Dyslexia is NOT a dirty word
June 28, 2007 – 7:47 amIf you’ve ever met my daughter, you know that she is one of the most amazing athletes you’ve ever seen.
She once did cartwheels all the way down the strand in Hermosa from 8th street to 21st street.
Her body has natural muscle definition and strength that I’d be unlikely to cultivate even if I worked out every day for a year.
She can just about do a front flip from standing.
Generally when someone is highly gifted in one area, it means difficulty in other areas.
That’s certainly the case for me.
I’m a great business thinker and big picture strategist, but when it comes to organizing the details of my home, I’m quite challenged.
Well, my daughter’s challenge is reading.
Turns out, she’s got some form of dyslexia.
And, you might think I shouldn’t be writing about it in public … it’s something that should be hidden, dealt with privately, kept a secret.
I say that’s crap!
Dyslexia is nothing to be ashamed of at all.
In fact, I see it as a beautiful gift to be celebrated.
I’m grateful to have found out when she’s only 7 that she learns differently than most people and very differently than me!
Now, I can make informed decisions about her education that take into account her learning style.
And, I can temper my frustration when she doesn’t read quickly and understand when she doesn’t share my love of reading.
We can cultivate the amazing gifts that often come along with dyslexia … such as her ability to think way outside the box.
The worst thing we could do with her dyslexia is ignore it, hide it or think it’s something to be overcome.
It is not.
It is something to understand and appreciate and makes her even more wonderful.
Identifying and cultivating your child’s unique gifts is a critical piece of passing on your Family Wealth.
You couldn’t give your children a greater gift than an understanding of who they are and what makes them special.
Copyright 2007 by Alexis Neely. This article may be copied and used in your own newsletter or on your website as long as you include the following information: “Written by Alexis Neely, mom, writer, speaker and personal family lawyer. Yes, a lawyer who brings more wealth, health and happiness to your life. Find out how on her website at: www.FamilyWealthMatters.com“