Jan 31, 2020
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Letter #60 -
Dear Tori,
You are amazing. I can't even find the words for how much you've influenced my life. Because of you, I'm sure of what makes me happy: singing through musical entity! You've influenced me to pick up the guitar and write my own songs with my own lyrics, reflecting the struggles of my own life. I guess what I'm trying to say is...Thank you! If it weren't for you, I'd probably still be in the depressive slump that I fell into entering high school.
To be specific, your lyrics have had a huge impact on my life. I remember hearing Confetti for the first time. It was a spontaneous wake up call for me to stop sitting around and moping about how my life was falling apart. "I'm not waiting to be happy" made me realize that life is too short to wait around for a better day. Since then, I've made the most of my life; I started smiling more often, laughing more frequently, and being more thankful of what I do have (rather than complain over what I didn't have). Another song that keeps me going is "Daydream". I know the lyrics are of you speaking to your younger self, but honestly; I feel as if you're speaking directly to me. At one point in life, I tried to be mainstream and did whatever was popular just so I could get noticed. I didn't really know who I was back then, and it was hard trying to figure it out along the way. Tori: you've brought me to the happiness I indulge today and the celestial glow I acquire in which I have learned to manifest throughout my daily activities. Without discovering you and your music, the light I continue to convey in this dark world would just be a spark trying to become ignited. My smile would not be bona fide, but staged. And I'm immensely grateful for that.
Lastly, I went to your show at the House of Blues, Downtown Disney, Anaheim, CA. It took a lot of blood, sweat, and tears to get there but OMG, I cried so hard that day (10.29.13). Seeing you up on stage just doing what you love made me realize something: When I grow up, I don't want to be stuck in some career that I hate even if I make a bunch of money. I want to do what I LOVE which is singing and creating my own music to showcase around the world in hopes that one day I could help a little "Tiyi" (that's my name) who really needs a push towards happiness. You've inspired me to love myself; I am beautiful; I am loved. With that being said, I did a quick cover of "Dear No One" yesterday (link provided) to express my gratitude towards you and what has come up of me today. I still have a vast amount of growing to do, but you have shaped my heart and mind into the right direction. I love you Tori!
Happiness is something I've been striving to have for 15 years. Because of you, I finally obtained it. May God bless you, Victoria (Tori) Loren Kelly.
Thanks for everything,
Tiyi Christopher
P.S. Thank you @TeamToriKelly for making this letter submission possible!
Letter #60: Know Your Worth
Dear Ohio,
I'm fed up.
I refuse to share my music with people who do not appreciate it anymore. Last night, I had a show. While I was waiting for my opportunity to share my gift with the crowd, something dawned on me.
This is not my crowd.
There was a headlining artist there, so naturally, I wanted to perform before they did (because the crowd leaves after the headliner). I was one of the first artists there and I talked to the promoter about what time I was going to perform. It was my intention to perform in the middle of the night, that's when the audience is attentive and energized.....and full. (LOL)
Two hours pass...
And I still haven't performed. The headliner has already done their set. I'm doing my best to maintain a posture of gratefulness instead of anger. Things could be a lot worse. I could be homeless again. But here I am going second to last and I'm the best performer.
That makes NO SENSE.
I'm not even mad at the promoter. They're good people. I actually really appreciate the work that they do, but I realized that they don't know how special I am. As Matthew 7:6 says "don't throw your pearls to swine." I have been performing at clubs up and down LA and I have been feeling run down and I FINALLY figured out why!
They don't know my worth because I didn't realize mine.
People treat you better when they appreciate and understand the work that you do. When people know you're the best at what you do, they treat you as such. While I have a lot of room for growth, I still know that I am very good at what I do. Now, I will only put myself in front of crowds and promoters who truly get me and what I'm about. (I know that God may have me in front of unfavorable crowds at times, but I know that He needs someone to hear the truth.)
Only go where you're celebrated!
You may have to shed some family and friends, but your life will be better off! The road to higher self esteem is getting rid of the people who do not edify you! Run from people who kill your vibe, who steal your dreams because there's aren't working, who hate to see others succeed. Leave that situation, that man, that woman, that school, that job, that house, that city, that state, that country, NOW!
You are worth more than they are trying to give you. So
SO.MUCH.MORE.
I hope you live before you die,
Antoine J. Edmonson