My 3 Favourite Gifts Of Dyslexia

Have you ever felt like your dyslexia gave you something extra, even if you couldn't quite put your finger on it? In this episode of the podcast (player above), we explore three core gifts of dyslexia that can transform the way you see yourself. It’s one of those conversations that flows freely and sparks insights at every turn.

Many of us have heard about dyslexia in terms of reading difficulties or challenges at school. But there’s a golden side that often gets overlooked. In the podcast, I dive into these gifts, show you how to recognise them, and suggest ways you can nurture them. If you’re curious about your own dyslexic traits or just want to feel better about how your brain works, you’ll find something here to inspire you.

“I am sure I do this type of pod every few months - But this one really flowed like absolute gold (in my mind at least 😂 )”

Why Recognising Dyslexia as a Gift Matters

So many of us spend years trying to fix what’s considered ‘wrong.’ We scan our spelling, try to keep up with speedy readers, and feel a tad behind. But dyslexia also brings real advantages. When you identify these strengths, you can flip a once negative label into a powerful tool. That shift doesn’t just feel good, it reminds you that you’ve got hidden superpowers you can use in daily life.

There’s a sense of relief in realising you’re not alone. Once you see people with dyslexia creating big, bold things in the world, you start to think maybe you can do the same. After all, we’re in good company with imaginative entrepreneurs, creators, and thought leaders. Recognising what you bring to the table can open doors you never knew you could step through.

Gift #1: Big-Picture Thinking

One of the first gifts highlighted in the episode is the ability to see patterns and make connections others might miss. It’s like your mind zooms out and notices how everything weaves together. You may find that you jump from an idea to a bigger concept in seconds. It can be chaotic, but it often leads to fresh solutions.

Big-picture thinking can set you apart at work or in personal projects. Where others see only separate tasks, you see an overarching system. That means you may become the ‘go-to’ person for brainstorming sessions, spotting potential shortcuts, or imagining new paths forward. It’s a brilliant skill if you give it room to breathe.

• Embrace the chaos in your mind when new ideas pop up.
• Jot down thoughts quickly instead of trying to keep them all in your head.
• Share your insights with others who might be too detail-focused.

Over time, you’ll see that your big-picture thinking isn’t a handicap. It’s an asset that can drive real innovation.

Gift #2: Creativity and Visual Thinking

Another powerful tool dyslexia often brings is curiosity-driven creativity. Words can be tricky, so many dyslexics think in pictures. You might find yourself daydreaming or visualising stories rather than reading them word by word. This creative spark can lead to new ideas for art, design, and problem solving.

Even if you’re not a formal artist, you might notice your brain working in vivid snapshots. Maybe you see entire scenarios play out before you say a single thing. That can feel magical, especially when you learn how to translate those visions into strategies or simpler step-by-step tasks.

• Give yourself permission to ‘think in pictures’ and doodle when solving problems.
• Experiment with mind-mapping, using drawings instead of bulleted words.
• Look for creative outlets, even if it’s just scribbling or painting for fun.

When you lean into your visual brain, you’ll often discover novel ideas that others struggle to see. It’s like having a built-in cinematic view of what could be.

Gift #3: Empathy and Connection

People sometimes forget that dyslexia isn’t only about how we handle letters. Many dyslexics have a heightened sense of empathy, picking up on vibes or emotions in a room more quickly. This sensitivity can help you connect with people in a real way, making you a friend or colleague who’s easy to talk to.

Empathy doesn’t just mean feeling others’ emotions. It can also translate into intuitive communication. You might notice when someone is overwhelmed before they do. You might adjust how you approach a conversation so it’s comfortable for the other person. This skill, though often overlooked, can help build bridges in families, workplaces, and communities.

When you realise your empathy is a strength, you’ll want to develop it further. It could mean leaning into roles that require people skills or simply bringing kindness to daily interactions. If you’ve got that gift, use it.

Growing Your Dyslexic Strengths

Nurturing these gifts isn’t just a casual process. It takes a bit of self-belief and consistent tweaks in your routine. Perhaps you take an online course that focuses on mindset, or you join a support community where people share tips. With the right environment, your dyslexic strengths can become part of your identity in a positive way.

There’s also nothing wrong with acknowledging the challenges. Trying to juggle everything can still be tough. But by celebrating what works well, you give yourself a healthy dose of motivation. That in turn helps you tackle the areas where you need more practice or support.

1. Identify one strength you want to explore (big-picture thinking, creativity, or empathy).
2. Practice it daily, even if it’s just for a few minutes.
3. Share what you learn with a friend or mentor for extra insight.

If you’re consistent, you might surprise yourself by how quickly these gifts become your biggest advantage.

Key Takeaways

• Dyslexia isn’t only about reading difficulties; it offers strengths like big-picture thinking, creativity, and empathy.
• Recognising these gifts helps shift your self-image from struggling to thriving.
• Small daily practices can turn a hidden talent into a developed skill.
• You’re not alone if you feel scattered or overwhelmed; there’s a world of support out there.

It’s amazing what can happen when you focus on what’s right instead of what’s wrong. If you’ve been looking for a nudge to see your dyslexia in a new light, this could be that spark.

Ready to dive deeper into these gifts and learn how to develop them? Make sure you listen to the full episode at the top of this page. If you’re excited about tapping into more dyslexic strengths, sign up for our January course to become a more confident dyslexic, join our private Facebook community for extra insight, and explore the bonus videos on Patreon. You’ll find all the links above. Give it a try—you might just find the key to unlocking greater success in your life.