If you’re someone who constantly says, “I can’t believe I messed this up again,” then this episode is for you. Learning how to be kind to ourselves is often the missing piece in the dyslexia puzzle. It’s easy to shower others with compassion while being our harshest critic. This podcast takes a closer look at why we do this and offers empathetic tips for easing the pressure.
In this episode, I share how discovering self-kindness felt like a shift in my entire outlook. We talk about letting go of perfection, recognising our internal chatter, and giving ourselves space to make mistakes. Below is a quick roundup of the main points and ways you can put them into action.
Most of us have heard about self-love, but it can be a vague concept. Self-compassion is more about daily micro-actions than grand gestures. It’s taking a deep breath when you feel the urge to criticise yourself. It’s swapping a harsh thought for a supportive one. It’s reminding yourself you’re allowed to stumble as you learn.
In the podcast, I stress how dyslexia commonly leads to perfectionism. We think we must work twice as hard to appear “normal.” Then, the moment a mistake pops up, we go into meltdown mode. That’s where self-compassion steps in to help you catch your breath and shift your mind-set.
“When I worked out how to do this, it felt like Panadol for the soul.”
You’d think that if we’re kind to others, being kind to ourselves would be a breeze. Yet for many neurodiverse folks, the opposite is true.
Some common reasons:
Understanding that dyslexia is a different way of processing, not a fault, is critical here. We’re not broken. We just do things differently—even if it sometimes takes a bit more time or a different strategy.
We need real tools, right? Words like “be kind to yourself” can sound abstract. Here are a few ways to make them more concrete.
Little by little, these rides of self-compassion become second nature. If you slip up, no big deal—just try again tomorrow. That’s what being kind to yourself means.
It’s tempting to brush off self-kindness as “nice but not important.” That’s the lie many of us believe. In reality, showing yourself grace is as vital as breathing, especially when dyslexia keeps reminding you of what you’ve done wrong.
By holding yourself to a kinder, more realistic standard, you’ll find tasks become easier and your stress levels drop. You’ll also discover that mistakes are learning curves, not end points.
Ready to dive deeper? Treat yourself to the full episode and hear more ways to give your mind the respite it deserves. You can find the podcast audio player at the top of this page. Tune in, take what helps, and watch your life transform one gentle thought at a time.
