The Wild Inside Her

One of the most important things I’ve learned since discovering I have ADHD is how vital it is to find the activities that bring us peace.

Not just brief distractions, or quick scrolling dopamine hits that get us through the day, I’m talking about those healthy activities that feel like self-medicating and therapeutic — the ones that quiet the noise in your head and give your mind a real break, even just for a little while.

For me, one of those things is golfing.
I only started about a year ago, but I fell in love instantly. I couldn’t really explain why (still don’t totally understand), but the moment I step onto the course, all the overloaded thoughts in my brain just… drift away.

I can breathe, I can relax, I can focus, I am energized. I am so thankful for this brain break that I don’t try and figure out the ‘why’ anymore (although I’m sure the fresh outdoor air and exercise play a large role) it doesn’t matter, I just enjoy the gift and express deep gratitude for it.

After my very first game, I knew this was something I needed in my life. I went home and immediately deep-dived for hours — watching every video I could about technique, skills, and (my favourite part) the mental game. Focusing on golf helps me let go of everything else for a few hours. It’s the most peaceful kind of reset.

Rain or shine, you’ll find me out there as much as possible. It doesn’t even matter how well I play — I just genuinely love the game.

Of course, that doesn’t mean I don’t run into a few ADHD moments on the course. Because let’s be honest, it doesn’t just disappear when you tee off.

1. Stroke count? What stroke count?
I can never remember how many shots I’ve taken. I’ll walk halfway down the hole and instantly forget. I even bought one of those little shot-clicker thingies to help keep track, but you can probably guess how that went. I’d click it after a shot… then walk a few feet and wonder, did I click it? Didn’t I? No clue.
Thankfully, I usually golf with people who have my back and help keep count for me.

2. The Case of the Missing Ball
I also can never find my ball. And not because it’s in the water or the trees — I’m talking about a bright pink ball, right down the fairway, completely visible to every other human around. Yet somehow, I can’t find it. Has anyone created a ball with a tracking device yet? If so, send them my way!

I know this happens on every hole, so I make a mental note of where it lands. I even repeat to myself, keep your eye on the ball, it’s by the tree, it’s by the tree…

And then — oh look! Tiny mushrooms! I have to take a picture of them. Where’s my phone?

Aww, that turned out so cute. I love mushrooms. They look like little villages, like The Smurfs, wow that’s a throwback…what a good cartoon that was…I wonder if we can eat these? I should learn which mushrooms are edible. Maybe I’ll buy a local foraging book with pictures, I could collect mushrooms for dinner, I’ll feel so connected to nature…I definitely need to create a Pinterest board of mushroom recipes — maybe I should… Oh for frick’s sake where’s my ball? Anybody see my ball?

So yeah, let’s just say I’ve discovered that the buddy system is essential for me. Everyone keeps an eye on my shot so when I inevitably ask, “Where’s my ball?” someone can point me in the right direction. Even then, the odds aren’t great, but at least there’s hope.

Don’t even get me started on my golf bag. No matter how much I organize it all by club type, ball pockets, and tee slots, before we go, by the end of the round? I’ll be the first to admit it’s a hot mess, clubs just go where there is an empty space that fits, tees and balls are all mixed up in one pocket and I have no idea where my club covers went (seriously who takes them off and on again after every use?! Psychopaths, that’s who.)

Despite the little challenges (and the number of golf balls I’ve probably singlehandedly boosted sales for), the benefits are totally worth it. Golf brings me joy, mindfulness, and a sense of calm I rarely find anywhere else.

Since being diagnosed, I’ve realized that finding these moments of peace isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity. Whether it’s golf, painting, crocheting (more on that in a future post) or just sitting with a cup of coffee, whatever your joy is, it’s about finding a way to naturally give your brain space to breathe for a little while.

So, what about you?
What’s an activity or pastime that helps you find some peace and positive mental space in the middle of the chaos?