Dog Walking & The Dyslexic Mind

Have you ever felt like your mind has its own leash, tugging you in endless directions when you just want a moment of calm? You’re not alone. In today’s episode, we talk about what happens when we slow down and create space for those parts of our lives that get overlooked—like an enthusiastic dog needing a proper walk.

This chat is partly inspired by a real dog, but the ideas connect to the way our dyslexic or ADHD brains work. We explore how stepping outside our normal routines can spark insights, helping us appreciate why it’s important to wander off the beaten path every now and then. Here’s a quick look at the key points: recognising the power of being present, allowing yourself to pause, and discovering what it really means to nurture your imagination.

A Surprising Morning Realisation

It all started this morning when I noticed a frantic thought bouncing around my head: “I’ve got no time, there’s too much to do, and I should be busier!” But I had promised myself a break. So I took the dog I’m looking after for a walk instead. As soon as I stepped outside, everything shifted. The fresh air, the trees, and the dog’s happy face reminded me that sometimes I need to switch off my auto-pilot.

I’d been feeling a lot of pressure to juggle tasks and deadlines. In that moment, I realised how much I needed the space to breathe. The dog, clueless about all my other worries, made me stop and be present. When I let myself slow down, I found unexpected clarity. Maybe that’s a lesson we could all use.

Walking the Dyslexic Dog

This isn’t just about a literal animal. You could see the dog as a metaphor for the fast-moving, curious mind many of us have. We dart after new ideas. We get excited, then drop them, then chase something else. But if we never pause to let the dog rest, it can burn out—or get frustrated.

“Woof - the dog barks as it snaps at the lead. Chasing a cat, peeing on a tree or wanting a laydown.”

When our minds behave like this, it’s easy to feel guilty for not staying on course. What if we harness that energy instead? Give ourselves permission to explore new directions, then gently guide our focus back. We don’t need to eliminate distractions. We just want to learn how to walk with them.

Creating Space for Reflection

So why go outside at all? Nature has a special way of calming the chaos. A short walk calms nerves, encourages focus, and reminds us we’re more than a collection of tasks on a to-do list. I like to think of it as pressing ‘reset.’ Even twenty minutes of walking can help my brain process thoughts that seemed stuck before.

That’s the trick with dyslexia or ADHD. We want to do everything right now. But if we don’t create space to rest and reflect, the energy fizzles out. A quick dose of fresh air—pet friend optional—can boost creativity, help problem-solving, and let your brain do some quiet organising in the background.

Embracing the Imperfections

It’s easy to beat yourself up if your ‘dog’ runs off or forgets the rules. But sometimes imperfection leads to the best stories. If you can laugh at the chaos, it stops feeling so heavy. Forgiving yourself for distractions opens a door to learning.

I realised I was holding onto an impossible standard. Expecting perfect focus isn’t realistic, so I stopped trying to fix every little thing. That acceptance gave me the freedom to experiment. And it taught me to spot growth in the messy moments—like a dog bounding through puddles but still coming back in one piece.

Key Takeaways

• Make time to pause. A short break can shift your mindset completely.
• Use nature to reset your thoughts. A walk outside works wonders.
• Embrace distractions. They might unlock hidden creativity.
• Forgive yourself for slip-ups. Imperfections often carry lessons.
• Let your mind roam. Bring it back gently when it wanders off too far.

Curious to hear more about how these ideas play out in real life? Listen to the full episode using the podcast player at the top of this page. You’ll find a deeper dive into handling distractions, staying open to new experiences, and letting go of the need to get everything perfect.