Dopamine Dolls
The last few days have been quite full as we hit the road and figured our rhythm with the rally admin, driving and maximising our experience on this trip too!
We set out from Bath a bit later than planned but not before a good morning walk down to the city centre on what was a gorgeous sunny day! Took a short break in Manchester to say hello to our respective friends and family – I finally got to meet the lovely solatopi in person for a coffee in the park, and scoff down a truly soul satisfying biryani at Anu’s cousins! The rest of the evening was spent driving up Scotland, ending in Inverness! The old town with the river flowing through is a vibe in itself leaving me feeling nostalgic about times that may have never happened – what’s the word for it?!
It is a real privilege being able to (re)connect with folk as we go through this journey – and in life too! At the same time, there are many among us who feel alone even within our immediate environment.
So, the 12+ hour drive was mostly spent thinking about the value of an understanding community, especially to those who haven’t had the privilege of a typical relationship with society.
If I had the time, I would have made it a point to meet the Dopamine Dolls – a local support group in Inverness for women with ADHD and non-binary folks. They have regular meet-ups and provide a platform for sharing experiences, thoughts, and ideas. Dopamine Discussions, as they are called, dive into everything from menstruation to TV shows. The group also go on walks and explore new places, so apt for a city that has much to offer in the form of real, physical experiences.
The world can seem undecipherable, therefore difficult to fit into, for neurodivergent folk of all types, including those with ADHD. Equally, the need to be seen and valued for who we are and what we bring is universal across neurotypes, even if our individual needs and preferences may vary on the degree and flavour! So, here’s a shout-out to @DopamineDolls – I would like to leave this post as a digital sign of my visit to your lovely town and a note of gratitude for the work you do!
Anemoia! That’s the word..look it up