There's a fine line between self kindness and letting yourself off the hook.

As someone with dyslexia, you're hyper aware of your environment and your actions.

You pay close attention to not make mistakes, but that focus can sometimes work against you.

You're in Perfection Mode where things have to be flawless.

Because if they're not, that means you're not as worthy of a human.

Or you're not good enough. Or you'll be found out as an imposter.

As someone who's suffered from everything-has-to-be-just-right syndrome - it's exhausting.

The Baggage Care-ousel

Luckily I've been able to let go of this need to always get it just right - though I'm not all the way there.

Sometimes I still care too much.

Here's a hack that helps me be kinder to myself: Airport Rules

Think about when you're flying out somewhere.

You dress comfortably for those few hours on a plane.

Sure, there's always that odd duck wearing a three-piece suit, but they're rare birds.

At the airport, you slip a little.

Maybe you eat those carbs or take your sweet tooth out for a little spin…

Or you have one or two more cocktails than you usually would when home.

Now I'm not advocating you go buckwild and show up in your fuzzy onesie, sugar up like a kid's first Halloween or end up Live at 11 acting the fool.

But just like a cheat day from the gym - airport rules means you let down the shield.

Shortcuts for the Long Way Home

Dyslexics are hard on themselves.

We're in constant critique.

Airport Rules is the hall pass; a mental shortcut for self-compassion.

So next time you mix up numbers in a meeting?
Airport Rules.

When that email goes out with a typo?
Airport Rules.

When you have to read something a few times to understand it?
You guessed it - Airport Rules.

You are not your mistakes.

Ho'oponopono

Airport rules are more than just a pat telling you it’s okay.

As I write this I realized they’re a form of Ho'oponopono - the native Hawaiian practice of forgiveness:

When Hawaiians need to restore harmony or make things right, they’ll say these four phrases to themselves:

“I love you. I'm sorry. Please forgive me. Thank you.”

It’s one of their ways of restoring self-love and balance.

Slidin’ Into Self-Trust

But wait - there's more.

Learning to let things slide also builds self-trust.

And let's admit it - self-trust is a doozie for many dyslexics.

Allowing yourself grace after a dyslexic moment is a first-class ticket to building that trust back up.