Most Annoying Part Of Dyslexia (may Not Be What You Think)

Have you ever had one of those Dyslexia triggers that sneaks up and knocks the wind out of you? You look calm on the outside, but inside it’s another story. That feeling is exactly what we explore in this episode of “Truth About Dyslexia,” where we dig into a challenge that still catches me off-guard and rattles my confidence.

Today’s conversation focuses on a subtle but powerful discomfort that comes up in moments of stress or when a seemingly small task becomes a mountain. We talk about why it causes a gut-punch sensation and what might help you move past it. If you’ve felt that surge of anxiety any time a certain type of challenge arises, you’ll relate to this deep dive.

The Gut-Punch Feeling

We all have pet Dyslexic challenges that can derail our day. They’re different for everyone, but the sensation is strangely similar. In this episode, I discuss how this specific issue lingers, resting just below the surface.

You might make it through a week or two without a problem. Then, at the worst possible moment, it pops up. It’s easy to think, “I should have grown out of this by now,” but Dyslexia doesn’t read that memo. It shows up on its own schedule.

“It’s like someone lightly punches me in the gut every time.”

Where This Challenge Appears

The hardest part is that this pet challenge is rarely predictable. It might be a certain type of written communication, a phone call when your words won’t flow, or an unexpected request that triggers panic. One moment you’re fine, the next you’re in a spin.

It’s humbling. People around you might see you as the confident one who’s good at thinking outside the box. Yet you’re left with that internal lurch when faced with tasks that feel simple on paper but are a labyrinth in your Dyslexic mind.

How to Work Through It

The discussion in this episode revolves around practical ways to shift your mindset so you’re not blindsided every time. While there’s no magic trick, talking about it is a big step. We unpack three strategies that have helped calm the chaos:

• Spot It Early: Pause when you sense the tension and name it. Recognising it before it grows helps prevent emotional overwhelm.
• Give Yourself Breathing Room: Sometimes a short break or a few deep breaths can reset your response. It’s not about procrastination, it’s about control.
• Chunk the Issue: Divide the task into smaller steps that feel more doable. This reduces that looming sense of dread.

It might feel odd to stop and dismantle the problem piece by piece, but it’s surprising how effective it can be. Dyslexia loves to magnify the emotional side of things. Taking it slow helps chip away at that confusion.

Staying Kind to Yourself

One thing we highlight is the need for self-compassion. It’s easy to slip into frustration or shame, especially if you’ve faced this obstacle for years. Be mindful about the stories you tell yourself. Words have power.

When you notice your inner critic cranking up the volume, challenge it. You’re allowed to comfort yourself even if the problem seems small to others. Dyslexia is a marathon, not a sprint, and small, positive habits compound over time.

• Recognise your progress, not just your stumbles.
• Give yourself permission to take breaks.
• Acknowledge the reality of Dyslexia without letting it define you.

We need these reminders as we juggle work, family, and everything else in life. A little kindness goes a long way to ease that gut-punch feeling.

Key Takeaways

• Specific Dyslexia triggers can surprise you, no matter how “together” you feel.
• Being aware of these moments allows you to handle them before panic sets in.
• Breaking tasks down into pieces reduces the overwhelming pressure.
• You’re not alone in this experience. Plenty of us have that same gut-tightening reaction.
• Use self-compassion and small steps to realign your focus.

If you’re ready to hear more about this raw, real Dyslexia challenge and how it shapes daily life, scroll up and click play. There’s a lot to learn in this episode, and I’d love to have you join me for the full conversation.