Mimicking - Staying Safe

Sometimes you catch yourself doing something that feels oddly specific, and you wonder if anyone else out there can relate. That’s the vibe in today’s chat, where I explore a habit I’ve noticed about how I handle my everyday world as a person with a bend towards dyslexia. You’ll find out what it is, why it matters, and how you might catch yourself doing something similar.

In this podcast episode, I talk about pausing to notice the quirky things we do in our lives and why they’re more than random oddities. I share a personal experience and unpack how it can shape the way we see ourselves, especially when we get into those curious loops where our minds run wild. Let’s jump right in.

Noticing the Patterns

I used to think every odd habit or pattern was a problem, but I’m starting to see how they can be signposts. When you notice a pattern, it's not always about fixing it. Sometimes it’s about understanding where it comes from.

We often do things that look weird on the surface, like re-reading the same line five times or jumping into a task with loads of energy then stalling mid-way. Realising these behaviours can be the first step to managing them better—especially if they’re tied to dyslexia or a more neurodiverse way of thinking.

“This is something I notice I do, and I wonder if you can relate?” — Stephen Martin

I love that quote because it sums up the episode’s main theme. It’s not about pointing out flaws. It’s about being curious enough to say, “OK, I do this. I’m not sure why, but I’d like to figure it out.” That mindset alone can shift how you approach challenges in everyday life.

Why Curiosity Helps

Curiosity is powerful. When we look at our quirks with a curious eye, we learn more than if we just feel embarrassed. If you’re anything like me, you might have had a few cringe moments. Maybe you left your keys in the fridge while your mind was on other things, or you scrolled online looking for one thing and ended up deep in random rabbit holes.

Instead of beating yourself up, ask:

• Did I do this because my mind was racing?
• Is there a chance my dyslexia or ADHD brain was leading me down a different path?
• What was I feeling or thinking right before it happened?

When you start looking for patterns, you gain awareness. That awareness makes it easier to manage your mental energy and reduce frustration. You might also find quick fixes or workarounds that can prevent the same mix-ups from happening again.

Sharing Our Experiences

Sometimes you’ll spot a pattern, and your first instinct is to keep it to yourself. There's a worry that if you mention it, people will see you as strange. The reality is, once you share those experiences, you usually discover you’re not alone.

It’s good to have a community or even just one friend who gets it. Talking about these things can lighten the pressure you feel and remind you that your quirks aren’t proof of failure, they’re just part of who you are. Recognising them is a step towards using them for growth.

A funny thing happens when you share. Suddenly you find yourself swapping stories, laughing at the oddities, and realising there’s a hidden brilliance in the way you think. Those moments are priceless because they remind you that your mind is wired to create connections others might not see.

Tuning In to Your Mindset

Although it helps to notice patterns, it’s also important to address the mindset behind them. Are you feeling stressed or worried when you slip into those patterns, or is it your natural method of managing information? You may not even realise it until you stop and think.

As a personal example, I realised I do something specific when I’m tackling a challenge. I pace around the house, making random cups of tea but rarely finishing them. It’s a quick burst of activity that helps me organise my thoughts. On the outside, it looks inefficient—on the inside, it’s a vital way to refocus my spinning brain.

By acknowledging this habit, I can limit wasted efforts and try to finish at least one cup of tea during each lap. It might be silly, but it’s me. And, as I talk about in the episode, those small steps can have a big impact on how we develop a sense of self-awareness and acceptance.

• Our patterns often come from deeper places, like how our brains process information.
• Curiosity helps us see value in even the oddest of habits.
• Sharing experiences normalises them and creates a sense of connection.
• Adjusting your mindset can turn quirks into workable strategies.

Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. What works for me might not work for you, but the point is to stay open to exploring. Notice your day-to-day patterns, and if they’re not serving you, tweak them in a way that helps. If they make you smile and keep you on track, go all-in!

Takeaways You Can Use

Here are a few things from the episode that you can put into action right away:

1. Observe without judgement: Next time you notice a strange habit, pause and consider why it happens.
2. Share with a friend: Don’t keep these insights locked up. Talk about them and see who else can relate.
3. Look for the root cause: Often, our quirks are tied to the way our dyslexic or ADHD minds handle stress or new information.
4. Celebrate the positives: Quirks can be doorways to creativity. Find ways to harness that fresh thinking.

Listen to the Full Episode

That’s a glimpse into my latest exploration of the curious things we do and why they matter. If you enjoyed this peek behind the curtain, have a listen to the full episode. The podcast player’s at the top of this page, so just scroll up when you’re ready for the audio version.

Let’s see what sparks your curiosity next. Happy listening!