Dyslexic Tripping

Ever found yourself rushing to the airport, only to realise you left your head behind? In this episode, I share how a hectic travel day gave me a few life lessons on what it’s really like to think like a dyslexic. If your brain sometimes wanders off without you, you might discover you’re not alone.

In this podcast, I delve into those surprising moments that come from juggling too many thoughts at once. I chat about the funny mix-ups that happen as we hurry through life, and how they can also open the door to a deeper understanding of ourselves. There’s relief in knowing other people trip over similar mental steps—and that’s worth exploring.

My Experience Getting to the Airport

Picture this: I’m on my way to catch a flight, and I’m trying to remember if I locked the front door, fed the cat, and grabbed my phone charger. Meanwhile, my mind is dreaming up new projects and silly life questions. Suddenly, there’s a snap back to reality—time’s running out, and I’m still miles from the airport.

It was a classic dyslexic moment. Finding my boarding pass on my phone proved to be a small adventure in itself, and I’m sure anyone who’s wrestled with working memory can relate. Yet there’s something comforting about sharing these “mind-trips,” because they remind us we’re wired to think in creative, sometimes chaotic, ways.

“One thing I get a lot is it’s important to know others think like you. So do you think like this?”

That Pattern of Overthinking

Overthinking can swoop in at the worst times. You might start second-guessing if you’ve done something correctly or whether you’ll remember the next step. In the blink of an eye, you’re tangled in a web of thoughts, trying to unpick them one by one.

In this episode, I talk about how it feels when your brain refuses to switch off. Sometimes it’s entertaining. Other times, it’s a big distraction. What I’ve found is that a little gentle self-awareness goes a long way. When you know this habit is normal in dyslexia, you start to see it as simply part of the bigger journey.

Staying Connected With People Who “Get It”

Isolation can creep in when we think nobody else has these mental missteps. But there’s something really powerful about hearing someone else describe what your brain does every day. That’s a topic I dive into here.

It helps to speak openly or listen to friends who share these traits. In doing so, you realise:

• Your brain’s quirks are more common than you think
• You can find strategies that help—like reminders or checklists
• You don’t have to feel embarrassed about random slip-ups

The Power of a Shared Experience

Knowing you’re part of a community that understands dyslexic thinking calms worries. For me, hearing stories from others who tackle the world with this viewpoint gives me the encouragement I need to keep creating.

I highlight in the episode that while some days feel like mental circus acts, those very quirks often spark our best ideas. We shouldn’t shy away from the occasional mental trip. With a bit of self-compassion, we can learn a lot from mishaps and turn them into small wins.

A Quick Brain Reset

Sometimes, all we need is a short mental break. It could be a few moments of meditation before a stressful travel day, or simply noticing when our thoughts get too loud and taking a deep breath. It’s such an easy trick, but it works wonders in dulling that buzz of anxiety.

In the episode, I also share how I pause and ask myself: “Is this moment as big a drama as my imagination says it is?” More often than not, stepping back helps me see that missing socks or uncertain airport parking is not the end of the world.

• Recognise you’re not the only one who “trips”
• Use small tools—lists, alarms, buddy systems—to keep organised
• Embrace that inner voice; it often carries sparks of creativity
• Acknowledge it’s alright to ask for help

Listen to the full episode at the top of the page if you’d like to laugh about frantic pre-flight moments and learn a few tips on handling mental twists. Maybe you’ll realise your brain is more resourceful than you ever thought. Press play, and see if you recognise a bit of your own story in mine.