Growing up, I sensed something was different about how I absorbed information.

I was a heavy reader but struggled to retain most of what I read. Thinking I had to compensate for slow porcessing speed by sounding smart, I started using big vocab words, even when I didn’t need to.

But we both know vocabulary doesn’t define intelligence. Neither does processing speed or appearing quick on your feet.

True understanding comes from finding your natural rhythm and trusting it. I’ve learned this firsthand through creating the Powered by Dyslexia platform.

Pause and Effect

As dyslexics, we often have pauses in conversation—moments where we stop to process, reflect, and let things sink in.

But we underestimate the power of these pauses, they’re not just quirks—they’re key to unlocking deeper insights.

Those pauses? They’re where real understanding happens.

DM’s: Hustle or Flow?

Dyslexics feel pressure to keep up with the Fast Lane.

Think about the [DM’s] dyslexic moments when you need extra time to process information in meetings.

✤ While others rush to respond, you're quietly spotting patterns they miss.

✤ When you double-check your work, you're not being slow - you're finding connections others overlook.

So when you find yourself sitting silently in meetings or work functions, processing or re-reading an email, don’t kick yourself to the curb.

Remember, less rush - more insight.

The Upside

• Extra time in meetings helps you spot patterns others might overlook
  

• Double-checking your work reveals hidden connections and details
  

• Careful processing builds stronger memory and listening skills

Breathing Room

Picture a well-designed building.

Architects don’t fill every inch with walls and windows—they leave open spaces to guide movement and create focus.

The same goes for dyslexic thinking; the spaces are as important as the walls.

And those pauses you take? They're where ideas can fully develop.

LEX IS MORE

What others might see as delays or hesitations are moments of reflection. Your pauses aren’t empty; they’re full of potential.

Express Yourself: Let the Music Play

Ever notice how great music doesn't overpack the composition with unecessary notes and fills?

Listen to the sparse yet undeniably funky bounce of the bass line in Charles Wright & the Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band’s Hey Soul classic - Express Yourself…

Or how about a bass line so open and melodic that you could drive an 18 wheeler through it? That’s the bottom end you hear on Jeff Buckley’s Everybody Here Wants You.

Trust Your Rhythm

Creating space in communication is a good thing.

But often, we rush to respond, driven by nervousness or feeling like we're not in command of the situation.

We hurry just to get it over with.

And though it's tempting to hide behind what we think others expect, your natural rhythm isn't a weakness—it's your signature.

Let that magical mystery machine of a brain of yours take a breath...

… Embrace the pause.

What's the best that could happen?

3 Quotes and We're Out!

What's an experience you've had finding the rhythm of your confidence?