Demi Lovato is one of the most iconic musicians of our time. She has been acting since she was a young child. Then moving into Disney Channel and now is an incredible singer/songwriter. But for being just 23 years old, Demi has dealt with a lot. She took a hiatus from acting in 2010 and checked into rehab for the battles she'd been dealing. At the time she was only 18. She broke away from Disney Channel after that and focused primarily on her music.
As someone who has dealt with my own share of battles in life, I look to Demi Lovato as an idol/mentor. She overcame some tough battles, as have I, and listening to her music and reading her story, she has inspired me in many different ways. I have learned a lot from just listening to her music, here are a few life lessons Demi Lovato taught me:
1. Everyone is beautiful in their own way.
This is something I have always struggled with: Self image. I never saw myself as beautiful. I thought due to my battles in life, that it made me ugly in a sense. Reading Demi's story and listening to her music shows that strength is so beautiful, and the scars you've had along the way are what make you/shape you into the person you are today.
2. You must learn to love yourself before you love someone else.
Loving yourself is so important. You cannot love anyone else until you love yourself. It took me 8 years to accept that; it was so hard to do. I still struggle some days, but accepting who you are and loving yourself is so important for every young girl to do.
3. You're human. You are not perfect.
The media makes it so hard for us to be imperfect. You're supposed to be perfect and never have a bad day. That's not true. We all have bad days and it's okay. Life's little imperfections are a reminder to us to just breathe. Take a step back and remember who you are.
4. Don't be afraid to change your look. It's okay to express yourself.
Demi has an evolution of hairstyles that definitely show off her colorful personality. She changes it every year and personally, I love it. She keeps her look fresh and on point. It's hard to choose a favorite style that Demi has done. But in all the changes I believe it's saying never be afraid what people think. Change your style to what you want.
5. Haters gonna hate.
Haters are always gonna be there trying to drag you down. But it's up to you to say "f*ck you" and move on. Don't let them drag you through the mud. Be motivated to become stronger than ever.
6. Strength is everything.
I've dealt with depression and anxiety for about 8 years now. One thing I've had to learn is strength, to stand up on my own. Demi Lovato is an example of amazing strength and that you can overcome anything that life throws at you.
7. Having a support system is important in life.
Support systems are essential in life. Between my mother and my pastor, they have been the best support in the world; they're my saving grace. Demi's was her fans, which to me is beautiful. They saved her and that's the most amazing thing in the world.
8. Your past does not define who you are as a person.
So many people believe that if you've gone through a rough patch in life, that that is what defines you for the rest of your life. Well I'm here to say it doesn't. Everyone has a rough patch in life but you learn from it, you grow from it, and you become a better person because of it. Your past is just a chapter in the book of life.
9. There's never a wrong time to dance.
I've personally never seen Demi live (it's on my bucket list) but anytime I have seen gifs or clips from concerts, she's always dancing. Dance it out. Happy? Dance. Upset? Dance. Dancing it out is honestly the cure for anything. And to be honest there is never a wrong time to dance.
10. Sassy hair flips are a way of life.
Demi is the queen of sassy hair flips. Personally, I think she wears extensions to make her hair more sassy when she goes to flip it. One thing you cannot live without is a hair flip; whether it's the wind playing with it or you are just being a bit sassy, there's never a wrong time to flip your hair.
11. Never be afraid to have fun.
If you're like myself (or Demi for that matter) having fun is an essential part of life, especially when you work long hours. Make work fun. Enjoy yourself because that's truly the only way to get through it.
12. Laughter is the best medicine.
Laughter is life's best medicine. Whatever life throws at you just laugh at it. Besides, life is better when you're laughing.
13. Music is a life saver.
It's no surprise that music is a lifesaver. It has helped so many people become stronger within themselves than anything else. It helps heal the soul. But, Demi's music is so powerful. Each song has a story, gives a message of hope that you will be okay.
14. Stay Strong.
Through all the hard times in life, remember to stay strong through it all. Demi is such a wonderful example of strength. Never ever, ever give up.
Demi Lovato is one of the most iconic musicians of this era. Her music is empowering and healing. But, through the tough times, Demi proves her strength and though some days are harder than others, she shows everyone, especially young teenage girls that you can survive this battle that you're fighting. You are a warrior.
If you or someone you know is self harming call the national suicide hotline today at
1-800-273-8255 (24/7) Press 1 for Veterans line. They are available 24/7.
