Here's What I Learned About Being Dyslexic

Hey there, lovely readers!

I want to start by saying something that still gives me a bit of a lump in my throat: I have dyslexia. It's something I've carried with me since my school days, and today, I'm going to share my story with you. Because, you see, living with dyslexia wasn't just hard – it was a challenge I had to overcome every day. But it also became the source of some of my greatest strengths.

A Different Path in School

As a kid, I knew my brain was different. I excelled at puzzles, challenging my friends and family with their complexity. But when it came to reading and understanding what I read, I felt like I was in a completely different world. My school days were filled with moments of anxiety and self-doubt. I vividly remember trying to read ahead in class, just to be prepared when it was my turn to read aloud. I was shuffled off to the reading room while my classmates pulled out their workbooks. I'd wear a bright hall pass around my neck, marching down empty hallways, passing signs of books that seemed to taunt me, telling me I had to read to succeed. The room itself felt like a glorified broom closet with a blinking light and three mismatched desks. I often felt as useful as the old mop I shared the space with.

A Lifelong Journey of Discovery

My journey to understanding and embracing my dyslexia began much later in life. It wasn't until after high school that I stumbled upon an online test that changed everything. The results seemed to indicate that I wasn't broken; I was just different. That difference, I discovered, allowed me to move past what wasn't working and lean into what I did well. It was a profound realization, and it opened up a world of possibilities.

Learning to Manage My Learning Style

With newfound awareness, I started learning how to manage my unique learning style. I found ways to jump over words that seemed like hurdles and discovered alternative methods of comprehension. But what truly transformed my life was the advent of online learning. It was a game-changer, enabling me to explore a wide range of subjects from data science to neuroscience, all without the pressure of traditional reading requirements. I delved into courses from esteemed institutions like Harvard, Yale, Princeton, MIT, Berkeley, Oxford, and more. The ability to learn without the constraint of traditional reading was liberating.

Dyslexia as a Beautiful Gift

Through it all, I came to realize that dyslexia is not a limitation; it's a beautiful gift. It's a gift that, once unwrapped and understood, can lead to extraordinary achievements. Today, I proudly hold the title of an award-winning author, a journey that began in the very classrooms where reading was once a daunting challenge. Dyslexia has given me the ability to approach problems differently, think creatively, and to tackle challenges head-on.

Embracing Your Uniqueness

I share my story with you today not to dwell on the past but to inspire you to embrace your uniqueness. Dyslexia, like any other unique trait, has its strengths and advantages. It's a part of who you are, and it doesn't define your limitations. Instead, it can be a powerful tool that propels you toward success.

You Are Not Alone

If you're reading this and thinking, "This sounds exactly like me," know that you are not alone. My hope is that you'll dive into the research, explore your own experiences, and, if it resonates, take steps toward a diagnosis, just as I did. There's something incredibly affirming about learning more about yourself and your specific qualities. It gives you ownership over your life and the ability to leverage your uniqueness as your superpower.

Thank you for joining me on this journey, and remember, there's strength in your differences. Embrace them, unwrap your unique gifts, and let them shine.

With love and empowerment,

Audrey