Your body has been tested and stretched beyond limits you never knew were possible. Strength is not masculine. It is not a battle of who can last the longest. It is the way you carry yourself and the emotional support you hold. Strength is our story and it is the way we tell it without using our words. We as women are persuaded to believe that our beauty is characterized by the color of our hair and the shapes of our bodies, but it is not. Beauty is more than appearance, it’s about loving ourselves the way we are and these three women are living proof.
Selena Gomez
She is our favorite wizard who starred in Disney’s "Wizards of Waverly Place" and today is known for her killer confidence, but what brought her here caused a whole lot of heart ache. Back in 2010 of December, Selena and heart throb Justin Bieber became more than just friends and in November of 2012 began the on again off again roller coaster. In 2014, Selena released her single Heart Wants What It Wants, telling the story of her and Justin’s on again, off again relationship and winning Nominations for Teen Choice Award for Choice Break-Up Song and an Award for Radio Disney’s Best Breakup Song. After a long haul of heart ache and tears, Selena came through even stronger and feeling better about herself than ever before. Today she is seen as that independent beauty who slays in her new music video "Can’t Keep My Hands to Myself". However, once her new album, Revival, was released Selena began to experience a lot of body shaming because of her choice of a more natural cover. “It’s not even about my weight,” states Selena, “I’m not going to let them get to me. I can do what I want. I’m not doing that all the time. It’s beautiful”. You are all probably thinking, how could someone say this to someone as beautiful as her? Well, the real question is, why would anybody do it? But in reality, it’s these types of things that continue to make us stronger.
Bethany Townsend
You might have spotted her on Instagram knowing her as the model who has two colostomy bags. If you haven’t, let me introduce you to Bethany! Bethany is 23 years old and is diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, an irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) that effects your throat down to the end of your large intestine. In 2010, Bethany was fitted for two colostomy bags and has had to undergo stem cell transplant when she contracted MRSA and almost died. Today her Crohn’s is still active and she is dealing with the option of possibly having a bowel transplant. Her confidence to become a model shows those who are diagnosed with IBS or have a bag, that you don’t have to hide away.
Demi Lovato
Back in 2010, Demi was treated for self harm and a severe eating disorder. Around 2011, Demi was then diagnosed with bipolar disorder and not too long after got the tattoos of the words “Stay Strong” on her wrists. The tattoos help remind her to stay optimistic and to keep on fighting. On November 12 of 2014, Demi took a stand to speak up against those who believed that you can choose whether or not to have an eating disorder. “Having an eating disorder doesn't show ‘strength’,” states Demi in a tweet on Nov. 12 of 2014, “Strength is when are able to overcome your demons after being sick and tired for so long”. Today Demi stands as an idol for those suffering with depression and anorexia and/or bulimia. No matter how lost you feel, you can always find your way back.
