Learning and Growing: My Lovebrain Journey
Cognitive learning has always been an intriguing subject to me. I’d been on a personal development mission last year mainly to better myself and uncover new ways of managing my challenges with dyslexia and ADHD. I had never heard of Lovebrain nor did I fully appreciate how or what this would do for me. The training would completely reconstruct how I learn, recall, and even how I love my life more each day. This is my story of so far - the good, the hard, and the ongoing change.
Trying my Best
For as long as I can remember, my brain and I have had a frustrating relationship. My poor short-term memory made learning and recalling information a constant battle. I consistently had to spend three times as long trying to memorise for exams. Writing was something that I found difficult and it took me so long to write essay, emails, and forms. At school, I had to spend more time on things than my classmates. Immersed in my books, simply trying not to fall behind. Leaving school having failed, all my GSCEs proudly got an F for French. I was left to navigate the challenges of college, work and life on my own, developing coping strategies along the way. To keep up with my colleagues, I had to work twice as hard, often spending late nights studying to prepare for the next day, working as late as 1am in the morning just so I didn't get left behind with all the work I had to do. It shaped my resilience and determination to keep up. I worked on the weekends to learn new things all the time.
Failing to Remember
As a lifelong learner, I’ve tried everything from memory palaces to rote memorisation, but the results never lasted. This was especially frustrating during work presentations—I’d prepare detailed notes but often go blank mid-sentence, what I call a ‘mind fart.’ FYI, I even do this in normal conversations. It was beyond frustrating, and I’d beat myself up, feeling dumb. The pressure of presenting turned my notes into a jumbled mess. I’d stumble over words I knew perfectly well a moment ago, my brain freezing as I scrambled to say something related to the topic.
I got diagnosed with dyslexia a few years ago. I went on this journey of learning and enhancing what my brain needs. Discovering different things along the way such as mediation, relaxation, different ways to learn. I found different ways to help me cope tailored to my dyslexia. It's still a journey, and I haven’t fully figured it out yet, especially with ADHD added to the mix.
After a retreat in 2023, there was a lovely person who recommended I check out Love brain, saying it had completely changed her life, I was intrigued, firstly by the name and then by how would this cognitive learning help me as much as it had helped her? I was curious and cautious after all; the course was a substantial expense, and I had already spent years struggling to improve my memory with only minimal success. So why would this be any different?
The Wait
Even before the training began, I could tell this experience would be unique. The intake process was exceptionally thorough, featuring warm interactions with the team and detailed questionnaires designed to align with my learning style and personal goals—some of which I didn’t fully grasp at first. It was clear this program went far beyond what I could imagine, though I couldn’t yet comprehend what this might be. I was thrilled to join a special cohort (to be revealed later this year). We were a small group of students eager to master these powerful new tools and to share our stories.
The preparation wasn't too bad, detoxing from caffeine and alcohol for two days before the course was easy, as I had done it before. But this time, no caffeine throughout the course. I was wondering how I would keep my brain awake. The course was a roller coaster and jam-packed. It wasn’t just focused on memory techniques or speed reading and all the things mentioned on their website; it delved deep into the roots of our learning habits—exploring childhood experiences, limiting beliefs, and ingrained patterns that shape how we absorb information, how our brain works with us and against us. The journey was raw, eye-opening, tear jerking, rewarding and transformational. This holistic approach not only offered valuable tools for learning, it also provided guidance for living a more authentic and fulfilling life.
The Rollercoaster
That deep cognitive depth, however, opened a floodgate of emotions for me. Memories from school—my struggles with times tables, the harsh punishment from teachers, and the emotional cost of feeling “less than” my classmates—all came rushing back. It was painful to revisit these moments, but I knew it was necessary to break through the barriers they’d created in my mind.
The initial exercises were challenging. Processing my past while learning new techniques felt confusing, trying to keep up pace with some exercises and finding I wasn't getting it. But I knew this is part of the process of learning and, with practice, it will get better.
Writing in my gratitude journal at night, reflecting on my day, filled me with a mix of resistance and revelation. There were moments I doubted whether I could think of anything to be grateful for during that week, having unearthed so much suppressed memories. I remember struggling to write over three things, and not just I am glad for things I repeat over and over like the roof over my head, the bed I slept on, but other simple things that I took for granted. I was shattered emotionally through the week, as there was so much to process. Puffy eyes and IBS flaring up my body and mind were going through a process. I stuck with the gratitude journal during the training week. Finding things to write in the book when you have been stuck in a room for a week was hard. I had to dig deep to reach and find other things to be grateful for. Deep down, I knew change was going to start to happen.
Day Zero
After the first few days of the course, something started to shift within me. Instead of feeling burdened by the emotional work, I started feeling a little lighter. My past no longer felt like an enormous weight holding me down but something to acknowledge and understand how this shaping my thoughts and behaviours. Since the four days of training my sleep has massively improved. I started remembering my dreams which I had not done for a long time. I used to have the best vivid dreams and that stopped the past couple of years.
The tools and techniques we learned, such as speed reading and memory mapping, were unexpectedly effective—though perhaps the real surprise was discovering just how much I was capable of.
The anchoring techniques helped me stay focused during presentations, and mind mapping gave me a creative outlet to organise my thoughts visually and I began to be more creative.
It wasn’t just about improving my skills—it was about reshaping the way I think and act. Slowly, a sense of clarity appeared to surface, although still feeling lost as I was still having to do the work after the 4 days. We start at day 0 as our new journey is just beginning.
The Toolkit
Months after the course ended, I can confidently say the training was worth every bit of effort, emotion, and investment. The tools I learned have become a part of my daily life. I write in my gratitude journal every night, which has shifted my mindset dramatically. The buzz and churn in my brain that once kept me awake at night have calmed significantly, allowing me to reclaim restful sleep. Even on the rare occasions when I experience a brain buzz, I can quickly anchor myself, refocus, and drift back to sleep. This ability has been allowing me to achieve deep, quality rest.
Within myself, I feel more positive and content. I have found reading books a different experience. Trying to practice all the tools all the time is hard to do, so instead I am focusing on a few things. Before bed practising my the visualisation techniques to recall information, practising speed reading drills, catching up on the resources post course to deep dive into more applications for the tools.
I have been using the techniques to help with public speaking, something I dreaded a lot!. Now I actively seeking the opportunities to speak more. When I am networking, I’ve started remembering names more easily, and now, whenever I see someone, lively and creative images pop into my mind, (Though this probably won’t make much sense if you haven’t done the training!)) I'm not super fast at anything yet but I am faster than I was before the course. I feel calmer and focused, and in control. Not only has this experience affected me professionally, but it has also deepened personal connections. I feel more grounded and present in my relationships—with my husband, my parents, and friends.
To be continued...
If you’ve made it this far, you probably already know how much Lovebrain training means to me. As I reflect on the past few weeks—it is exactly day 85 of my gratitude journal. I realise how much I was missing before discovering Lovebrain.
These techniques are more than just training—they’re a lifelong toolkit for personal growth and success. Practicing the Lovebrain tools has been an incredibly rewarding journey, and one of the greatest joys has been sharing my experience with others. I truly believe these techniques have the power to transform lives, empowering individuals to achieve success in their own unique ways. I can think of so many people who would benefit from this transformative experience, and I’m deeply grateful for the chance to share my insights along the way. I am looking forward to hearing more stories from our community about all the wonderful things they are working on.
A huge thank you to the amazing Lovebrain team for all the incredible work you do behind the scenes. You keep us connected through this wonderful community, helping us grow and learn together.
Special thanks to Yousuf Aslam and Francesca Dal Corso for sharing your invaluable wisdom and guidance. May your work continue change lives worldwide.
Finally, thank you to all my fellow Lovebrain students for being part of this journey. Your support, encouragement, and shared experiences have meant so much. I’m grateful for how much we’re all growing and changing together.