Ever Feel Like You Have And Angel & A Devil On Your Shoulder?

Have you ever had a moment when everything clicked into place again, reminding you of who you are and how your mind really works? That happened to me at my parents’ birthday party. I’d had a couple of beers, felt the buzz of the family around me, and noticed my thoughts sparking off in every direction.

In this episode, I talk about the wild ride of being in a family setting—where the old me and the new me collide—and share a raw, unfiltered perspective. It’s a bit candid, a bit messy, but it’s honest. You’ll hear me reflect on what changed in my life, why it’s important to stay authentic, and how these moments can reveal the deeper layers of our quirky minds.

Why a Party Triggered This Realisation

The birthday party brought me out of my usual routine. There was chatter, laugher, and the ever-present curiosity of relatives asking how life is going. Being surrounded by people who knew me before I tackled my dyslexia head-on tugged at old memories.

It’s like standing in front of a mirror that reflects two different versions of myself. I felt happy to see familiar faces, but I was also reminded of how my brain processes the world. Suddenly I was transported to a younger me—anxious, excited, and wide-eyed all at once.

Feeling the Buzz: Was It the Beer, or My Mind?

Let’s be transparent. I had a few beers. It’s normal at a party, right? But those drinks loosened me and helped me speak off the cuff. Rather than overthinking every word, I simply let it flow. Sometimes being in that headspace leaves room for the real truths we hide from ourselves.

“I was standing there, drink in hand, feeling every emotion swirl around me, and suddenly I remembered exactly how my mind works.”

I laughed at myself for thinking I was immune to these triggers. In reality, a family gathering can reel you back to the core of who you are—good or bad.

How Old Connections Spark Fresh Insights

This party was the perfect storm for reflection. It reminded me of how our social wiring can switch on certain thought patterns, either helping or hindering us. The moment I started chatting to an uncle about my life updates, I noticed some old habits sneaking in.

It was a tad frustrating to catch my mind wandering off. Yet I also realised these moments spotlight how my gift for creative thinking can morph into mental chaos. Instead of fighting it, I decided to lean into it. I accepted that this part of me isn’t going anywhere—it’s who I am.

• My racing mind needed acceptance, not suppression.
• Embracing imperfection felt liberating.
• Authenticity made the conversations more meaningful.

Tapping Into Authenticity, Even If It’s Awkward

When you share candid stories in front of family, it can feel like ripping off a plaster. You reveal layers of thoughts you thought you’d grown out of. But there's a secret power in showing up unguarded.

I found myself telling a cousin that I sometimes still lose track mid-conversation or forget simple tasks. Her reaction? She laughed and then shared how she’s felt the same. In that moment, I realised being real connects us. It’s not always about having the right thing to say or doing everything perfectly. It’s about showing up as yourself.

That honest exchange meant much more than any polished story would have. It reminded me that authenticity bonds people in ways small talk never can.

What This Means for You

So if you’ve ever felt your mind rush faster than you can speak—or drink in one hand, head swirling—know that you’re not broken. You might just be uncovering another layer of how your brain processes the world. And that’s something to celebrate, even if it feels messy.

This episode is a reminder that embracing those moments can lead to growth. It’s also permission to be a bit silly, a bit off-script, and a bit more human than you’d normally let yourself be. Let your mind wander where it wants, and see what it reveals about your path.

Key Takeaways

• Family gatherings can trigger old patterns but also spark new reflections.
• A drink or two can highlight truths we sometimes bury.
• Embracing the quirks of your mind can be freeing.
• Authenticity paves the way for deeper connections.
• You’re allowed to be messy. It’s often where the magic happens.

If you found these insights helpful, I’d love for you to check out the full episode. You can listen by hitting play at the top of this page. I dive deeper into the chaos, the epiphanies, and how we can all own our quirks. Give it a listen—you never know what you’ll discover.