Staying Strong: 365 Days a Year (2 page)

I first met Demi over breakfast at the London Hotel in the summer of 2012. Her career was on fire. She had a huge hit in “Skyscraper,” “Give Your Heart a Break” was climbing the charts (it would eventually hit #1), and she was months away from being named a judge on
The X Factor
alongside Simon Cowell and Britney Spears.

For a girl who had just turned 20 and made her name as a Disney teen queen, she seemed wise beyond her years. But she encountered more than a few bumps on her road to success. Demi shared her personal struggles with me, including her battles with anorexia and bulimia, bullying, self-harm and bipolar disorder, and how these challenges almost derailed her career.

As a mother of two daughters, I was so grateful that Demi was using her painful experiences to talk frankly to girls and let them know that fame doesn’t necessarily shield you from insecurity and self-doubt. By pulling back the glossy curtain of celebrity and exposing her all-too-human side, I know Demi made countless young women with some of those same problems feel much less alone.

Not long after our first meeting, I welcomed Demi to the set of my daytime talk show. No surprise, she was charismatic and generous. Her willingness to speak so openly in a public forum inspired me to share my own experience with an eating disorder in my twenties, something that I had never spoken about before. Demi’s honesty made me feel safe to be honest about my own past.

Demi has a unique relationship with her fans. They love her and she loves them right back. She’s taught us all that we need to give our hearts a break at the low moments, and take the time to enjoy the view from the skyscraper when we hit our highs.

Whether you’re 16, or, in my case, 56, you’ll learn something from Demi’s journey and life advice, and end up loving her even more.

Dear Reader,

I have been through all kinds of experiences in my life, and I have faced struggles ranging from addiction to depression, all the while on a search for self-discovery and happiness. There are always going to be highs and lows, heartbreaks and victories, and everything in between. So sometimes the smallest few words can make all the difference; they can comfort and they can inspire.

Each day I meditate and pray by getting in touch with the higher power within me. No matter how old you are, where you come from, your race or religion, it is vital to have a higher power—something bigger than yourself that you can turn to for comfort.
For me, it’s God, but for you, it can be anything you believe in, the universe, karma, etc. Though some days can be a struggle, it’s important to have something that will motivate, inspire, and help us stay positive and keep moving forward.

This book is a collection of my own words, quotes that inspire me, as well as lessons, meditations, reflections, and daily goals. They have helped me tremendously, and it’s a special and personal gift that I want to share with all of you.

Wherever you are in life, please read these and know that I’m always there for you. Stay strong, be brave, love hard and true, and you will have nothing to lose.

All my love,

January 1

You are beautifully and wonderfully made.

A while back I decided I needed a mantra of my own. Something that was personal and meaningful that I could tell myself to bring comfort and love as well as root myself in the present moment. The Bible says “you are fearfully and wonderfully made,” so I came up with “you are beautifully and wonderfully made.” I say it to myself all the time, and it really helps me find peace knowing that I am perfect just as I am and that I don’t need anything beyond what I have within me.

Goal:
In this new year, come up with a mantra that is just yours. Each day, look in the mirror and repeat it back to yourself.

January 2

One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.

—HENRY MILLER

I’ve been so blessed to be able to travel so much over these last few years. One of the most profound things I witnessed while traveling was seeing how much we take for granted. I’ve seen slums where people are walking around without shoes or jackets in the freezing cold. I’ve been to places where people are working so hard at such physically demanding jobs while making hardly any money. It taught me to value every person on this planet and to not take my job for granted.

Goal:
Stay open to anything and take a day (or week) seeing a new part of the world. If you can’t afford to take time off work then visit a new neighborhood in your own town. Be grateful for everything you have.

January 3

Every life has a purpose. Share your story and you may help someone find their own.

The reason I decided to become honest about my personal struggles is because the issues that I’ve dealt with are still taboo to talk about. Self-harm, eating disorders, addiction, and mood disorders are things people aren’t always open about. But it’s so important that someone starts talking about these issues, so that those who are struggling know that there is help out there. It is my job to be a beacon of hope for the little girl that doesn’t have any.

Goal:
Stand up for those who can’t yet. Give them support and strength.

January 4

Life can be so difficult at times, but fighting through the pain is so worth it. It’s better to feel every kind of emotion than not feel at all.

I thought of this quote when I was at my dad’s funeral and it’s what got me through the experience. I was on such a roller coaster of emotions. In the past I would drink or restrict or find any way possible to avoid the immense pain I was in. People often choose to numb their pain with substances, but it’s more courageous to walk through the fire with your eyes open. Instead of numbing my pain by using, I let myself feel all of the emotions that came to me. It was a difficult time in my life, but allowing myself to feel sadness and despair helped give way for the celebration of his life. It allowed me to begin healing in a healthy and honest fashion.

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