Mistakes

 

I like to play Sudoku among other things. Given a choice of easy to hard I used to choose the hard version, but I discovered I like to win, so I often play an easier version. Then my goal is to win without any errors. I find that there are two kinds of errors. One is where I actually make the wrong assumption and the other is when I carelessly hit the wrong number with my finger.

I used to be okay with the second, thinking, oh well, I know the right answer, so that isn't really a mistake. Only it is a mistake! Carelessness is almost worse than not knowing, because it can be avoided.

No one likes to make mistakes, but I grew up feeling that there was something almost sinful about it. I felt personally liable for such flawed actions. 

After years of living I try to look at mistakes as learning situations. Especially when I am around children, I try to just admit that I made a mistake and do better the next time. 

It still isn't easy for me, but honest mistakes are much easier than careless ones. I try not to be careless. I want to be the kind of person who lives moment to moment, paying attention to the people and situations around me. If I do that I am more understanding and kinder and being kinder makes me happier.