Moving Forward By Looking Back

Have you ever felt like your mind was going in circles, trying to solve the same problem over and over again? If you have dyslexia or another form of neurodiversity, you might wonder if there’s something deeper at play than just logic. In this episode, Stephen Martin reveals why childhood experiences can create emotional baggage that shows up long after we’ve grown up, and why simply “thinking” our way out of issues rarely works.

Stephen shares his own struggles with big feelings and the ways he tried to push through them. He eventually realised that certain triggers kept popping up from his past. Addressing those triggers, rather than ignoring them, became the key to finding balance. Let’s explore what that journey looks like and how you can start healing your own emotional code.

Why Childhood Emotional Baggage Matters

Many of our hidden barriers start early in life. If you grew up feeling misunderstood or criticised for being “different,” you might have carried those feelings into adulthood. Dyslexia and neurodiversity often mean we see the world in unique ways. That can bring creative gifts, but it can also lead to shame or self-doubt if we don’t process lingering hurt.

This childhood baggage isn’t always obvious. It might pop up when you’re frustrated with simple tasks at work or when you’re trying to learn something new. Your brain may replay old messages like, “I’m not good enough” or “I’ll never get it right.” Those beliefs can stick like glue and keep us from moving forward.

“I tried all the techniques in the world, but until I started looking at the emotional baggage, none of it truly stuck.” — Stephen Martin

That lingering sense of not being able to do things “normally” can wear down our resolve. It can also keep us stuck in a loop of self-doubt. By shining a light on these emotions, we can start redirecting our energy to places that serve us better.

Recognising Emotional Triggers

If you keep facing the same hurdles, it’s time to slow down and ask why. Sometimes, we blame our brains for not being logical enough. We double down on rational thinking to solve repeated problems. But what if logic by itself isn’t the answer?

Emotional triggers often live below the surface. You might feel a sudden wave of anxiety in a meeting or find yourself snapping at a loved one when the stress builds up. That trigger is your mind’s way of sounding an internal alarm. It’s saying, “Something from the past is still haunting me.”

To identify these triggers, look for:

• Repeating patterns of frustration that never fully resolve
• Sudden shifts in mood when certain topics come up
• Unexplained feelings of worry or anger
• An urge to avoid tasks that remind you of past struggles

Once you recognise what pushes your buttons, you can start changing those internal reactions.

Exploring Techniques Like Hypnosis

When logic falls flat, emotional approaches can be the missing link. Hypnosis is one method Stephen mentions that’s been particularly helpful. Think of it as a guided state where you’re relaxed but focused, and more willing to let go of old blocks. You’re not losing control. Instead, you’re allowing your subconscious to release harmful beliefs in a gentler way.

Hypnosis isn’t a magic wand, but it can be surprisingly effective. It drops you into a deeper state of mind, where you can begin undoing the code that’s been programmed since childhood. This can reduce or remove the power of triggers and help calm your emotional responses.

Other forms of therapy or coaching may also help you explore what’s hiding beneath the surface. Sometimes, we just need a space where we can quietly process what’s been festering for years.

The Power of Working with a Coach or Therapist

Talking through problems might sound simple, but it’s often a game-changer. Many of us try to handle everything on our own because we think we “should” be able to. Sometimes, though, we’re too close to the issue to see a path forward.

A good coach or therapist provides:

• An outside perspective to spot patterns we don’t see
• A safe environment to explore past hurts
• Practical strategies for managing stress triggers and self-doubt
• Encouragement to try gentle but powerful tools, such as hypnosis

You’re not weak if you look for help. Often, the strongest step we can take is recognising we don’t have every answer ourselves and choosing to learn from someone who’s saved us a seat on the journey of healing.

Moving Beyond Logic to Emotional Freedom

If you find yourself endlessly thinking your way around the same problems, it may signal that something deeper is going on. Emotions often need more than a logical fix. They’re stubborn, layered, and affected by our lived experiences.

When you finally look your emotional baggage in the eye, you’ll feel a sense of relief, even if it’s slightly uncomfortable at first. It’s like discovering a locked room in your house. You can’t ignore it once you know it’s there. By opening the door and letting in fresh air, you can stop living in half of your space and start enjoying the whole home.

Don’t be surprised if progress feels strangely quick once you target the emotional root. It’s not always easy, but it’s often less painful than carrying fears and insecurities around for another year, or ten.

Key Takeaways

• Old emotional baggage can keep you stuck in loops that logical thinking can’t crack.
• Childhood triggers often linger beneath the surface, showing up in daily stressors or self-doubts.
• You can’t just “think away” emotional issues; methods like hypnosis can help unlock deeper blocks.
• Working with a coach or therapist offers fresh perspectives and steady support.
• Slowing down and noticing recurring emotional triggers is the first step to healing them.

If you want the full story, be sure to listen to the entire episode where Stephen dives into these principles in detail. It might shine a light on areas of your life you never thought possible. You’ll also hear about more techniques and resources, like how to connect with our community and explore one-on-one support.

Ready to learn more? Visit truthaboutdyslexia.com for additional insights and practical tips. You can also check out a discounted first session with Andrée Kenny if you’re looking for personalised guidance. And don’t forget to join our community on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/adultdyslexia.

Give the episode a listen to discover more tools that can help you free yourself from the weight of old emotions. It’s your turn to step forward with clarity and a lighter heart.