Anyone that knows me really well knows that Demi is my girl. I have been a passionate aficionado of this quirky yet badass chica since her "Camp Rock" days. I bought her first album, "Sonny With a Chance" remains my favorite Disney Channel TV show, and I stuck by her side when she went through rehab. I've been here to watch her grow into the inspirationally mature woman that she is today. Her voice and her passion have grown over the past years as her life has progressed and it's been amazing to watch these transformations and try to be as supportive as a random fan can be. Truth is, she's helped me in more ways than one, through the music she writes for her fans and how she has stood for the general concept of self-love. These are the lessons that she has taught me through her music:

1. Skyscraper

Obviously this has to be the song I start with. "Skyscraper" was the song that Demi first released after she got out of rehab. For her, this song was about overcoming the bullies she faced while she was in grade school. For me, it's a song to remember that other people's opinions don't matter and that I am capable of overcoming the obstacles that are the hardest for me to face. "Go on a try to tear me down. I will be rising from the ground like a skyscraper...Go run,run, run, I'm gonna stay right here, watch you disappear."

2. Every Time You Lie

This song is off her album "Here We Go Again." I love this song, because it shows that you don't need a guy/girl in order to make you happy. It teaches you to value yourself and when someone tries to say that you're not good enough for him/her, you should probably laugh at how they don't see your worth. Odds are they aren't good enough for you. "I woke up the next morning with a smile on my face and a long list of gentlemen happy to take your place. Less trashier, much classier than who you prove to be. How long's it gonna take before you see that she's no me? I knew better than to let you break my heart. This soul you'll never see again won't be showing scars." *snaps* Demi *snaps*

3. In Case

This song doesn't outwardly state a specific message in black and white lyrics, but it makes you think. "Strong enough to leave you, but weak enough to need you. Cared enough to let you walk away." This song sets up a situation that everyone needs for when they know they should be moving on. There's that feeling of never wanting to let go, but needing to understand that it's not what's best for you anymore. Being your own person for awhile is okay.

4. Gift of a Friend

This is a song off of "Here We Go Again" as well. This was one the first songs that really hooked me on her music when she was coming off of "Camp Rock." I really love that she has a song about friendship, not just love like a lot of artists do. This song was also featured on the soundtrack for Tinkerbell and The Lost Treasure, and who doesn't love Tink? This song is great for remembering that you're not facing life alone. When times are really hard and it seems like you're alone, you're not. It reminds me to be grateful for the friends I have and the support system they provide when I need help. "Someone who knows when you're lost and you're scared. There through the highs and the lows. Someone to count on, someone who cares, beside you wherever you'll go."

5. Really Don't Care

This song is so great because it totally represents putting yourself first. It gives off that feeling when you're completely and absolutely done dealing with whoever has just been being an ass, for lack of a better word. Don't waste your time with people that don't understand how awesome you are. Seriously, you can do better. They're not worth your time or your energy.

6. Confident

I think this speaks for itself, but I'm writing about it anyway because this song is phenomenal. Being a fan of her through everything that's she has gone through, seeing her struggle and pull out of it and then getting to a point where she can write a song that literally talks about confidence makes me so happy. She's been through so much, but she's gotten to a place that she can easily say "I love myself, and I'm confident in who that is" and that is incredibly inspiring to me. She didn't let her career choice affect her in the long run, and ended up using her idolization as a way to reach out to so many people that are struggling too. "So you say I'm complicated, but you've had me underrated. What's wrong with being confident?" Be confident and don't let anyone tell you otherwise, because they don't matter.

7. Warrior

This is without a doubt the most inspiring and influential song that Demi has ever written. When I get to my lowest points, this is one of the songs that I have in my back pocket. Demi's always there when a girl needs a massive pick-me-up. This song reminds you that even though you've been through hard times, you are a warrior and you've gotten through them. And if you haven't yet, you will. You are strong, you are capable, and you are worthy or living the life that you've painted in your mind. Someone else doesn't get to make a decision in who you are, or what's best for you. I'm including a link for the whole song instead of picking out specific lyrics, because the whole song deserves to be listened to.

Demi's music has gotten me through countless events in my life. She taught me that loving myself can be hard, but it's so important. She recognizes and validates your experiences while also giving you a way to cope with them and grow. You are strong and important. Someone else's opinion of you is not what defines you. You are your own person and you are worthy of the goals and ambitions you've set for yourself. No one can stand between you and that dream because you are the most important person in your life.