3 Ahhh Moments

Have you ever felt that little spark in your mind when something just “clicks” into place? In my latest chat, I spoke with Vanessa, my dyslexic coach, about three powerful “penny drop” moments that have shaped the way I see my dyslexia. Each moment felt like a burst of clarity worth sharing.

This episode unpacks how our unique minds absorb information, why simple shifts in perspective can make a huge difference, and how these lightbulb moments can help us appreciate our own brilliance. If you’ve ever wanted to know what it’s like to break through confusion and step into deeper self-awareness, you’ll find plenty of insight here.

Penny Drop Moment #1: Understanding How We Store Words

The first big revelation sounded obvious at first. I learned how my brain stores words in a completely different way from many of my friends and family. For the longest time, I wanted to do it “the normal way,” and wondered why it was so tricky. Turns out, I just operate in my own style.

This bit of wisdom hit home when Vanessa used a simple example to illustrate varied ways of processing. It wasn’t about memorising more or trying harder. It was about recognising that our brains create mental images or patterns of words, instead of a letter-by-letter approach.

“The first one seems so simple, but the example helps it really sink in.”

We talked about how shifting my viewpoint from “it’s broken” to “it’s different” opened the door to better self-acceptance. Once I acknowledged how my mind visualises words, I felt less pressure to force spelling in the usual way. My approach suddenly became purposeful, not problematic.

Penny Drop Moment #2: Seeing Patterns Instead of Problems

For many of us with dyslexia, it’s easy to get stuck on what we can’t do. We focus on jumbled letters or slow reading speed, and we forget how good we are at seeing the bigger picture. That’s where the second penny drop moment came in.

In our conversation, Vanessa highlighted how noticing patterns is a hidden superpower. She reminded me that while it might feel frustrating to trip over small details, the real gift is seeing connections others might miss. It’s like noticing the forest while someone else is trapped in the trees.

Instead of viewing dyslexia as an ongoing battle, I started looking at it as a unique lens on the world. By leaning into that lens, I could use my pattern-spotting ability to solve problems, create new ideas, or bring fresh perspectives to a team. It was a quiet shift in mindset, but it brought a refreshing sense of pride.

Penny Drop Moment #3: Clarity Through Coaching and Conversation

The third realisation showed me the value of having a supportive person to talk to about dyslexia. Before working with Vanessa, I had a few hunches about my thinking style, but I was missing a friendly ear to reflect it back. When I got honest feedback and a safe space to work through my confusion, breakthroughs started happening more often.

Dyslexic coaching isn’t about being lectured. It’s about collaborative problem-solving and seeing yourself from a different angle. Our session revealed how tackling basic strategies in short bursts often outweighs trying to rewire everything in one go. Focusing on one small win can set off an avalanche of confidence.

For anyone on the fence about coaching, I’d say it’s worth a try. It doesn’t matter if you’re new to dyslexia or you’ve known about it for decades. Sometimes a single conversation can shift your perspective and help you embrace strengths you didn’t realise were there.

Key Takeaways

• We store words and information differently, and that uniqueness can be an asset, not a flaw.
• Seeing patterns is often a superpower, so use it to your advantage whenever possible.
• Talking with someone who understands dyslexia can trigger powerful insights and positive momentum.
• Small, focused wins can be more impactful in building confidence than trying to fix everything at once.

If these highlights piqued your interest, I’d love for you to hear the full story. You’ll find the podcast player at the top of the page, ready for you to dive into. Press play on the episode and let me know if you have any penny drop moments of your own.