Pep Talk Time

Have you ever had one of those days where your dyslexic mind runs away with you? In this episode, I share how a massive mishap made me pause and realise that small mistakes aren’t the end of the world. Sometimes, they’re the start of a much-needed pep talk.

In a nutshell, I had a moment that felt bigger than it really was, but it sparked some honest reflection about how we see ourselves. This talk is about shaking off shame, knowing that even the best of us get tangled in words once in a while, and focusing on growth. If that sounds like you, grab a cuppa, and let’s dive in.

Owning the Embarrassing Mistakes

We all slip up sometimes, whether it’s sending an email to the wrong person or mixing up words in front of our boss. And when dyslexia plays a part, we can feel extra exposed. Recently, I had a classic moment that left me wincing. One second I was sure I had it right, then I realised how far off I was.

Moments like that can sting. You might worry it’s a sign you’re in over your head. But here’s the truth: mistakes are just part of learning. When we own them—without beating ourselves up—we free up mental energy that would have gone to guilt or embarrassment. That energy is better spent moving forward.

“It was one of those moments where I had to laugh at myself, otherwise I’d never shake off the embarrassment.”

The key is to remember that laughter often does more good than self-criticism. It might not fix the mistake, but it sure helps you keep it in perspective.

Reframing How We See Ourselves

Dyslexia isn’t a fault. It’s a different way of processing—one that can create curious, big-picture thinkers, strategists, and problem solvers. Yes, mixing up words can be frustrating. But it can also be a sign of flexibility and creativity. How we talk to ourselves about our mistakes shapes how we grow.

It’s easy to label ourselves as “clumsy” thinkers or hopeless spellers. But if we flip that, we can see we’re actually quick to adapt and open to inventive solutions. That simple shift in perspective offers a boost of confidence and helps us bounce back faster when small moments trip us up.

Practical Ways to Bounce Back

When the sting of embarrassment hits, it’s helpful to have a toolkit ready. Here are a few ways I turn a blunder into a bounce-back:

• Breathe First: Before you do anything, take a deep breath. Slow it down. This short pause reduces panic and gives momentary clarity.
• Find the Lesson: Ask yourself, “Is there something I can do differently next time?” A small tweak could prevent the same mistake later.
• Share with Someone: Dyslexia can feel isolating. Reaching out to a friend or mentor reminds us we’re not alone. They’ve been there too.
• Give Yourself Credit: We often forget to credit ourselves for what we do right. One slip-up doesn’t erase the million things you nailed this week.

It helps to know we’ve got options when our words get away from us. The more we plan for these moments, the quicker we recover.

Cultivating Self-Kindness

When you replay that awkward moment in your head, resist the urge to call yourself stupid or hopeless. We’re human, not robots. Self-kindness starts with how we speak to ourselves in those fragile moments. It’s easy to say “be positive,” but changing your self-talk is a real skill—one that takes time.

Sometimes, treating yourself gently is the best next step. If you keep reminding yourself of what you did wrong, you’ll stay stuck in the past. But if you say, “OK, that happened. Now I know what to do differently,” you move on that much faster.

Why This Matters for Dyslexia

We all learn from our mistakes. But dyslexia often comes wrapped with an extra layer of shame or a fear of being seen as incapable. That fear can slow us down or keep us silent when we should speak up. The conversation in this episode is a reminder that you can turn those fears into motivation to try again.

Here’s why it matters:

• You free your mind from negativity, so you can see solutions sitting right in front of you.
• You become more willing to share ideas, which might lead to creative breakthroughs.
• You learn self-trust, which spills over into every project you take on.

Trust me, dyslexia can be a superpower, but only if you let yourself embrace every part of the experience.

Key Takeaways

• Mistakes aren’t shameful—they’re proof you’re trying.
• How you talk to yourself can lift you up or drag you down.
• Laughter and kindness make tough moments a bit easier.
• Dyslexia comes with unique strengths—remember that.
• It’s not about never failing, but about rising up every time.

If you’re ready for more refreshingly real talk on adult dyslexia, you can listen to the full episode in the player above. Or you can visit Truth About Dyslexia to explore other resources and join a supportive community that gets what you’re going through. You've got this!