Dear Stephen: My Husband Is Dyslexic And Hates Himself

Have you ever scrolled through Reddit and thought, “That’s it, I’ve got to talk about this on the podcast”? That’s exactly what happened to me. One question kept popping up and I couldn’t resist diving in. The episode explores how dyslexic thinking can sometimes lead us down unexpected paths, and I share how a quick post on Reddit sparked a full-on chat about perspective and self-awareness.

During our conversation, I talk about why it’s important to listen to your gut when you spot patterns in your life. We also get into some practical ways to handle common frustration points. The main takeaway? Listen up for the subtle signals your dyslexic mind sends, and learn how to harness them for good, rather than letting them spiral into stress.

The Inspiration Behind This Episode

My Reddit discovery was about how dyslexic folks often puzzle over questions that feel obvious to others. One person asked if it was normal to see patterns in everything, even when others don’t. That was my lightbulb moment. I realised it’s not just about pattern-spotting. It’s about how we interpret our thoughts, especially when our brains work a bit differently.

“People sometimes forget that dyslexia isn’t just about letters and reading. It’s a whole different way of processing the world.”

That’s exactly how I’d sum up my initial reaction to the Reddit thread. In the podcast, I explore the shared experiences many of us have, including the awkward moments when friends stare blankly while we excitedly lay out our latest ‘connect-the-dots’ idea. Sound familiar?

Why Spotting Connections Can Be a Superpower

We sometimes wonder if overthinking is a burden. But here’s the twist; I believe noticing connections is actually a strength. When harnessed correctly, it’s like a superpower that sets you ahead of the curve. While other people might not see the link between a newly released app and your project at work, you piece things together in seconds.

Think about it:

• Your curiosity is already high, so you keep probing until ideas click.
• You’re more likely to notice new trends because your brain hunts for patterns.
• Dyslexic thinking thrives on big-picture insights, which can lead to innovative solutions.

In the podcast, I chat about ways to lean into that creative spark. It’s all about trusting your instincts and understanding those flashes of insight aren’t random. They’re your hidden advantage.

Practical Ways to Rein In Overthinking

Overthinking can be a pain if it runs wild. If you’re finding yourself going down rabbit holes more often than you’d like, here are a few ways to manage it:

1. Set Time Limits: If you find yourself obsessing, give yourself a fixed period to explore. When the time’s up, move on.
2. Talk It Out: Sharing confusions or brilliant ideas with a friend helps you see what’s valid and what’s not.
3. Use Visual Aids: Mind maps or diagrams can streamline scattered thoughts into something you can act on.

In the episode, I mention an easy trick: if you’re lost in a long train of thought, take one action step. Jot it down, record a quick voice memo, or create a simple plan. Sometimes that small shift can snap you out of over-analysis mode.

Listening to Your Dyslexic Gut

Another key theme is knowing when to trust that inner voice. Dyslexic folks often struggle with self-doubt, but the gut instinct is usually spot-on. When your subconscious is nudging you toward an idea, it might be wise to see where it leads. Yes, it can feel strange, especially when life’s already hectic, but that sense of direction is a gift.

There’s a balance though. As I mention in the podcast, nagging doubts could just be anxiety talking. So step back and evaluate. If something continues to tug at you, follow that nudge and see what it reveals.

• Identify what thoughts keep recurring.
• Ask if these thoughts are grounded in reality or simple fear.
• Experiment in small ways to confirm your hunches.

You’ll be surprised how often your hunch lines up with the truth if you give it enough space to unfold.

Key Takeaways

• Reddit can spark helpful insights when we stumble across shared experiences.
• Spotting patterns isn’t overthinking, it’s often your superpower.
• Laying out your ideas visually can stop you from getting lost in your head.
• Gut feelings aren’t always random. Evaluate them and then decide what to do next.

Ready to dive deeper? The podcast player at the top of this page has the entire episode. Give it a listen and see if you connect with the ideas we explored. If so, be sure to leave a comment with your own thoughts and stories—I’d love to hear from you.