepping outside. Of feeling the season. Of sensing the world around us.
I believe we need to practice openness and compassion for others, and for ourselves.
I believe we need to simplify our lives, and actively seek joy and beauty in any tiny thing that we can.
I also believe that the world is tough, and we need to practice these gentle intentions with a warrior’s spirit.
Bewilderbrain was born from these unfolding beliefs, as an exploration of mental health, positivity and nurture, of the profound influences of nature, kindness and creativity on our naturally fertile minds.
I seek to lift the spirits, connect to nature, and escape the chaos for a while. To dwell in quieter, wilder places.
To indulge in wandering and occasionally ferocious ramblings on the wonderful absurdities of life.
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.
*** Two bats and a squirrel…***
Two Bats and a Squirrel, my Walking Diary, is a side serving of wandering nature immersion, for anyone 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.
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 