My Imperfect Weekend

Whew, what a weekend. I found myself juggling one unexpected challenge after another, stumbling from uncertainty to relief, then back again. Have you ever felt like your mind just won’t quit, even when all you want is a moment of peace?

This episode of “Truth About Dyslexia” is where I open up about one of those tough weekends that knocks the wind out of you. I share why it felt harder than usual, how I questioned myself, and the little shifts that helped me regain my footing. You’ll hear about the emotional rollercoaster that sometimes comes with dyslexia and ADHD, those moments when you doubt your value, and ways to steady yourself when life throws curveballs.

It’s a short but honest conversation about mental resilience, personal reflection, and the power of being open with others. So if you’ve ever locked yourself in your own head for a weekend, I hope this gives you some comfort and shows you that you’re not alone.

Facing the Storm Early

The weekend started with a project deadline I’d been putting off. I’d convinced myself it would only take a few hours, but it ballooned into a mini-crisis. That’s typical for me when I underestimate the effort needed or forget to factor in the emotional labour it demands.

My head felt cluttered with anxiety about finishing on time. Tasks seemed more complicated than usual, yet I couldn’t pinpoint where things went wrong. This feeling of being stuck triggered a familiar worry: Did I lose my edge? Was I in over my head? I realised my mind spiralled every time I hit a snag.

Slipping into Self-Doubt

As the weekend carried on, so did my nagging thoughts. It’s easy to let doubt creep in, especially if you’re juggling dyslexia or ADHD. Sometimes you catch yourself overthinking one small mistake. Then you label it a sign of bigger issues.

I recorded this episode while smack in the middle of that feeling. I said:

“I kept thinking, ‘What if I’m just not cut out for this?’ I had to stop that spiral and ground myself in reality.”

That’s the crux of it. When dyslexia or ADHD takes you on a bumpy ride, it can feel like you’re doomed to fail. But I’ve learned that awareness is half the battle. If you can recognise the spiral of panic, you can start to challenge it.

Acknowledging Vulnerabilities

One thing I talk about in the episode is how vulnerability can be a lifesaver. It’s usually tempting to put up a brave front, especially when we’re used to feeling misunderstood. But opening up can lighten the load.

When you admit you’re facing a tough time, your friends, family, or community can step in. That doesn’t mean they’ll do everything for you, but it helps to hear someone say, “Hey, I’ve been there too.” It’s a reminder that you’re not living in a vacuum. We all have days when our brains feel like they’re staged a revolt, refusing to follow the calm, logical route we planned. Reaching out is like turning on a light in a dark room. It doesn’t fix everything, but it makes the next step clearer.

Little Wins That Shifted My Mindset

Another key thread in this episode is the power of small victories. Sometimes, finishing a single email feels like scaling a mountain. If that’s you, take heart. You’re making progress, even if it’s one step at a time.

By Sunday afternoon, I tried a few things to break the cycle of stress:

• Timed Work Sessions: Instead of forcing an all-day focus, I used 25-minute bursts and took frequent breaks.
• Physical Movement: A quick walk seemed to clear my brain, letting me see simple solutions I missed when I was stuck at my desk.
• Check-Ins with a Friend: I hopped on a quick call to vent, and it helped normalise what I was feeling.
• Celebrating Mini Achievements: Even ticking off a short task from my list felt like a big relief.

These small actions didn’t delete my struggles, but they tricked my brain into seeing progress. That can be enough to get you from the “I can’t do this” mindset to “Maybe I can handle one more step.”

Episode Takeaways

Through these ups and downs, here are a few points you can take away from the episode:

• Recognise when you’re overthinking and remind yourself it’s not permanent.
• Vulnerability builds connections that can ease the mental load.
• Small wins matter, so celebrate them to boost momentum.
• It’s okay to slow down if you need to recalibrate your thoughts.

The key message? You’re not broken or weak if you have rough patches. It’s part of learning who you are and how your mind works. Even a challenging weekend can be a stepping stone toward understanding yourself better.

If you’d like the full story (along with more personal anecdotes), the podcast player is at the top of this page. Give the episode a listen and let me know your thoughts. Feel free to share your weekend struggles in the comments, or drop a quick message. You might be surprised how many of us are on a similar path.