From struggling in school to becoming a magazine editor, my dyslexia journey proves it’s a superpower. Learn about dyslexia meaning, symptoms, and coping strategies.
As someone with dyslexia, writing this article for World Dyslexia Week feels a bit ironic. Growing up, reading and writing were the things I struggled with most, and I remember feeling angry and frustrated because I couldn’t keep up in school. English class terrified me—being called up to read in front of everyone filled me with such dread that I used to hope a hole would just open up and swallow me. Even thinking about it today makes me shudder.
I’m not saying this to stroke my ego—it’s actually quite funny to me now that I’m the editor of a magazine! If you’d asked me back in school if I’d ever be an editor, I would have probably cried. Back then, they didn’t know much about dyslexia, and I was labelled the “thick” one. Kids would take the mickey out of me, and for a long time, it affected my confidence.
If you’re in that same position now, please believe me when I say that it does get better. I spent years pushing myself, not to prove anything to anyone else, but to overcome the fears and anxieties that dyslexia made me feel. I worked so hard because I always felt I had to prove myself, but as I’ve grown older, I’ve realised that I don’t need to prove myself to anyone except myself.
Yes, dyslexia makes school hard, and yes, it can make you feel like you’re not “normal.” But the truth is, dyslexia is a gift—a superpower even. We don’t think like everyone else, and that’s what makes us special. So if you’re struggling, I want you to stay strong, keep working hard, and know that you are enough. You’re not stupid; you’re brilliant in ways that the world might not understand yet.
A carefree smile before school began. Little did I know that my journey with dyslexia would challenge my confidence, but it also shaped my resilience and passion for inspiring others – Lisa Holley Palmer.
Dyslexia Meaning:
Dyslexia is often misunderstood as a learning disability, but it’s actually a learning difference. It affects how the brain processes language, especially written words, but it doesn’t impact your intelligence or creativity. In fact, many successful people have dyslexia, and it’s often associated with strengths in areas like problem-solving and creative thinking. Just look at Richard Branson, for example—what he’s achieved as a dyslexic entrepreneur is nothing short of legendary. I had the chance to work with him once at Virgin, and he was the nicest man—proof that dyslexia doesn’t limit your ability to succeed. In fact, Branson is so passionate about empowering people with dyslexia that he’s partnered with the charity Made By Dyslexia to launch the free online University of Dyslexic Thinking. Hosted by Open University, it’s available worldwide, helping people everywhere embrace their dyslexia and thrive with it.
Dyslexia Symptoms:
While dyslexia often presents as difficulty with reading, writing, and spelling, every person experiences it differently. Some people mix up letters or struggle with reading speed, while others have issues remembering sequences, like the alphabet, or find it hard to turn thoughts into written words. It’s important to understand that dyslexia doesn’t mean you’re not smart—it simply means your brain works in a different way. People with dyslexia can be incredibly intuitive, creative, and good at seeing the big picture. Just like Richard Branson, who’s used his unique way of thinking to create a business empire, people with dyslexia have their own strengths.
Coping with Dyslexia:
Coping with dyslexia means embracing your strengths and finding tools that help you succeed. Audiobooks, speech-to-text apps, and breaking tasks into smaller steps can make learning easier. Having a supportive network of friends, family, and teachers is key too. Don’t be afraid to lean into your dyslexia—many people who think differently end up achieving great things because of it. Richard Branson, for instance, has built Virgin into a global brand by thinking outside the box. He’s now helping others do the same through the University of Dyslexic Thinking, a free online platform that helps people with dyslexia tap into their strengths. Dyslexia didn’t hold him back, and it shouldn’t hold you back either. Believe in your own potential and keep pushing forward.
Editorial credit: Belish / Shutterstock.com
For more information on the university click here University of Dyslexic Thinking.
Stay strong, and remember, you are amazing! Sending love to my dyslexic friends, Lisa X
