A Letter to Hannah
by


This first appeared in the
North Hills News Record

By the time this column goes to print, you probably will have already burst onto the world scene making me an aunt for the first time. (Being an aunt is even better than being a mom. I'll get to spoil you rotten and then send you home!)

Your parents have asked me to help usher you in and although I'm not quite sure what I'll do in the delivery room, my queasy stomach and I will be there.

It's been a long time since a baby was born in our family and four generations have been eagerly anticipating your arrival. Over the past nine months, I've tried to picture what you'll look like and what your interests will be.

I've thought about some of the things I hope you'll learn. As you grow up, you'll get plenty of advice--some good, some bad and usually more than you care to hear.

Although you're too young to understand any of this now, I wanted to write down some of the things I've learned and hope to share with you before you head out into the world on your own.

1. Any job worth doing is worth doing well.

   Both of my parents--your grandparents, instilled this in me. I learned to persevere when I felt like quitting.

2. If you can't say something nice about someone, don't say anything at all.

   It takes a lot of character to live up to this one but bitter words are extremely destructive. Your grandfather's version of this was, "Watch what you say--you never know who you'll end up working for."

3. The squeaky wheel gets the oil.

   Waiting around for someone to notice you is usually an exercise in futility. Practice shameless self-promotion.

4. Simplify your life and don't spend more than you earn.

   Most problems are tied to money matters. If you're never in debt, you'll have a lot fewer worries.

5. The world doesn't owe you anything.

   You are the only one responsible for your success or failure.

6. Stop and smell the roses.

   Never be too busy or too grown up that you can't laugh and enjoy the wonders of life.

7. Expect the best and you'll usually get it.

   It's amazing how often people meet their own expectations--so aim high.

8. Turn off the television.

   TV and movies are about the biggest waste of time ever invented. Limiting yourself to 2 or 3 hours a week will give you 10 more years to live rather than vegetate.

9. Do what you love.

   If you pursue the things you're passionate about, you'll be successful.

10. Attitude is everything.

    Most people seem to be inherently negative. Be different. Tackle every part of life with enthusiasm.

11. Take risks.

    When you look back on your life, you'll regret the things you didn't do more than the things you did.

12. Rules were meant to be broken.

    Don't be afraid to experiment with the package directions or color outside of the lines.

13. Don't worry about what other people will think.

    Most people aren't thinking about you anyway.

14. Learn what matters.

    If something will effect you 10 years later, then be concerned about it. If it won't, then don't.

15. Question everything.

    I learned this from my mother and although I put this last, it's probably the most important piece of advice. I hope you start with this list.

    Love always,

    Aunt Debbie

    

Copyright © Deborah A. Ayers
All rights reserved.