Hi Holly,
I’m writing this letter sitting at the kitchen table, we are in the middle of June, and its pouring with rain, so nothing’s changed there. I hope you’re not offended that people don’t call me Holly anymore, it was purely down to alliteration purposes! Mae has more of a ring to it, and its still your name… just the middle one. I’m sure you understand.
So throughout your life, you will see a lot, go through a lot. One being a global pandemic, which is what we are in the midst of right now. It sounds scary, and it is a bit scary but don’t worry, you have a tremendous support system around you. You’re very lucky in that way, which I’m sure you know already. It does mean that it makes your job slightly more difficult though… Hey, guess what. YOU’RE A FLIPPING SINGER. THAT’S YOUR JOB! CAN YOU BELIEVE IT? WE DID IT!!! There’s still a long way to go, but we’re on the way. All that dancing on your aunts coffee table paid off. What didn’t pay off though, was all that second-guessing. Telling yourself that you weren’t good enough, and comparing yourself to every other person. I still do it, so I understand, but there’s really no need.
You are going to come across enough people who will do that for you. People will see your light and try to suppress it. People who will see your kindness and generosity and take advantage of it. It’s odd, you think that adults should just do the right thing, but a lot of the time they don’t. Those playground bullies don’t really go away, they just grow up. Don’t let that scare you though, these people become lessons, which you have to learn, and trust me, I’m happy I learnt them.
Also, when mum and dad tell you to not serve your whole heart on a platter LISTEN. THEY KNOW WHAT THEY’RE TALKING ABOUT. By all means, fall in love, make mistakes, but stop giving people so much power over you. They’re not worth it and they do not deserve you. Ive learnt this now but, having a partner should always just be a bonus. Never the be-all and end-all. I’ve found my independence, my voice, and I don’t let anybody else dictate that for me and it feels so GOOD. I just wished I had learnt that a little earlier. These are all experiences that you’ll put in your music though, so it’s worth it; The music you play in sold-out venues! A few months ago you played to over 1000 people, and they sang every word. Imagine that.
Write that first song. Take that first step. Stop being scared of failure, and worrying about what others think. You are more than enough, I can see that now. Most importantly, hold on to the friends you have around you. They are going to save you countless amounts of stress, and heartache. They’re real ones, don’t let go of them.
Thank you for making me the woman I am today. I couldn’t have done it without you.
Lots of love,
Mae x
