My Story

It’s amazing how much changes once you realise you’re dyslexic. You start connecting the dots between those childhood struggles and your day-to-day challenges. In this episode, I open up about how I finally got diagnosed and how that discovery shaped my path.

This episode also sets the stage for everything this podcast will cover. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or you’ve known you were dyslexic for years, you’ll find something here that resonates. So let’s jump straight in.

My Early Discovery

I spent a lot of my life thinking I was simply forgetful. I lost my keys, missed appointments and zoned out during conversations. It all felt like chaos in my head, but I brushed it aside by telling myself I just needed to focus harder.

At school, I loved learning, yet the words in textbooks never quite lined up. I’d read the same sentence multiple times, hoping it would magically make sense. I remember wondering, “Why am I trying so hard, but still falling behind?”

Facing the Diagnosis

It took a while to accept that maybe there was an explanation for all this. When I spoke with a specialist, they asked me about how I scrolled through life somewhat sideways. I finally decided it was time to dig deeper.

“I always felt like my brain was wired differently. Getting that formal diagnosis was like receiving a missing puzzle piece.”

It wasn’t just a chat with one person. There were quick tests and a few longer assessments. I’d convinced myself I’d fail somehow, but I discovered it wasn’t about passing or failing—it was about understanding how my mind sorts information.

Finding Dyslexic Strengths

As soon as I learned I was dyslexic, I saw my mind in a new light. Instead of viewing myself as broken, I found strengths I never realised were there. Creative problem-solving, big-picture thinking and a knack for making connections became my secret weapons.

Here are a few ways dyslexia can become a strength:

• Seeing patterns where others see chaos
• Innovative thinking when new ideas are needed
• Excellent intuition and empathy in many cases

It’s not a magic cure, but realising I had these gifts added a sense of purpose. Challenges still linger, but I learned to lean on my strengths rather than hide my supposed weaknesses.

What to Expect Going Forward

This podcast is all about shedding light on the truths of dyslexia. In upcoming episodes, I’ll share personal stories, tips on how to handle the ups and downs, and interviews with people who’ve found unique ways to harness dyslexia's potential.

There’ll be honest conversations about mental health, work-life struggles and staying sane in a world that doesn’t always ‘get’ how our brains function. We’re in this together, so don’t worry if you’ve felt alone. I’ve been there, and we’ll figure it out.

• Tools and strategies to tackle daily tasks
• Encouraging stories from fellow dyslexics
• Real talk on managing relationships and work

Key Takeaways

• A dyslexia diagnosis isn’t about passing or failing—it’s about better understanding your brain.
• Being dyslexic can come with powerful strengths like problem-solving and creativity.
• Future episodes will explore practical tools and candid stories.

If you’re curious to hear more, the podcast player is right at the top of this page. Dive into the full episode and be sure to subscribe for all the upcoming chats. You might just discover a new perspective you never knew you needed.