Amy MacDonald My 10 rules to live by

Scots singer Amy Macdonald has had a huge year. She performed in front of a global audience of more than one billion at the Opening Ceremony of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Then she took to the stage with an all-star cast at the gala concert to kick-off the Ryder Cup. Here, she lets us in to her ten guidelines for living…

1. Try to exercise every day

It makes me feel much better and clearer. A brisk walk daily, in rain, hail or shine is brilliant. I have a dog, Arnie, and he loves being outside. It makes me happy just watching him run around with his tongue hanging out.

I absolutely love dogs. My sister and I desperately wanted one when we were kids and I remember coming into the living room on Christmas morning 1991 and seeing a little face peeking over the side of a cardboard box. He was a miniature schnauzer pup and we named him Jackson after our favourite singer.

2. Never bottle up your feelings

I’ve learned from doing this job that if you don’t tell people exactly how you feel you can get pushed down a road you don’t want to be on. And don’t sit on the fence. I hate it when people go through life without having an opinion on anything. If you passionately believe, speak out. But don’t ever get upset by what Twitter says. Social media is a great tool but it attracts a lot of idiots. I’ve had my fair share of abuse from folk and I’ve learned not to dwell on it.

3. Music is at the heart of everything

From the earliest days I remember dancing in my bedroom to The Beach Boys. Their Greatest Hits was the first album I owned and it was a present from my nana. The first album I bought for myself was The Man Who by Travis. I recall hearing Why Does It Always Rain On Me? on the radio and I just wanted to hear more. That album inspired me to play guitar.

And my first concert was in 1992. It was Michael Jackson at Wembley stadium. My mum had managed to get tickets. I don’t remember that much but my sister and I both got T-shirts and its only now 20-odd years later that it finally fits me!

4. Spend as much time as possible with people who make you laugh

I am so lucky that I have so many amazing people in my life. I have great friends and family and I also get to tour with some of the most fantastic people. I feel very lucky and I definitely seem to laugh every single day.

But don’t be afraid to cry either. I’m a very emotional person. I used to think it was bad and bottled it up but now I really appreciate how much better you feel by just letting it all out. I cry a few times a week.

5. It’s nice to be nice

I treat every single person I meet with respect. I hear so many stories of artists who treat people like rubbish and it doesn’t sit well with me at all. I don’t see myself as any different to anyone else.

6. You can’t take it with you!

I like to splurge out. I am sensible and save for the future, but you only live once. I love nothing more than treating those closest to me. I know they would do the same thing if they were in my position. And there’s no better way to splash out than on my love of cars. It’s one of my biggest passions and one of my favourite TV shows is Top Gear. It was incredible when I was invited on to take the “reasonably priced car” round the track.

It’s a memory I will have for ever. I was the quickest female they have ever had and only 0.02 seconds behind Tom Cruise. I was quicker than him during the day but only during the practice laps so it didn’t count!

There’s always next time.

7. Learn as you go

My first shot at fame was taking part in my school talent show. I played guitar and sang a song by Dido. I won in front of the whole school and it was a real adrenalin buzz. I started to perform outside of school when I was around 15. I’d go down to a bar the Brunswick Cellars in Sauchiehall Street on a Saturday afternoon and take part in the open mic. I met my managers, Pete and Sarah, when I was 17. I’d spend weekends at their house in Surrey and we’d record my songs and turn them into polished demos. When I first signed a contract I was only 18 and I did feel overwhelmed. Luckily I learned the best thing is to be honest.

8. Love life’s surprises

Recognition still surprises me. It’s so strange to become known and to see that what you’ve been doing is actually out there in public. I released my first album in 2007 when I was 19. I remember going into a supermarket and seeing my CD on the shelf it was the strangest feeling.

My first No 1. was in The Netherlands. My single This Is The Life had started to get airplay across Europe and the Netherlands was where it began. I was playing a festival called Pinkpop and the song was having such great success that they had to open up the sides of the tent I was performing in as there were so many people waiting outside. It was then, and still is, amazing.

9. What’s for you won’t pass you by

My nana always used to live by this motto. And I think she was right. I try not to get too disheartened if something doesn’t turn out exactly how I wanted it to.

10. There’s nothing as precious as memories

My career has given me so many fantastic memories. One of my best was singing Flower of Scotland before the national team played Spain at Hampden Park. The atmosphere was incredible. I was so nervous but managed to pull through.

That night inspired the track Pride on my third album. That night is now the most watched performance of Flower of Scotland of all time on YouTube. I’m very proud of that.