Entertainment
Demi Lovato Might Inspire You To Be More Confident
One of the many items on the long list of reasons to love Demi Lovato is the fact that she's overcome some really difficult obstacles in her past, but she hasn't let it stand in her way. She isn't just singing about confidence in her latest single, "Confident" — it seems like she actually has it now. And the worst thing that happens when you work hard to make a positive change about yourself? Sometimes, the people around you who don't understand will be upset that you "changed," and that's exactly what Lovato is dealing with right now. But in a recent interview with Allure, Lovato defended her new confidence and herself, and her words are really refreshing.
At first, Lovato talked about how people get tired of her talking about how confident she is, but she's not about to stop owning it, and can you blame her? She's worked really hard to get to where she is right now, and if she wants to shout it from the rooftops, she should do it. As Lovato told the mag:
I've never felt as confident in my skin as I do today. A year ago, on tour, almost every inch of my body was covered by clothing, and it was because I was hiding behind so many layers. Once I started feeling better about myself, I felt better about showing more skin. I have insecurities about my arms, so to wear a tank top on stage is extremely liberating for me, and uncomfortable sometimes. It's also a statement, like, "Hey, watch out. You're no longer getting the insecure Demi that you've been getting for the past couple of years. I mean business now."
I'm so happy for Lovato and the fact that she's gotten to this point, even after everything she's been through. And doesn't her confidence seem contagious? If you've ever needed help finding that same feeling within yourself, never fear. Lovato's been spouting off inspirational words of wisdom for awhile now, and this is just the latest in a string of messages about loving yourself, taking care of yourself, and feeling empowered.
1. On True Beauty
Lovato told People earlier this month, "I feel like beauty comes from within, and exudes out. And the love that you have for yourself and the confidence that you have is what attracts other people to you.” She's right — all the YouTube makeup tutorials in the world can't create that kind of feeling.
2. On Embracing Your True, Makeupless Self
Last year, Lovato launched #FreshFacedFriday, and every Friday, she shares a makeup free photo of herself with her followers. The photos she posts are so cute and refreshing that it makes you want to join in, and that's definitely a good thing.
3. On Not Letting Her Past Define Her
In an interview with Complex, Lovato said, "I never want to be like, 'Oh, I’ve been through so much,' like it’s a sob story. I’m proud of what I’ve been through and gotten over and sometimes, even to this day, when I do go through something I’m like, 'OK. It’s just a part of my story.' It’ll be more to tell, and that’s fine." It's awesome that she's learned how to leave the past in the past without forgetting where she comes from.
4. On Overcoming Mental Illness
Since becoming open about battling her own eating disorder and addictions, Lovato has been an activist for fighting the stigma against mental illness. She told People, "I just think mental illness is something people need to learn more about. I want people to know it's OK to ask for help and it's okay to have a mental illness." Hearing Lovato talk about her own struggles, something that a lot of people brush under the rug, is so empowering to people who suffer from similar mental illnesses, and maybe, it will even help more people want to be open and get the help they need.
5. On Encouraging Others With Eating Disorders
Reminders from Lovato like this are so important to people who need to hear them — and to help everyone else remember that others struggle with holidays in ways they might not have imagined. It never hurts to be sensitive to what other people have gone through, and Lovato seems to be a huge advocate of that.
6. On Being Proud Of The Skin She's In
In an interview about her single, "Confident," Lovato explained the song like this:
I have never been confident enough in my own skin to feel sexy. Now that I’m feeling great and I feel confident, I’m proud of the skin that I’m in. I’m wanting to share that with the world and showing everyone how you can go from being very insecure with body image issues to feeling so proud of your body that you want to show it to the world.
Don't lose hope — if you haven't found your confidence yet, that doesn't mean you'll never find it. Just keep pushing!
7. On The Right Reasons For Getting In Shape
Besides, if you're doing it for you, it's way more likely that you'll stick with your new habits.
8. On Keeping Everything In Perspective
I never want people to feel sorry for me, and I also think that there’s always someone who has it worse. Not to invalidate what I’ve been through or what I’m feeling, but there’s somebody who has it worse, and I’ve always got to remember that.
True! Feeling sorry for yourself usually isn't a very productive activity, anyway, and it could always be worse — and itis worse for someone else.
9. On The Importance Of Encouraging Others
Encouraging > tearing others down, every time.
10. On Overcoming Your Own Obstacles
Lovato has always been open about providing advice to people who need it, especially those who have faced eating disorders like she has. She told Web MD:
Get help and talk to someone. You need support, and you need someone to teach you the tools needed to get well. You can get well. I'm living proof that it gets better. It is slow and steady, but it feels amazing when you can look back over a year or two and see the progress you've made. Trust you can do it.
11. On Being Good To Yourself
Lovato said it best — treat yourself the way you deserve to be treated. Spoiler: You deserve to be treated like you are amazing.
Next time you're in need of a little motivation, some of these quotes might just do the trick. BRB, I'm off to conquer the gym, or maybe the world. I can do it!
