Dyslexic man unloads through writing
Writing a book may seem like a strange thing for a dyslexic person to do but for Hamilton based author Steve O’brien it’s been therapeutic.
O’brien, who was born in Tokoroa in the South Waikato in 1960 before leaving in 2009 after his father died, has just released his second book titled Dyslexia Transformed Through Self Empowerment.
It’s written for individuals with dyslexia, like himself, or people who may be finding life challenging, as a way to encourage them to believe in themselves and to never give up.
The reader is encouraged to tap into their potential by applying goals, staying focused, and to think in self empowering ways.
O’brien knows all to well the struggles dyslexia can bring and said writing the book has been an interesting process. ‘‘Life has been very frustrating having dyslexia and I am constantly challenged more than others when I try something new,’’ he said.
‘‘It took me two years to write this book. At first it was depressing to write so I changed the writing format and transcended from negative to positive thinking, reflecting on how I have been an overcomer in the face of adversity so the book accentuates the positive in being dyslexic or a human being.’’
‘‘There are a few reasons I wrote it. I wanted to unload anything from the past that may have been hindering my ability to perform as a better person, to clarify where I have been and what I went through, to know thyself, and I also wanted to help anyone that is struggling, not to give up. There is a way through,’’ he said.
He said the biggest misconception with the condition is that people often think dyslexic people are unintelligent but really they just ‘‘think differently’’.
O’brien said it was essential for dyslexic people to seek resources to help minimise the effects.
‘‘Be enthusiastic about growing, developing, and being all you can be. Go on a campaign to work on the areas of your life that need working on and you will become stronger in these areas,’’ he said.
His first book was published in 2014 titled Fishing Unique Kontiki Ways.
To purchase a copy of Dyslexia Transformed Through Self Empowerment email stephenobrien@live.com.