Demi Lovato feels 'insecure' about her legs, but posted this beach photo regardless
The beginning of January is often filled with mottos like “New year, new you.” But Demi Lovato is reminding her followers that remaining the same you is OK, too.
In a photo posted to her Instagram, the 25-year-old singer showed off her beach body and, perhaps more importantly, a big smile, to show just how she’s stepping into the new year. And instead of tackling new changes in 2018, she’s making a commitment to try to let go of the pressure she was putting on herself.
“So, I’m insecure about my legs in this picture but I’m posting it because I look so happy and this year I’ve decided I’m letting go of my perfectionism and embracing freedom from self-criticism,” Lovato wrote. “Learning to love my body the way it is is challenging but life-changing. Giving up my eating disorder has been the most challenging journey of my life but I work every day towards solid recovery even if I mess up sometimes. Today I’m feeling strong. You all can do it too. It IS possible. Thank you God for this new chapter in my life.”
This year I’m giving up my perfectionism.. who’s with me?!
— Demi Lovato (@ddlovato) January 4, 2018
Having been open in her recent documentary, titled Demi Lovato: Simply Complicated, about her long-term struggles with both substance abuse and an eating disorder for the majority of her time in the spotlight as a teen, Lovato seems to now be at her happiest and also her healthiest. But even admitting to occasional missteps is encouraging. The CEO of the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) Claire Mysko told Yahoo Lifestyle just how positive Lovato’s new outlook is, and why it serves as a great reminder for the new year.
“The New Year can be a peak time for self-criticism, diet culture, and toxic ‘New year, new you’ resolutions, but Demi Lovato’s Instagram post is an inspiring reminder that we don’t have to be perfect, and we all deserve to celebrate ourselves exactly as we are,” Mysko says. “Eating disorders can be really hard to talk about, so we thank Demi for sharing her story and for sending the message that recovery is possible. I’m sure this post will motivate many people to seek help and go on to live the happy lives they deserve.”
With over 2 million “likes” on the photo, and more than 33,000 comments, it’s evident that Lovato’s fans have indeed been inspired by her. From mothers in their 30s to young girls struggling with their own body image issues, a number of followers even shared their stories. While the singer’s struggle helps them to heal, Lovato has received encouragement from some of her role models as well.
“Your legs look incredible in the photo!” supermodel Ashley Graham commented on the post. “And your heart even larger for sharing your truth!” To which Lovato responded, saying, “This means so much coming from you. You are such an inspiration!!”
If you or someone you know is at risk or experiencing an eating disorder, find treatment options by visiting www.MyNEDA.org. Or contact NEDA’s Live Helpline @ 800-931-2237.
Read more from Yahoo Lifestyle:
Celebrities who have spoken out about their struggles with mental illness
Plus-size model who gained weight: ‘There may be “more” of me now, but there is also more happiness’
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