Hard Days And Better Stories

Have you ever had a day where everything seems to go sideways? You reach the evening and think, “What just happened?” That was me yesterday, but I realised that even when days turn sour, there’s always something to learn if you pause to look for it.

In this episode of the Truth About Dyslexia podcast (player at the top of the page), I talk about those rough days that leave us worn out or confused. I share why it’s important to lean in and discover lessons we might otherwise miss. I also talk through how reflection can help us move forward feeling lighter and more resilient.

Tuning in to Tough Days

We all have them. Maybe a project fell apart or a conversation took a strange turn. Sometimes it’s a personal mishap that catches you off guard. When we have dyslexia or ADHD, these moments can feel magnified. Our minds race, we might overthink details, and our emotions can get intense.

One big realisation from this episode is that tough days aren’t failures. We’re wired for creative thinking. This can be a blessing but it can also mean we judge ourselves harshly when something doesn’t go to plan. It’s good to remember that these experiences are part of growing. They help us refine the way we approach things next time.

Why Lean in Instead of Shutting Down

It’s tempting to switch on a screen and tune out whenever we feel rattled. Sometimes that’s helpful, but it’s also worth giving ourselves room to ask: “What actually happened?” and “What can I do differently next time?” In the episode, I mention how I took a few minutes to sit with my frustration before letting it go.

I find honest reflection is like looking at a puzzle. You see what fits, what doesn’t, and how you might shift a few pieces around. We don’t have to brood. We just need a gentle pause to notice patterns and build self-awareness.

Converting Low Points into Fuel

Everyone talks about “turning negatives into positives,” but it’s simpler than it sounds. It might just be noticing one thing you did that worked well, then carrying it forward next time. Or, identifying why we felt triggered so we can be kinder to ourselves in the future.

In this episode, I said something that sums this up nicely:

“When you feel beaten down, take five minutes to breathe and ask yourself what your heart is asking for. It’s probably a hint about the next step.”

We’ve all heard people say that you should "get back on the horse." It’s true, though it doesn’t have to be immediate. You can dust yourself off in your own time, be patient, and then make the next move with a calmer mindset.

Small Steps That Make a Difference

If you get stuck in an unhelpful pattern, it’s easy to feel drained or hopeless. I’ve found a few simple actions can shift the energy and help you regain control. Here are a few of my favourites:

• Breathe Deeply: Pause whatever you’re doing and take three slow, deliberate breaths. It grounds you and slows your mind.
• Check Your Thoughts: If they’re spiralling, jot them down. Seeing them on paper or on a screen can help you spot unrealistic worries.
• Move a Little: Go for a quick walk or stretch. Tight muscles can amplify anxiety, so loosen them up.
• Give Yourself Credit: Name one thing you did right today. It could be something as small as sending that email you were avoiding.

These actions aren’t magic, but they create breathing room in your mind. That breathing room is often where new insights land.

Letting Go and Moving Forward

Before we can move on, we sometimes need to give ourselves permission to drop any guilt or anxiety we’re carrying. If we don’t release it, we drag it along in our mental suitcase. You might not even realise how heavy it is until you finally put it down.

In the episode, I share a personal story about a project I handled poorly. I felt frustrated with myself. When I gave myself a break and said, “It’s done, so let’s learn from it,” I felt the mood lift. It didn’t fix every issue, but it helped me approach the situation with a calmer perspective.

All of this is part of what I call “kind reflection,” where you decide you’re worthy of understanding, not just blame. That shift alone can free up energy to try again or to pivot in a different direction.

Now that you’ve had a quick look inside this episode, here are some final highlights to carry with you:

• Even the worst days can teach you about yourself and your triggers.
• A gentle pause may show you little tweaks that make a big difference next time.
• Reflection isn’t dwelling. It’s stepping back so you can understand the pattern.
• Release guilt when you can. It lightens the load for tomorrow.

Curious to hear more about how I turned a rough day into a lesson? Listen to the full episode above and pick up a few tips for tackling your next unexpected challenge. You might be surprised at how much a little reflection can shift your mindset.