Demi Lovato has packed a lot of life in her 25 years. In that time, she's made a remarkable mark on the world and inspired millions. From service and success to recovery and transparency, Demi has used her story to help so many others keep theirs going, myself included. I think it's a good time for us all to remember the strength and fire she embodies and send some extra love her way.
1. When she spent her 21st birthday in Kenya
A couple of years into her sobriety, Demi decided to spend her 21st birthday away from the inevitable temptations of the landmark age and instead do some good on a trip to Kenya. She spent her time with the Masaii tribe, building homes and helping the mothers of the tribe create rafiki jewelry to sell on her world tour. All of the money went back to the mothers and helped fund a brighter future for the mothers and their families in Kenya.
2. When she told the world about her eating disorder recovery
Following an incident during a show, Demi left her world tour with the Jonas Brothers in 2010 and entered treatment for her bulimia and self-harm. She revealed the most intimate details of her illness two years later in the MTV documentary "Stay Strong." A former Disney star talking so openly about an illness that lives in secret and shame allowed young people to start having an important conversation and inspired many to seek help for their own eating disorders.
3. When she wrote a book of daily meditations
Her book consists of 365 daily quotes and meditations. It's a beautiful book that helps jump start your day with a little bit of mindfulness.
4. When she started a conversation about self-harm
Self-harm is one of those things that we don't talk about despite it affecting a ridiculous number of people, especially young people. Having someone in the public eye open up about the realities of it pulls it a little bit out of the shadows and reminds us we're not alone and it's worth it to ask for help.
5. When she became an advocate for anti-bullying
A lot of the struggles that Demi ended up dealing with later in life stemmed from years of bullying when she was in school. Demi has started and supported a number of movements speaking out against bullying and encouraging victims to speak up and tell someone.
6. When she joined the fight for gender equity
Most obvious by her speech at last year
7. When she spoke honestly about drug and alcohol addiction
8. When she inspired us to get involved with politics
9. When she was undeniably human
10. When she kept going
