Singer, songwriter, actress, author, and philanthropist, Demi Lovato, just added a new title to her already phenomenal resume; a drop-dead inspiration.
The 25-year-old just released a full-length bio-documentary entitled, "Simply Complicated," on her YouTube channel. Viewers from all over the world can watch at any place and time with just the simple click of the play button. The 80-minute production focuses on the real raw, heavy, and almost life-threatening moments of the celeb's early career in the entertainment industry.
However, with the hardships came a triumph and success story, and Demi makes absolute sure to discuss that aspect of her present-day life with viewers in order to help others who may be suffering from depression, substance abuse, body dysmorphia, and overall low self-esteem.
Because the songstress was able to overcome an unthinkable accumulation of dangerous challenges, here's a few takeaways I took note of while analyzing Demi's life and strength throughout the film:
1. Never think that recovery isn't possible.
For a while, Demi refused and ignored seeking the help that was so easily at her disposal, but being in such a dark place mentally will definitely do that to you. No matter how deep your "rock bottom" is, it's important to believe that if you want to get better and change your life around, it can happen. That initial push just has to come from within you.
2. Surround yourself with individuals who will only better you.
Demi goes into detail about how her substance abuse and dangerous behavior first began when befriending the wrong people in school. When asked how to become "cool," this "friend" conveyed to Demi that getting involved in drugs and alcohol will definitely have you perceived in that way. However, Demi eventually began to realize that that was not the kind of lifestyle she should have delved into. As her recovery process began, one of those aspects was weaving out any individuals who could have negative influences on her, potential lovers included.
3. Understand when a friend is just trying to be a friend.
Demi provides details about the moment a backup dancer and friend conveyed to both her manager and father that she was getting too involved in drugs and alcohol, and that her behavior was becoming affected by it all as well. Demi didn't understand it at the time, but this friend was just sincerely considered for her wellbeing and was only trying to help. It's important to realize that amongst our friends and steer away from becoming angered with them at first.
4. Realize that you may have setbacks throughout your recovery.
Though this could be different for everyone, Demi explained that just one 30 day stint in rehab did not just miraculously cure her. There were days where she relapsed and decided to use or purge herself again. It's important to know that after you accept recovery, you also need to understand that it is a process that is going to take time and dedication.
5. Don't be afraid to be vulnerable and emotional.
Often allowing ourselves to speak our minds, explain our fears, and say what's hurting us is a cleansing in and of itself. It's a type of therapy that prevents us from keeping things bottled up inside. For Demi, she puts that emotion into her music nowadays, but stresses to anyone else going through something similar, to put it towards anything they enjoy doing or want to learn. Demi once had severe anger issues and kept a lot of dark reservations to herself, but she finally feels that being vulnerable is way more beneficial for your sanity.
6. Be sure to live life.
As Demi approaches her fifth year sober, she believes she's now become more successful in her career than ever before. She looks back on her troubled teen years and realizes that a life worth living is one that brings about positivity, happiness, is memory-filled, influential, and loving. She travels, she spends time with friends and family, and she's become fully enthralled in her work with the management team that's been by her side through it all. She surely believes that accepting recovery has allowed her to start living again, and you should too.
