Why Can’t You Read My Mind

Have you ever noticed how small moments can spark big insights? On Sunday, I had one of those moments, and it revolved around a pair of sunglasses. It made me realise how easily we dyslexics can feel suddenly thrown off when unexpected stuff happens.

This episode dives into a simple but eye-opening scenario. I talk about how losing or finding an object can trigger panic, second-guessing, and all sorts of internal chatter. Then I share how I snapped out of that spiral and discovered something surprisingly helpful in my everyday life.

The Unexpected Jolt

I was going through my Sunday feeling pretty relaxed. Then I needed my sunglasses. That was when everything shifted. I thought I’d put them in my bag, but they weren’t there. My heart started beating faster, and I felt that familiar sense of dread.

The moment felt enormous, like a glitch in my usual routine. Dyslexics are sometimes fantastic at improvising, yet we can also get stuck in tunnel vision when something goes missing. It might sound silly to worry about sunglasses, but this little detail was enough to throw me off.

“It all started with a pair of sunglasses, but it got me thinking about how easily we get overwhelmed.”

Realising the Dyslexic Challenge

I realised this was about more than just forgetting my sunglasses. It highlighted how our minds can amplify small hiccups. One minute we’re fine, then something goes missing, and we find ourselves in an anxious spiral. We struggle to see how small it really is because it feels massive in the moment.

It’s not about intelligence. It’s about how our minds are wired to notice patterns or break them. When a pattern breaks unexpectedly, we can become really stressed and lose focus on everything else.

Breaking the Spiral

The next step was taking a breath and reminding myself that my day was not ruined. I thought about the possible places I might’ve left them. I paused, tried to calm my thoughts, and gave myself a moment to refocus.

We all have moments when our heads spin with worst-case scenarios. It’s natural to feel disoriented, especially if you’re already juggling a busy schedule. The trick is to bring yourself back to reality before the panic grows.

Tools That Help

What can you do when you find yourself spinning out over something small? Here’s what I try:

• Take a quick break: Stop, breathe, and reset. Even a few seconds help.
• Ask a friend: Get an outside perspective. You might be overthinking.
• Write it down: A quick note can keep important info in sight, especially when you fear forgetting something.
• Use your phone wisely: Set a reminder or alarm so you’re not relying on memory alone.
• Give yourself a pass: Remember that mistakes happen; you’re allowed slip-ups.

These little strategies can ease your mind. It’s not about perfection. It’s about managing those moments in a kinder, more mindful way.

Finding the Bigger Picture

By the time I found my sunglasses, I realised I’d put myself through a lot of stress for something easily fixed. That experience echoed something deeper that comes up often in dyslexia: we sometimes blow small problems out of proportion because we’re used to grappling with details.

This mini adventure pushed me to see my reactions in a new light. I realised how a single moment can teach a powerful lesson about letting go of anxiety. Sometimes it’s better to trust that we’ll figure it out and not let our minds run in circles.

Below are some takeaways I hope will be helpful:

• Even the most minor hiccup can create large stress. Awareness is key.
• A short pause or shift in perspective can stop negative thoughts.
• Talking to someone can defuse any drama building in your head.
• It’s good to allow yourself a breather when life feels too heavy.

Thanks for reading about my slightly embarrassing sunglass meltdown. If you want the full story and more practical ideas, be sure to tune in to the episode above. Give it a listen for even more insights, laughs, and tips on thriving with dyslexia.