In today's world of manufactured pop stars and overt industry pressure to be "the next [insert iconic musician's name here]," Demi Lovato [1] has always stood out as a breath of fresh air. She has a unique sound; a commanding, out-of-this-world voice [2]; and a sense of style that practically screams, "I could not care less what you think about me." Yes, she got her start on the Disney channel, as many of Hollywood's hottest stars have [3], but it wasn't too long before Demi's personal trials and tribulations set her apart from the teenybopper crowd.
Her struggles with depression, eating disorders, and self-harm became widely known during the late 2000s, thanks to a much-publicized fight with a backup dancer [4] and a rehab stay in November 2010. She was later diagnosed with bipolar disorder and moved into a sober-facility. Throughout her dark times, she has not only taken full responsibility for her actions and unsavory behavior but has also managed to stay positive and optimistic [5] — her strength lies in her ability to encourage and uplift [6] not only her die-hard fans but anyone who happens to hear one of her heartfelt, inspiring songs or read or watch any of her candid, motivating interviews.
Demi is a perfect example of someone who, despite experiencing her fair share of setbacks, can still rise above, accept her imperfections, and happily use her role as a celebrity to influence and help others [7] who may be wading through the same emotional pitfalls. We've rounded up 28 of Demi's honest, genuine, and wholeheartedly inspiring quotes that are sure to touch your heart, whether you've found yourself in a dark place or just need a quick dose of reassurance.
On Battling Depression and Low Self-Esteem
- "One of the scariest moments [9] in life, is when you come to the realization that the only person that can save you is yourself."
- "I wish that people could understand that the brain is the most important organ in your body [10]. Just because you can't see it like you could see a broken bone doesn't mean it's not as detrimental and devastating to a family or an individual."
- "One of the reasons I was so unhappy for years [11] was because I never embraced my emotions and I was trying to stay in control. In treatment, all of the negative things I did were stripped away and I had to start processing my feelings."
- "If you are going through that dark period, go to your family and closest friends. Don't put yourself in danger [12]. It's very crucial that you get your feelings out — but don't ever inflict harm on your own body because your body is so sacred. I wish I could tell every young girl with an eating disorder, or who has harmed herself in any way, that she's worthy of life and that her life has meaning. You can overcome and get through anything."
- "I am human [13], so be easy on me. And I'm so tired of pretending like I'm not human. That's the one thing that I won't do anymore. When you say stuff, it affects me. I'm human."
On Growing Up and Finding Happiness
- "I don't let anyone's insecurities, emotions, or opinions bother me. I know that if I am happy, that's all that matters to me. And it's okay to be selfish like that sometimes, when it comes to your well-being. Do what makes you happy, and don't care what others think [14]."
- "I used to think that confidence came from what other people thought about me, and boys and everything else. But now I realize that confidence comes from what I feel about myself, and reassuring myself that I can do whatever I want [15] and be whoever I want."
- "When I give back, I don't question my self-worth. I know that if my career were to fall apart tomorrow — even if I were to never have money or fame again — I'd still have value in my soul [16], because I know that I can have an effect on someone else's life."
- "If you don't love yourself for your flaws and imperfections, you can't expect anyone else to either. We are each made differently, so find whatever flaw or imperfection you have and start embracing it because it's part of you. Be proud of your originality [17]. There's no one else in the world that's like you."
On Body Positivity and Feeling Beautiful
- "I think scars are like battle wounds — beautiful, in a way. They show what you've been through [18] and how strong you are for coming out of it."
- "I keep hearing this 'thigh gap' thing and when you hear it so many times it starts to get embedded into your head. I think it's important that somebody says, 'Hey if you don't have this, it doesn't mean that you're not beautiful [19] and it doesn't mean that you don't have a beautiful body.' I don't naturally have one, but I feel really confident in my shape and I've worked on it and gotten to a really healthy place. I've come really far and I'm proud of the body that I'm in today — and I just want women to feel that way as well."
- "I'd rather be strong and happy [20] than be what society thinks is thin and perfect and be miserable."
- "We all have problem areas. I'm always going to have thick thighs. I can't change that, and obsessing over it will only make me miserable. Learning to be grateful for our bodies [21] and taking care of them are the best ways for us to empower ourselves physically, mentally, and spiritually."
- "There needs to be more variety on television so young girls growing up don't feel pressured [22] to look one specific way. Tall, thin, curvy, short, whatever you are, you are beautiful."
- "Our bodies will do what they are SUPPOSED to [23] when we let go of trying to control what it does for us."
- "[When I look in the mirror] I see someone that's overcome a lot. I genuinely see a fighter. [24] I don't see a championship winner in there, but I see a fighter and I see someone that's going to continue to fight no matter [what] challenges are thrown their way."
- "I don't have to lie to myself and tell myself that I have this amazing body. It's like, if I don't feel it, I don't have to say that. All I have to say is I'm healthy [25]. In that statement, I express gratitude and I express I am grateful for my strength."
On Achieving Goals and Not Giving Up
- "You can turn your life around. You can go through hell and back. It is possible. Never underestimate yourself. I believe in you [26]."
- "What I've really been proud of to witness all over the world is women using their voices and speaking up about equality — and just trying to make a difference. . . . I think it's important that women find their confidence [27] and not let anything stop them."
- "There's gonna be haters, but don't let them affect you. Don't let them take away a part of you [28]."
- "No matter who you are where you've come from, what you've been through . . . You can make a difference [29] in this world."
- "Life is precious and it's what you do with it that keeps you alive on the inside [30]. It's not enough just to live and take that gift for granted. Each one of us has fears, but the more we work to overcome them, the more we are able to enjoy our lives."
On Recovery and Staying Strong
- "Be patient, because real change takes time. I used to Google things like 'How to lose weight in a week,' but the world just doesn't work that way. If you want to lose weight, you've got to work for it. If you want to get stronger, you've got to work for it [31]. Any other way isn't going to be healthy, and it's not going to last."
- "I don't think there's going to be a day when I don't think about food or my body, but I'm living with it, and I wish I could tell young girls to find their safe place [32] and stay with it."
- "It's going to be okay. No matter how hard your rock bottom is, you can rise above it and you can come back [33]."
- "I know my past will always be a part of me, but I don't want it to define me [34]. . . . I'm excited to live in the present and looking forward to the future."
- "Stay strong, be brave [35], love hard and true, and you will have nothing to lose."
- "I think it's important that I sit here on this stage and tell you at home or you in the audience or you right here that if you do go through this, you, yourself, can get through it. You can get to the other side [36]. It may be bumpy, but you are a 10 out of 10. Don't forget it."