I Spilt Coffee Over My Foot... Dyslexia??

Ever felt like the simple act of pouring coffee can go horribly wrong? You’re not alone. In this week’s ‘Truth About Dyslexia’ podcast, Stephen shares how a tiny misstep became an unplanned lesson in how dyslexia can show up in everyday life.

He talks about the confusion that happens when your brain leaps ahead of reality. Although it might feel like a comedic accident, it highlights something deeper: dyslexia can cause us to skip details we think we’ve got locked in. It’s both funny and frustrating, and Stephen breaks it down in a way that’ll make you nod, smile, and maybe cringe a little too.

When Coffee Attacks

This episode kicks off with Stephen recounting the fateful moment: one slip of the mind, and hot coffee landed right on his foot. Ever had that happen? It’s not just about clumsiness. Our dyslexic brain can work so fast we forget the basics, like checking if our mug is actually on the counter.

“I went to pour my coffee, I was sure the cup was in the right place, then I realised I was pouring straight onto my foot. I couldn’t help laughing and wincing at the same time.”

That painful moment sets the tone for an honest exploration of how dyslexia sneaks into regular tasks. But Stephen finds humour in it too. Laughter is a big part of coping with these odd moments.

How Dyslexic Moments Happen

Why do these slip-ups occur? Stephen explores how our minds drift when we’re juggling too many thoughts. We see the end goal: the perfect cup of coffee. Meanwhile, we miss a detail: the cup’s awkward position next to our phone or keys.

He also explains how dyslexia can cause minor memory gaps. You might forget a word, mix up letters, or in this case, forget where your mug is. It’s easy to joke, but it can be a genuine challenge. Stephen doesn’t hide how these triggers lead to unintentional chaos.

Tools to Keep Grounded

This episode isn’t just about spilling coffee. Stephen looks at ways to pause and reset when our overloaded minds take off without permission. He suggests a few ideas:

• Check-in rituals – Before starting a task, do a quick mental rundown of what needs to happen.
• Set small reminders – Even a simple sticky note or phone alert can cut through the haze.
• Slow Down – Take a breath and refocus on the present moment before diving in.

We don’t need fancy apps or complex systems. It’s about being aware that our brain sometimes shifts gear when we’re not looking.

Finding Humour in the Mix

Nobody likes drenching their foot in hot liquid, yet Stephen points out the need to laugh at those cringe-worthy moments. Dyslexia can be frustrating and exhausting, but there’s value in not letting the missteps build up into shame. If we can smile or share a quick story with a friend, it feels less daunting.

He also mentions that humour helps others connect with us. They witness our vulnerability, and we’re sending the message: I’m human, I’m trying, and sometimes I need a bit of grace.

A Quick Reality Check

Even if coffee accidents happen once in a while, we don’t need to fear the kitchen. This entire conversation is a reminder that dyslexia isn’t just about spelling mistakes. It’s part of how we see and engage with the world. It leads us to fresh ideas, unusual perspectives, and yes, the occasional bit of spilt coffee.

So keep in mind that every mishap teaches us something. It might hurt our foot for a moment, but it also sparks fresh curiosity about how our mind works. Stephen’s story shows that we can turn a painful surprise into a reminder to stay alert and enjoy life’s quirks.

• You’re not clumsy. You’re just wired differently.
• Laughter is a powerful antidote to frustration.
• Taking a beat before acting saves time (and toes).
• It’s all part of the dyslexic journey.

Ready to hear all the details, flubs, and insights straight from Stephen? Press play on the podcast above and give the full episode your ear. You’ll learn some practical tips, share a laugh, and maybe come away feeling less alone. Dyslexia can be a wild ride. It helps to know we’re on it together.