A bright side to mistakes

I’m afraid last week’s column was a negative approach to mistakes. What has happened cannot be undone.

Yet, there is a bright side to mistakes: hindsight. Often we exclaim in anguish, ‘‘if only.’’

I am a slow learner but I have learned mistakes are all part of the big picture and often lead to a positive and constructive ending. I guess it boils down to the fact that as we age our brain power slows down and mistakes happen more easily.

I have decided I need more check points along the way, yet there is a catch to this theory also – I forget the check points.

Maybe the solution is to accept the slowing down process and enjoy each day complete with its ups and downs. One easy solution is to laugh at yourself. It breaks any building tension and helps you forget. One thing always puzzles me. How can I easily forget so much yet the few things I want to forget refuse to budge from my mind.

One of the problems with ageing is thinking we are as nimble in mind and body as when we were much younger. We forget the other qualities we have developed which add joy and lustre to life.

Recently I had a bad day at a gathering where I met a number of people I hadn’t seen for years. I left feeling embarrassed. I had to admit to people I didn’t remember their name, or worse still, I didn’t recognise their face.

Later, the absurdity of my embarrassment made me laugh. A name is important. A face is important. What is not important is admitting you do not remember. It’s comforting to know that most oldies suffer from correspondingly mortifying incidents.

So hold your head high and enjoy being past your prime.