Spelling Mistakes are Like Serpents

They are shocking hiding in plain sight and you can find them anywhere

Hi readers,

Do you have something that annoys you to the point that you cannot think about anything else unless you resolve it? For me, it is a spelling mistake. For most people, they go unnoticed but I must have a high-powered mistake radar. The darn squiggly line on a Word document sounds like a fire alarm in my brain. Mistakes shift my focus from what I was doing to making sure there are no mistakes. Imagine yourself on a peaceful hike getting exercise, taking in the views and all of a sudden, a snake catches your eye. What happens? Do you continue enjoying your walk or on the lookout for snakes? If you are the person who is on the lookout for snakes, then that's how I feel about spelling mistakes.

My friends and family call me a spelling guru. I am so good at catching spelling mistakes that people tell me that I should be a professional editor. The first mistake that I have ever found and shared with my parents was in a restaurant in Brampton when I was very young. I noticed misspelled words on a menu. I got so excited over it. My parents were proud and we found it funny. After that, I found mistakes on menus, school textbooks, posters and signs in different countries. In grades 9 and 10 years, I was often late to classes because I noticed that some students made mistakes on posters in the hallway. On a few occasions, I even asked my teachers if I could see them outside in the hallway so that I could give them advice on how and where to fix their PowerPoints for the next class. At first, my teachers found it cute but my mom reminded me that I was supposed to be focused on the big picture and not just get stuck on the small things in class. My fascination with spelling mistakes has made my teachers and my family very proud and a little frustrated at times.

It could be hyperfocus or perseveration. I am not sure. All I know is when I get a script at drama, if I am bored for even 10 seconds, I can't wait to go through it to see what I can catch. I know there is a spelling mistake in there somewhere. At that point, the thought of finding spelling mistakes overpowers my brain and I cannot control myself. When I find one, I make a mental note to correct it later.

I see now I can be a hypocrite and I make mistakes too. I am getting better at keeping it to myself but I cannot help but notice spelling mistakes are everywhere. They are the bane of my existence. They are a little bit like snakes to me, but I can find those camouflaged culprits quickly.

What bugs you? Is there something you notice that you feel compelled to correct?