Dyslexia & Self Worth

Have you ever noticed how certain words trigger thoughts and emotions? It might be something as simple as a phrase you like repeating, or a label someone gave you. It’s strangely easy to miss the power of these non physical words, but once you see it, you can’t unsee it.

In this episode, we explore how intangible expressions shape our day-to-day and why noticing them can sharpen your sense of self. The ideas shared might surprise you. Highlights include spotting unhelpful self-talk, finding better words for tricky feelings, and creating new stories in your head.

The Power of Invisible Words

We all know words matter. A conversation with a friend can lift you up or bring you down in moments. But what about the words hiding in your own mind? Those private whispers affect your energy, your mood, and even your decisions. If you’re used to hearing them, you might not realise they’re shaping your reality.

Invisible words can act like a running commentary. They’re there when you wake up and keep going until you fall asleep. If they’re negative, they’ll hold you back. If they’re positive but fluffy, you might end up feeling unsure or frustrated. Learning to tune in to this chatter changes everything.

Realising Our Unconscious Scripts

Most of us walk around replaying old mental scripts. We pick them up from parents, teachers, siblings, and bullies. They can be stories like “I’m not smart enough” or “I always mess things up.” These lines run on autopilot and may steer you away from taking risks or believing in your ideas.

“Logic stops mattering when we keep telling ourselves the same unhelpful story.”

This is why we need to step back and question what’s really there. It’s not always easy to spot a deep-held script, but once you do, you can change it. The old lines lose power when you see them for what they are—just words.

Tuning into Emotional Weight

Some words carry an unexpected heaviness. It could be a label like “failure” or “lazy.” You might remember one time you messed up, and you keep wearing that label every time life hits a bump. That label can colour how you approach future challenges, whether you speak up, or even how you judge yourself.

When you tune into these words, you’ll notice how they tug at your feelings. You’ll see how they set the tone for your day. Instead of ignoring the impact, take a moment to breathe and ask yourself if the label still holds true. If it doesn’t, it’s time to let it go and choose something lighter.

Transforming Negative Self-Talk

It can feel cheesy to replace negative lines with positive ones. You might think, “I’m just lying to myself.” But if you don’t shift the negative, you’ll keep stumbling. The key is to find words that feel true. Instead of “I’m worthless,” maybe say, “I’m learning,” or “I’m exploring who I can be.” This small tweak changes your internal dialogue.

You can also lean on people you trust. Ask them what they think you’re good at. Sometimes they’ll spot something special about you that you can’t see for yourself. When you collect these encouraging words and replay them, your self-talk starts to improve. It’s not an overnight makeover, but it’s a powerful shift.

Putting New Meanings into Action

Working with new words doesn’t end when you think of them. They need to seep into your daily life. You might journal brief affirmations in the morning or catch yourself during the day when old scripts pop up. Notice the pattern, pause, and reframe it with a fresh line. Over time, this creates a new neural pathway in your mind.

Action speaks louder than words, so it helps to do something small that backs up your new outlook. If part of your new story is “I’m confident enough to speak my mind,” then share an idea with a friend or in a meeting. Hearing yourself speak it, and seeing others respond, cements that new belief further.

Shifting Your Inner Dictionary

Another trick is looking for the words that trip you up and swapping them out. Instead of calling yourself “overwhelmed,” try saying you’re “in the midst of a busy moment.” Replace “I’m stuck” with “I’m figuring out my next step.” These subtle changes remove a lot of the doom that can hang over you when words feel absolute.

Sometimes your environment will feed you negative words. Friends, the news, and social media can pile doubts on you. That’s when you want to be extra aware. Catch any harmful phrases before they settle, and choose something else. You’re not erasing reality, just choosing a more balanced or hopeful way to see it.

Making Peace with Imperfection

Being aware of your mind-chatter doesn’t mean you’ll never have negative thoughts again. You’re still human. It means you’ll have the tools to respond differently. If you slip back into harsh self-talk, you can notice sooner and pivot. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about feeling more in control and more at ease in your own head.

Forgiving yourself is part of the journey. If you’re beating yourself up, that’s just more negative words creeping in. Breathe, accept the slip, and move on. This gentle approach lightens the mental load. It also makes it easier to stay motivated when life is busy or challenging.

Practising Consistency and Curiosity

The skill of noticing and reshaping words grows with practice. You might start by checking in once a day, noticing what’s going on inside. Then, over time, you’ll do it naturally. The curiosity you bring to your mind’s chatter can even become fun. You might discover weird beliefs you never questioned before.

Consistency means you don’t panic if some days feel rough. It’s normal to have dips in energy or big emotional swings. But if you stick with the habit of tracking your words, you’ll see progress. Bit by bit, those old scripts will lose steam, and a clearer voice will emerge that’s more in line with who you want to be.

Creating Better Conversations with Yourself

We often talk about how to communicate with others, but what about the conversations we have with ourselves? A friend’s kind advice can boost you, yet your own head might tear you down within seconds. Learning to be your own encourager is one of the best skills you can cultivate.

You don’t need fancy terms or complicated affirmations. Simple, heartfelt words tend to be the most powerful. A short line like “I am proud of my efforts” or “I trust I can figure it out” can do wonders in moments of doubt. Over time, these positive statements become your new default setting.

• Non physical words quietly influence your habits and self-image.
• Listening with intention helps you catch old scripts before they take charge.
• Short, honest affirmations replace harsh self-talk more effectively than forced positivity.
• Consistent action, even small, reinforces fresh mental narratives.

If you’d like to dive deeper, the full episode is right at the top of the page. Give it a listen to hear personal stories, practical tips, and more insights on how reshaping invisible words can reshape your life.