Dyslexic Cavemen (and Women)
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Have you ever had a random thought that seems impossible to ignore? One moment, you’re going about your day, and suddenly something curious pops into your head. This episode of the Truth About Dyslexia dives into one of those puzzling ideas that might be nuts or might make perfect sense, and it could offer a surprising bit of relief.
Stephen chats about the origin of this off-the-wall idea, exploring how our minds conjure unexpected insights. He also examines why it can sometimes be hard to spot the difference between what’s purely wacky and what’s a genuine revelation. It’s a neat look into how dyslexic and ADHD brains can create inspiring perspectives with just a single spark of creativity.
Where the Thought Began
Most big discoveries start as little sparks. Stephen talks about the moment of clarity he had while going about his routine. It felt random. He explains how these flashes can arrive without any warning, like something tugging at the corner of our awareness.
We all have these moments, but for anyone with a dyslexic or ADHD mind, they can appear more often or louder than usual. That might sound overwhelming, yet it’s also why we come up with outside-the-box ideas.
Why It Might Be Nuts
Our first reaction to a weird idea is usually dismissal. We’re quick to think “That’s just silly” or “I can’t possibly take that seriously.”
Stephen touches on how negative self-talk can creep in. Doubt might take over before we give our thought a chance to breathe. It’s easy to talk ourselves out of sharing it, because we worry no one will understand.
Yet, as he puts it:
“I had a thought... it may be nuts... or it may make sense... it might even bring a bit of relief.”
It’s a humbling reminder that our initial response to strange ideas can sometimes mask their real value.
Why It Might Make Perfect Sense
When we let an idea settle rather than judging it outright, new connections emerge. Maybe it’s a fresh way to view an old problem or a path to better self-awareness.
Stephen reveals practical ways to test an odd thought. Instead of labelling it as purely nonsense, he suggests asking questions like:
- What if this were true?
- How would that make me feel?
- Do I notice a sense of relief or excitement at the possibility?
By doing this, we open the door to creativity. Sometimes, what starts off eccentric can be the missing piece in our puzzle, especially in the dyslexic or ADHD experience.
A Gentle Reminder About Perspective
Many of us get trapped in a loop of “Is this right or wrong?” We forget thoughts can be fluid or “in progress.” Stephen emphasises that it’s normal to juggle conflicting ideas in your head, especially when living with neurodiversity.
One approach is to see your mind as a brainstorming space. Not every concept will stick. But if you write them down, one of them might eventually blossom. Moments of impulsive genius sometimes come from letting go of perfection and embracing the unknown.
Putting It into Everyday Life
So how do we apply these insights without feeling self-conscious? Stephen suggests:
- Write down your strange ideas: Seeing them on paper (or on your phone) can lessen the pressure.
- Share them with someone safe: A friend or a family member might help you see the sense behind the madness.
- Plan a small experiment: If the idea involves action, test it in a controlled way to see if it genuinely helps.
- Don’t be afraid to laugh: Sometimes, all you need is a bit of humour to lighten the load.
By taking small steps, we give our brains an opportunity to prove whether a random thought can become a real solution.
Key Takeaways
- Embrace odd or sudden thoughts instead of dismissing them outright.
- Ask simple questions to see if there’s hidden merit beneath the weirdness.
- Use feedback and experiments to test new mental sparks.
- Remember that perspective is never fixed—it evolves as we learn.
Curious about the entire conversation? The full episode is waiting for you. It’s right at the top of this page, ready to play. Have a listen, and see if Stephen’s insight sparks any new ideas in your own life.
