Welcome to the World

Arcata, California
I started this trip with a baby changing table in Trudel’s belly, and the baby to whom it belonged sat growing in my friend Jen’s belly. So it’s only fitting that as I started my descent down the West Coast back into California, little baby Ayden started a descent of his own. Around 9:30 pm Sunday night, Ayden Hess Serviss was born. Welcome to the world! Here are a few pointers to help you figure things out:

-You should try and play at least a little every day.

-It’s not always enough to be right; you need to know why you’re right.

-Most people are really nice, but the few mean ones have such overwhelming personalities that it seems like their numbers are stronger. It’s this illusion that gives them their power.

.-It’s all right to be scared, it’s all right to be wrong, it’s all right to be bad at something, and it’s all right to fail.

-Try to be good at a lot of things and great at least one thing.

-It’s okay to ask as many questions as you want, just make sure you listen to the answers.

-Speaking of listening, make sure to pay attention when someone tells you their name, and when they do, repeat it to yourself silently three times.

-Not everyone is going to like you. You’ll have a much better life if you focus your attention on the ones who do, not the ones who don’t.

-Read everything you can get your hands on – newspapers, books, menus, road signs, cereal boxes, magazines – everything.

-Except for directions. Don’t read those. Try to figure it out for yourself first. If you can’t, the directions will always be there.

-Intent is just as important as action. Often it’s even more important.

-Dogs are better than cats, despite what your mom will try to tell you.

-If you want to do something permanent to your body, think about it for at least a year.

-The longer you want something, the more you’ll appreciate it when you finally get it.

-A sign may say “Restroom is for customers only,” but if you go in and start to do your business, it’s not like they’re going to kick you out in the middle.

-Natural ability will only get you so far.

-Treat everybody as if they’ve already earned your respect until they do something to lose it.

There are many more secrets to living a happy, successful life, and as I figure them out I’ll let you know. I’m sure once you can talk you’ll have a tip or two for me.