Demi,
It was 2008. I was sitting on my best friend's long couch, surrounded by five girls, just as excited as myself. We rushed home from our 8th grade dance, anticipating the premiere of the movie we had been waiting months for.
Eight o'clock came quick, and suddenly you were there. The gap toothed teen playing Mitchie Torres was about to become a household name to tweens and teens around the world. Then, after that, came music, and tours, new shows and endless appearances.
With the fame, though, came a dark shadow lurking over you.
Little did we know then the struggles you'd face over the next five years and how those struggles have made you into the role model I look up to today.
Watching you go to rehab was extremely hard for all of your fans. It was so sudden, it was out of no where, and none of us knew what was coming next. I don't think any of us expected what happened once you got out of there, though. While most celebrities would stay hidden in their shadows and work out their problems silently, you emerged.
Among all of your many qualities, courage always comes to my mind first. For the past five years, you have been absolutely nothing but courageous. From openly going to rehab and choosing to better yourself, to speaking up on real issues like self harm and mental illness, to going to Capital Hill and fighting for what you believe in, you've never backed down.
It is so incredibly humbling to see the person you have become, the changes you have made and the evolution you have had.
People often ask me why I look up to you. Why are you so special? Why Demi Lovato? I always tell them the same thing.
You were there when no one was.
Your music was there for me through the lowest times I've ever had. Your music uplifted me through the rough times and through all the good. Your music sang out the situations I was going through; the makeups, the breakups and the moments where I felt like all I could do was scream.
You were there to comfort me, to calm me down and ultimately, to give me hope.
Your concerts were my refuge. The most therapeutic experience I've ever had is singing along with thousands of other fans during your concerts. That's where I felt at peace, and that felt like it was home.
Your speeches at each concert always leave me in tears. You speak from your heart, you speak from your soul and you always speak the truth. You are never afraid to say what needs to be said, and that is something you should always be thanked for.
You are unapologetically a bad a** and your fearless attitude has been more inspiring to your fans than you could ever know. From going to how insecure you were, to opening yourself and your body up to everyone, has made us feel less alone and afraid.
With every year, you've gotten stronger. With every year, you've made new music that has gotten us through the most important, sad or crazy moments in our life. With every year, you've emerged as a leader for the awareness of mental illness. With every year, you've grown. And with every year, we've grown with you.
Thank you for always being real, for standing up for what you believe in, and for being outspoken. I look up so much to the fearlessness you have and it's from that courage that I've found my own.
Thank you for giving us the music we've grown up to, the music that has defined important moments in all our lives.
Thank you for being there for your fans. You always put us first, and it is so humbling to see an artist still genuinely care about the people who look up to them.
Thank you for simply being you.
We have watched you grow from an insecure teenager, trying her best to keep it all together, to a brave, courageous and inspiring adult.
Your evolution has been nothing short of awe inspiring and you have shown us all what it means to be true to yourself.
One of my favorite quotes from you reads:
"I think scars are like battle wounds - beautiful, in a way. They show what you've been through and how strong you are for coming out of it."
You've shown me how to be proud of my scars and who I am. You've shown me what it means to Stay Strong.
In you, I have found the person I aspire to be like everyday.
You're everything to us and we could never be able to thank you enough for everything.
Love,
A devoted fan, speaking out for all of us.
