#updatecast - Big And Small Picture Thinking, Surgery And Vyvance

Ever feel like you’re fantastic at coming up with grand plans but stumble when it comes to the small stuff? You’re not alone. In this episode, I share how my dyslexic brain often sees the big picture and how that can make everyday tasks tricky. I also open up about my upcoming surgery and the nervous thoughts swirling around, plus a small update on how ADHD medication is playing a part in my routines.

We dive into why small tasks can overwhelm people like us, how anxiety can sneak in during big life events, and what it takes to care for yourself when it feels like life is moving too fast. It’s a conversation that reminds us we’re not alone—everyone’s got a unique way of thinking, and sometimes we need to give ourselves a break.

Big Picture Brain, Small Task Woes

One of the biggest perks of dyslexia can be our ability to see the entire forest, not just the trees. We can dream up strategies, spot patterns, and find innovative solutions. However, the downside is that small details can feel like an uphill battle.

When you’re wired to look at a whole project at once, sorting out the tiny steps might feel a bit dull, or even overwhelming. It’s easy to get stuck feeling stressed about where to begin. Trying a simple checklist can help. Write down your tasks and tick them off as you go—it’s a small trick, but it does the job.

Facing Surgery and Anxiety

I mentioned in the episode that I’m facing surgery soon, which has kick-started a wave of nervous energy. Unfortunately, that nervous energy can cause my mind to spin over everything that could happen. It’s like looking at a massive jigsaw puzzle without the lid—you know all the pieces need to fit, but you’ve lost sight of the final picture.

“Surgery can fill your mind with anxiety, especially if you already have ADHD. It's like having a few extra tabs open that never close,” I joked in the podcast.

Even though it’s a relatively standard procedure, telling myself to ‘just relax’ doesn’t always work. So instead, I’m focusing on practical steps like researching details around the surgery and planning for my recovery. That knowledge eases the sense of mystery and helps me focus on better outcomes.

Medication, Meditation, and Mental Health

In this chat, I also update you on my ADHD medication. The right meds can make a huge difference in daily routines. It’s not a magic wand, but it can minimise the constant mind chatter. Combined with meditation or even deep breathing, it’s easier to find a moment of calm when things feel scattered.

Small habits like journalling or using an app for guided breathing can help when your thoughts start doing their own dance. Once you find a system that works, the curveballs of life—like upcoming operations—feel less daunting.

Finding Balance and Building Community

Nobody’s mind works quite the same way, so understanding your own thought patterns is key. For many of us with dyslexia or ADHD, the journey is about finding a balance between big picture thinking and taking small steps forward.

You might try a quick daily plan, or maybe use a timer to break tasks into bite-sized sprints. Share what works for you with friends, family, or in online groups—because trading insights means we all benefit. You’ll find our community is open and ready to listen, especially when life feels heavy.

It’s also important to give yourself permission to rest, especially around big events. Whether it’s an operation, a job transition, or any major change, scheduling downtime is vital. You’ll be less likely to burn out and more likely to recover well.

• Big picture thinking can unlock creativity, but watch out for small task overload.
• Even routine surgery can trigger big stress, so acknowledge that anxiety.
• Meds, meditation, and self-awareness can keep mental health steady.
• Short lists or sprints can make tasks more manageable.
• Community support lifts the load—there’s always someone who’s been there.

If you’d like to hear the full conversation, the podcast player is just above this post. Press play, relax, and enjoy the episode. We’d love to know your thoughts, so drop by our Facebook community or check out more resources at truthaboutdyslexia.com. Your shared experiences help remind us we’re all in this together.