Recently, I attended Demi’s tour. Since I was about 11 I’ve been worshipping this woman and the reasons have continued to grow as I hit my 20’s. What first caught my attention to Demi was her courage and confidence she portrayed, something I had only ever hoped for in my own life. Later finding out that she too was struggling with something not easy to discuss with the world made me love her more.

If you haven’t, I highly suggest watching her documentary on Youtube. That will give you the full story on Demi’s low points of her life, as well as the highs. But to shorten it for those who don’t know, Demi had become an addict to multiple drugs and alcohol. Struggling to come to terms with her mental illnesses on top of the addiction, she almost lost sight of herself.

Demi Lovato is a woman who, now, shares her story with the world, knowing that others too are struggling the same as she once had. Her courage that as a little girl I once strived for, I now realize that was an act. The woman who I look up to now is not only courageous but strong. She is a fighter unlike any other. While I too have conquered most of my demons, there are days that are much harder than others.

As I lay in bed some days, questioning everything life has been throwing my way, I look to her. Many will say it’s silly to go to someone you have no “real life” connection with. While my mom, amazing family, and friends are awesome on my down days, there are other times where listening to Demi’s music can do the trick.

As a girl who has struggled with her mental illnesses for years, seeing a celebrity talk so openly about them, not only that but seeing a celebrity share her fight with the world, gives you a sense of hope that one day, all of us who struggle can be looked at as normal people. Just normal people with some particularly rougher waters than others.

Demi, while I know there’s a one in a million chance you might see this and read it, I want to thank you. Not just for myself, but all of your fans. The ones you’ve helped without even realizing it. The ones who play your music and scream the lyrics through their tears. The ones who watch your documentary every time they feel ready to give up. The ones who know from your strength that they are not alone. And that even what may seem impossible, is conquerable.

You radiate a confidence to all those who don't see themselves as beautiful. You have shown the world that beauty lies in the comfort of your own skin. Learning to love yourself the way you were created. For that is where the deepest and most pure beauty lies.

Thank you for giving us strength. You are our warrior.