Sara Gilbert recently said this about Demi Lovato on The Talk: “I think she’s my favorite celebrity.” I think Sara Gilbert is MY favorite celebrity so I figured Demi Lovato must be pretty cool. That’s how I chose today’s topic. Thank you, Sara Gilbert.
Demi Lovato
Demi Lovato was born on August 20, 1992 in Albuquerque, New Mexico but was raised in Dallas. Her parents (a former cheerleader and musician) divorced when she was very young. She started acting in 2002 when she joined Barney & Friends. She became quite famous with the young kids when she landed a role on Camp Rock and Sonny with a Chance in 2007.
Bullying
Demi Lovato was bullied so badly as a child that she requested to be homeschooled. She received her high school diploma through homeschooling which I find very sad. I think everyone gets bullied to some extent but it’s far worse now with social media. I don’t know that I could survive as a teen in this day and age. As a teacher, I’m always ready with my Mama Bear should any of my students be bullied. The wounded recognize the wounded. I can help my students, but Demi can do far more. She has used her fame for good and has served on committees where she speaks out against bullying.
Trivia
- Demi’s mom is a former Dallas Cowboy cheerleader.
- Her dad was an addict and alcoholic.
- Her biggest influences are Christina Aguilera and Kelly Clarkson.
- She dated Joe Jonas for a few months. Lucky.
- Demi was in a relationship with Wilmer Valderrama for several years.
- She is an active supporter of gay rights. “Gay, straight, lesbian, bi…..No one is better than anyone else.” That’s my girl!
- Demi is a spokesperson for mental illness.
- She signed a petition to stop gun violence.
- She has gone public with her bipolar disorder.
Struggles
Demi Lovato suffered from depression, bulimia, self-harm, and was self-medicating with drugs and alcohol before entering rehab at 18. (I self-medicate with warm bread and butter.) Statistics show that 40-60% of patients who have gone through a rehab program will relapse at some point. According to Demi’s latest single, Sober, it appears she has become part of this statistic.
Sober
Sara Gilbert said: She’s always been amazing. She’s always been a role model, and I think her just saying, “Look, I’m struggling with this” is another example of her being a role model. Yes! That’s why Sara Gilbert is my role model. The sober lyrics say “I’m sorry for the fans I lost who watched me fall again”. Falling again is nothing to be ashamed of. There should be absolutely no shame in relapsing. Falling again and getting back up is being a great role model. We all fall. Many choose to stay down and be a victim and live their life as “poor me”. Those people are failures in my eyes. Demi is not a failure. She gets back up and keeps on trying. She should be respected and admired for her perseverance.
Demi Lovato said about her respect for Kelly Clarkson, “I just thought she was a great role model. She was never publicly seen drinking and driving or wearing really scandalous clothes or anything like that. I feel like she set a really great example and she was extremely talented.” I think that says a lot about the person Demi is to recognize that in a person.
I hope this wonderful young lady sees all the good she’s doing in the world instead of only focusing on her relapse. It’s easy to magnify the negative and forget the positive. There’s a lot of shame associated with addiction. I hope she’s able to find her balance and continue giving so much to the world.