by Hermes Roberts

Created on: September 12, 2008

We make mistakes because we are human. You have heard the adage: To err is human. But there are circumstances that cause people to make some mistakes. It could be inexperience, lacking concentration, stress or age. The encyclopedia states that a mistake is an error or fault in action, judgment, perception or understanding. The action is not done intentionally.

We need to gain experience in everything that we do, from baking a cake to driving a car. You may put too much baking soda in a few cakes before you get it just right. You need to have someone driving with you for some months before you receive a licence. In each of these cases, you are going to make mistakes along the way because of inexperience. We can learn by our mistakes.

When our minds are not on what we are doing, we tend to make mistakes and sometimes fatal ones. Factory workers lose limbs when using sharp machinery if they are tired or lack concentration. A mother gets distracted for a minute and a toddler wanders into the street and is killed. A drunk driver whose faculties are impaired, kills a pedestrian. A student in the classroom starts thinking about dinner, and so could not answer the teacher's question. Lack of concentration causes a multitude of accidents every day.

We live in a stress-filled world. There are stressful situations at home, school and work. Trying to cope or solve these difficulties make us forgetful and produce more awkward situations. A single mother can relate to such problems. At times it seems as if nothing is going right.

We cannot turn back the time clock. It goes marching on and takes us along with it. Along with the gray hair and thickening figure, come 'forgetting'. Older people makes mistakes because of this condition. Listening to the radio can help them know the correct day of the week. Labeled pill boxes could help them take their medications correctly. Remembering the names of family and friends could be a dilemma. A gentle reminder could ease stress and embarrassment.

There are ways that people can lessen their chances to make mistakes. Concentrate on the business at hand. Try to discipline your mind and your thoughts. Get enough sleep when you have to go to work. You would be more productive. When you are driving, be alert and follow the traffic laws. Heed warnings along the highway.... slippery road; sharp bends; height of overpasses. Do not drink and drive. Pay attention to changes in your body and seek medical attention. Eat healthy foods and in a sensible way.

Good luck in not making too many mistakes. After all we are only human.

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