Struggling To Be Present
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Have you ever felt both fully in the moment and a little bit daydreamy at the same time? That’s where I found myself in this episode, talking about being grounded and present. It might sound like I got caught misbehaving at school or preparing for a festive tradition, but there’s much more to it.
In this chat, I share how my dyslexic mind can get carried away with creativity. Yet I still crave those moments when I’m fully here, not lost in scrolling or busy thoughts. I open up about the practices I’m trying and also reveal a few challenges I’ve been facing, hoping it might help you see you’re not alone.
Why Being Grounded Matters
When I say “grounded,” I’m not talking about serious faces and isolation. I’m talking about that calm sense of presence where your feet feel connected to the world beneath you. It’s the opposite of drifting through tasks without really feeling them.
My dyslexia can make my mind jump from one idea to the next. There’s a spark of creativity that never sleeps. While it’s great for brainstorming, it can be tough to stay focused on the present moment. Sometimes I miss valuable details around me because my head’s up in the clouds.
So, why does being grounded matter? It gives me a sense of balance. It helps me slow down enough to notice my breath, sense how I really feel, and remember what’s important. I don’t have to float away with every stray thought, even if my mind tries to take me for a ride.
The Dyslexic Challenges
Being dyslexic means my brain loves to wander. I can hyper-focus on something I’m passionate about, then forget something I was doing moments before. It feels like juggling water balloons. They slip and slide, and I sometimes lose track of them all.
One of the biggest challenges is daydreaming. I’ll catch myself in a meeting or chatting with people, and my mind’s conjuring new ideas about next week’s projects or random stories. When this happens, I miss what’s right in front of me. It’s not intentional, but it can be disruptive.
“Remember you are all my psychologists. Just telling you really helps me.”
Talking about these struggles lifts a weight off my shoulders. It’s like confiding in a friend who understands I’m not lazy, just easily carried away by imagination. Sometimes, that single step of acknowledging it makes me feel less alone.
Staying Present on Purpose
Lately, I’ve been testing a few simple practices to keep my mind from floating off. One is focusing on my breath, which might seem obvious, but it’s trickier than it appears. I got curious about these breathing techniques from Wim Hof, who’s been featured on a Russel Brand interview. If you haven’t heard of Wim, he’s the sort of man who can climb icy mountains in shorts, all by using breathwork!
I tried his guided breathing exercise where you inhale deeply, then exhale, and repeat. After a few rounds, you hold your breath for about 90 seconds. It’s not easy—my body’s begging to breathe—but there’s a sense of calm afterwards that really surprised me. That moment of stillness helps me realise I can slow my racing thoughts. If you fancy giving it a go, here’s the link:
Another tactic I use is to catch where my feet are. It might sound silly, but deliberately feeling the floor makes me aware of my body. It snaps me back to where I am, which helps me notice what’s happening right now instead of drifting away in my own head.
Resources and Favourite Tools
Sometimes, I need extra inspiration. Listening to other people’s experiences and insights can be a great boost. I found a brilliant chat with Russel Brand and Wim Hof that delves deeper into mindset and breathwork. If you’d like to see that interview, take a look here:
When it comes to daily dyslexia life, I also rely on online communities and courses. There’s something comforting about connecting with others who’ve been walking the same path. We understand each other’s quirks and cheer each other on. If you want that sense of belonging, consider joining our private Facebook community. Or, if you want to go deeper, check out our courses designed to help build confidence and leverage dyslexic strengths.
- Join our Private Facebook Community
- Learn About our Courses
- The Confident Dyslexic
- Subscribe on YouTube
We’re also hosting a webinar video series on Building Confidence as a Dyslexic. It’s basically a place where we talk and share about real, everyday struggles and wins. If that sparks your interest, you can sign up here:
I’m getting better at writing these links so I hope they point you in the right direction! The simplest ways often work best, so I rely on these resources to keep me grounded and remind me others are on a similar journey.
- Dyslexia doesn’t mean you can’t achieve calm and focus.
- Being present is a skill you can practise every day.
- Simple breathing exercises can change your state of mind.
- Daydreaming can be harnessed for creativity, but balance is key.
- Community support makes all the difference.
If you resonate with any of these thoughts, I’d love for you to tune in to the full podcast episode. You’ll find the player right at the top of this page. Give it a listen, then let me know what you think. Your feedback and stories keep me anchored and excited to share more.
