Last Episode – Can’t Read, Can’t Write Channel 4

August 6, 2008 · Filed Under Can't Read Can't Write, Channel 4, Dyslexia, Go Play in the Sand, Phil Beadle · Comment 

Did you see me on the tele? If not you can see it on the Channel 4 website. I had no idea how they were going to portray me and what Phil was going to say but I think they did a pretty fair job. When you agree to go on these programmes you never really know how the final programme will be edited, but I was happy with what came out. Phil is a decent bloke and he realised that he wouldn’t be able to help me long term. My dyslexia is too acute really but he is convinced that I would be able to read if I had consistent one to one tuition – something which doesn’t really fit into my life.Miffed Mowser as seen on Channel 4\'s Can\'t Read, Can\'t Write

Not only that, but I don’t think people realise the sheer amount of mental effort that I have to put in to sound out even the most simple of sounds. My phonetic ability is just so poor. I concentrate so hard that I sweat and my head literally starts to throb. On the programme I am not sure that really came across.

I also felt that it showed me in a bit of a negative light that I didn’t try very hard (hence I got a B!!), but I can tell you, I was giving it everything I had – I wanted so much to learn to read just like Teresa and the others. Poor old Jim, my mate, felt the same.

One thing – did you see the bit with me looking out on the garden in a whistful manner? DID YOU SEE MY CAT? Mowser was sitting on the table sporting a rather nifty collar and looking pretty miffed about the whole thing.

In case you missed it, here she is!

Anyway, now that is over with I can concentrate on all the good things in my life which I can be grateful for – and I have many. My book is selling really well since being published on Monday. I really hope it inspires people to make the most of every day and go for their goals and dreams. I am. Many people concentrate on what they haven’t got, instead of what they have got. I was like that. I was so bitter that I couldn’t read and write. I am not like that anymore. I have Jill to help with my reading and writing as well as my software so I just adapt and get round things. It is just a different way of thinking. Winston Churchill was dyslexic. He wrote loads of books – he just dictated them to his version of Jill! Easy when you think that way.

I have found out recently that everything in our lives happens because of the way we think. I now make sure I only have positive goal related thoughts and I act the same way and guess what – I am drawing to me all things that are good. Want to know what I am talking about? Then treat yourself to a book called The Secret. Then you will find out. I bought the CD set – only £9.99. It changed my whole way of thinking and I now truly believe that nothing is beyond my capabilities (although becoming a ballerina may be!!).

My book explains how I came to this realisation. Amazing!

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Our First Post

May 29, 2008 · Filed Under Ben Cohen, Jill Tipping · Comment 

John and Jill TippingHello everyone – this blog is going to be a bit of a joint effort between me (John) and my wife Jill who tends to be my reading and writing companion, amongst other things!

I am described as ‘profoundly dyslexic’ which is better than what I used to be described as which was thick and stupid! I am writing this blog (with Jill’s help) for two reasons – firstly to prove it to myself and others that I am not stupid, just different, and also I would love to think that my mad ramblings might be able to help others make something of themselves in this world. I am now 42 but up until I was 37, I just existed, although I didn’t realise it at the time. I spent most of my time depressed but I just thought that was how youwere supposed to feel. I was only confortable being a victim of society which just seemed to be full of words, words, words – my greatest enemy.

Then after some help from a few people that cared and understood me, I started to realise what life is all about and began to ‘live’. When you are dyslexic, every day is a massive challenge. If you can read and write you cannot possibly know the feeling of panic that can set in when you suddenly reaslise that you have to read something or simply fill in your address. The irony of it is that that feeling of panic can cause your mind to completely blank out which doesn’t help does it.

BUT, I now know that I just have to find ways around the problems as they arise, which they do all day, especially in my businesses – from road signs to parking meters, lunch menus to instruction leafleats, I have to try to read all day every day and that can be quite scary – especially when you don’t want to come across as a prat! I find the best way is to be totally honest with people – they normally help if they understand your problems.

I use software on my computer to help me send emails and research the interenet. It speaks to me and I can write by speaking into it. That is quite tricky though becasue I am not really sure what a sentence is shaped like, if you see what I mean, so I often end up asking Jill. It takes me ages to do things but at least I don’t have to constantly rely on Jill as this can be really irritating for her – especialy if she is in the middle of something.

I am feeling pretty knackered today. I have had only about 3 hours sleep. Last night we were up at TheA really lovely guy! He may be small but I wouldn\'t take him on. Dorchester at The Great British Boxing Legends. We met Henry Cooper, Barry McGuigan, Ricky Hatton and Frank Bruno. Jill works with rugby player Ben Cohen and it was part of his testimonial events. I drove up and back with Jill and Trish in the back of the car like I was the chaufeur – they were all glammed up and it was a great evening but I still had to get up this morning and make phone calls, put some signs up, clear out my van, do some estimates for my window film business and really I just wanted to crash out on the sofa. The old John would have done just that, but now I push myself forward the whole time and it feels great to achieve and make things happen whereas before I was just a quitter.

(Right – Jill and Frank Bruno and Ben Cohen’s testimonial event – Dorchester, Park lane)

I am just about to start helping out the researchers who are looking into Dyslexia. Should be interesting! This will be in a few weeks time so as I have never really been assessed officially it will be good to find out what exactly is going on in my slightly bizarre brain. Meanwhile, I will keep updating my blog (with Jill’s help). Leave me your comments and experiences – it would be good to know how other people cope.

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