Oops All Over Again

The older we become, the more we can identify the mistakes we make and how the frequencies of those errors multiply.  As these miscues happen, we start to worry about what is happening and why. We really should not be disturbed, and I would like to explain why.

As we age, more and more information, activities, incidents, and other actions are stored in our brains. The more we learn and grow, the more time we spend remembering.  We are computing in our minds, working on problems, and everything else that we are doing during our day. Amazingly, we do not make more mistakes.

I do need to tell you that it is not a problem, even if you walk into the wrong room or open the wrong door on the refrigerator/freezer. You recognized the problem and then corrected the error.  If you can identify a mistake and make a proper adjustment to do what you wanted, you are doing ok.

If you open up the refrigerator instead of the freezer, looking for the ice cream, and ransacking the shelves looking for it, you may have a momentary lapse. If you then storm off blaming everyone else for eating the ice cream and throwing the carton away without getting more, you are having a real senior moment.  And if you go into the Laundry room and find the drier in a new corner all wired up and working, you may be having a disassociative moment.  These things will typically pass.  The trick in these cases is to stay calm.

A good night’s sleep helps with memory turmoil. Eating right and getting out for a little fresh air and exercise is also on the hit list for helping out.  Many people use 3 large breaths to calm the situation.  I think that taking 10 minutes of meditation somewhere during the day helps to clear the mind and get back towards normal.

None of this is a medical diagnosis nor a cure-all.  If problems are a concern or persistent, mention them at your next doctor’s visit.  And please remember, if you try something new, starting in small trials and seeing how it affects you is always best.

Thank you for being with me today.  I hope to be with you again tomorrow.

Author: Mike Balof

A retired Air Force Master Sergeant, Mike used to lay in bed at night and worry about what would happen if his plant closed or found himself without a job. One day his plant closed. Rather than panic and hysteria (OK, maybe a little) Mike found himself carried away on the adventure of his life. Mike started with the best job he ever had working at Home Depot. He spent 8 years working with job seekers at a local workforce center, helping them to find employment. He then started his own company developing courses, writing books and urging others to follow their own paths into the future. Mike holds a Master of Arts in Adult Education and Training and a Bachelor of Business Management, earned through the University of Phoenix and an AAS degree in Electronics Systems Technology from the Community College of the Air Force. Mike is a member of the Delta Mu Delta Business Honor Society. View all posts by Mike Balof