Turning 35: Reflectioncast

It’s been a mad few months. One day I’m cruising through life, and the next I’m hanging on for dear life while everything changes around me. This episode was my chance to reflect on how each year feels like a fresh adventure, with its fair share of chaos, surprises and growth.

In this podcast, I delve into the lessons I’ve picked up along the way. I talk about adjusting to sudden shifts, crafting a path that suits my dyslexic mind and choosing to see possibilities instead of obstacles. It made me realise how much I’ve grown and how gratitude keeps me grounded even when life gets wild.

Looking Back Without Judgement

I used to look back on the year with a critical eye, focusing on what went wrong. But I’ve discovered there’s so much value in acknowledging the good. There were small wins and moments of clarity that turned around my perspective.

Some days I was sure I’d missed the mark. Then I realised it was all part of the process. Nobody gets it right every single time. Ironically, those moments I got it ‘wrong’ taught me what I needed to move forward.

Embracing Growth In Chaos

Chaos can feel overwhelming, especially if you already see the world a bit differently. I found myself learning to adapt by playing to my strengths—like visual thinking and creativity. Instead of hitting a wall, I found side doors. Many were hidden in plain sight.

Here’s what helped me cope when things got too loud:

• Taking breaks even when I thought I couldn’t afford to
• Asking for help from people who understand my wiring
• Remembering that imperfection is part of the journey

Though I whinged a bit at first, in the end, the chaos gave me a sense of purpose. I started seeing it as a sign that I was in the middle of real growth.

Discovering Hidden Lessons

It’s funny how a five-minute conversation or a minor setback can leave a lasting impression. Sometimes I only realise the lesson a month later. How often do we rush through life without stopping to notice the treasure in our stumbles?

“Every year has taught me that we never stop learning, no matter how old we feel.”

I love that line. It reminds me that there’s always more to the story. If you scratch the surface, you’ll find a lesson waiting, sometimes disguised as a mistake.

Focusing On Gratitude

People say gratitude changes everything, and I’m starting to believe it. In my experience, being grateful for what I have—whether it's a fresh opportunity, a new idea or even a kind word—helps me stay balanced.

Things I’ve learned to be grateful for recently:

1. Dyslexia itself, because it encourages me to see the world from unique angles
2. A supportive group of friends and family who embrace my quirks
3. Moments of slow progress, because even those are progress indeed

Each point reminds me that life is richer than we think, and it’s okay not to have it all figured out.

Choosing Hope For The Coming Year

With another year on the horizon, there’s a spark of hope in the air. I don’t know about you, but I’m feeling a fresh sense of energy. It’s not about expecting everything to magically fall into place. Rather it’s choosing to see a chance for something better—no matter how many challenges show up.

A new year can be scary. But if I’ve learnt anything, it’s that there’s always more to discover when you’re brave enough to try something different. The road isn’t always logical but trusting your gut, along with a bit of planning, goes a long way.

• Reflection fuels personal growth
• Chaos often means you’re on the verge of something new
• Gratitude keeps you grounded
• Hope for what’s next can power you forward

If you want to hear all the details of how I got to this reflective point, check out the full episode above. Give it a listen if you’re feeling curious or need a reminder that you’re not alone on this winding path. It might even give you a nudge to see your own journey in a whole new light.