Thinking Vs Feeling: Who’s Driving?

Welcome back, lovely listeners. If you’ve ever tried explaining dyslexia or ADHD to someone who doesn’t share your experience, you know how tough it can be. That’s why this episode is all about a powerful metaphor that brings those hidden struggles into the open. It’s warm, relatable, and easy to remember.

In the episode, we discuss how metaphors help us describe the daily rollercoaster of living with dyslexia. You’ll hear a simple image that captures the ups, downs, and unexpected quirks of a neurodiverse mind. If you’ve ever longed for that “aha” moment, this might be it.

The Metaphor That Changed Everything

Sometimes a good analogy goes deeper than a hundred facts. We can list statistics about executive function or reading speed, but a relatable image is what sticks. In this episode, I share how I came across a metaphor that felt like putting on glasses for the first time. It suddenly made sense of those swirling thoughts.

“I love this metaphor more than anything. It’s like it gave me a fresh lens on what I’ve been going through.”

Many people say they discover hidden courage when they find the right words to describe their situation. That’s because metaphors aren’t just fancy comparisons. They’re shortcuts to empathy. Anyone listening can nod along and say, “Ah, now I see why it’s such a challenge.”

Why Metaphors Matter

Have you ever tried explaining dyslexia to someone who thinks it’s just about spelling? Metaphors do the heavy lifting. They go beyond a list of symptoms and create a vivid picture. Instead of saying, “I get overwhelmed,” you can paint an image of a crowded library with floating books. It’s more than words on a page. It’s a feeling.

• They create instant understanding, even if someone isn’t dyslexic.
• They’re easy to remember, so you can share them again and again.
• They spark a conversation that goes beyond polite nods.

When you come across that one metaphor that suits your story, it’s like unlocking a secret door. You step inside, look around, and realise someone finally gets it. That’s the power of telling a story without drowning in details.

Building Your Own Picture

We talk a lot about the metaphor I love, but that doesn’t mean it’s the only one. Some people compare dyslexia to shaping clay—every day you’re sculpting ideas into words. Others imagine swimming in a strong current. You can keep going, but you burn more energy than everyone else.

Finding your own metaphor is an art. You might think of how you experience the world and reflect on how that feels. Does it look like a busy city at rush hour where you’re weaving through crowds, or more like a forest path that winds in unexpected directions? Whatever resonates with you might also speak to the people around you.

If you’re feeling stuck, try keeping a simple journal. Jot down everyday moments when your dyslexia feels loudest or quietest. Then picture it. Is it a swirl of colours? A series of puzzle pieces that don’t quite fit? Maybe it’s a small boat trying to navigate choppy waters. Let that image develop naturally—then share it.

Not Everyone Will Get It, and That’s Okay

You might worry about your friends or family not understanding. Sometimes you’ll see a twinkle of recognition in their eyes, and other times you’ll receive a blank stare. That’s normal. We can’t force insight, no matter how brilliant our metaphor is.

But the real gift is in how it frees you from the burden of trying to explain everything perfectly. Instead of listing your struggles, you can share a single mental image that reveals how you feel. That’s more than enough for most folks who are genuinely curious. It also gives you a language shortcut: “Remember that library metaphor I told you about? Well, I’m feeling that chaos today.”

This is why I love metaphors so much. They show the deeper layer of what it’s like to navigate life with dyslexia, and they invite empathy. Even if someone doesn’t fully understand, they might walk away with a clearer sense of how to step into your shoes.

Final Takeaways

• Metaphors are shortcuts to empathy. They paint a vivid image instead of reciting facts.
• Your unique metaphor might differ from mine. Experiment and see what speaks to you.
• Don’t worry if everyone doesn’t get it. Clarity builds over time.
• Keep a mental or written note of funny or telling moments—you’ll discover new metaphors as you go.
• Share your favourite metaphor with friends. Watch the conversation open up in surprising ways.

If you want to dive deeper, give the full episode a listen. The player’s right at the top of this page, so just press play. Trust me, once you hear how a single metaphor can cut through tangled thoughts, you might find your own version that brings you clarity and calm.

So go on, hit that play button and see where your imagination takes you.