Staying Strong: 365 Days a Year (19 page)

Goal:
Soak up the love of your family today. Love them for everything they are and aren’t.

December 26

It does not matter how slow you go, only that you do not stop.

—CONFUCIUS

Speed is relative. Some people move quickly and others move slow. It doesn’t mean you are getting more done either way; all that matters is you keep going. No matter what.

Goal:
Go at a slower pace today, starting with the moment you open your eyes till the moment you close them and everything in between.

December 27

Stay strong.

Each one of us struggles with something in this life. I realized that no matter where I am, there is a bigger purpose; I use my voice and inspire people, help people get through their problems, and help pick people up when they’re down. I am only able to get through each day because of my fans, who inspire me to do what I do and inspire me to stay strong each and every day.

Goal:
Stay strong for yourself, and if you have it in you, find the strength to stay strong for someone else.

December 28

When your problems are bigger than you, it’s important to reach out for help.

Sometimes we feel overwhelmed and even ashamed by our problems. Before I started treatment for bulimia and cutting, I was hiding from everyone, myself included. I was scared to ask for help and felt so deeply embarrassed about what I was doing I thought it would never end. If you or someone you know is suffering or struggling with any issue, it is so important to get help. You could be saving your life or the life of someone you love.

Goal:
Don’t hide from yourself or others. Seek help.

December 29

The nice thing about rain is that it always stops. Eventually.

—EEYORE

Hard times are unavoidable. They pop up when we least expect it—when we’re just not ready. But it’s important to take comfort in the fact that it can’t and won’t go on forever.

Goal:
As you forge ahead, remind yourself that you’re only getting stronger with each challenge you are presented with.

December 30

Man, when you lose your laugh, you lose your footing.

—KEN KESEY

There will be times when we feel knocked down at every turn. Grief, depression, breakups, and so much more. It’s important to preserve a sense of humor. You have to remember to laugh at these things or they’ll control you. Laughter will help you see the light in the darkest of times. It’s more powerful than you’ll ever know.

Goal:
Even at your lowest points, keep your sense of humor and use it.

December 31

And now we welcome the new year, full of things that have never been.

—RAINER MARIA RILKE

Spend some time reassessing the past year. Think about how you have grown, how you’ve changed, what you’d like to continue doing, and what you’re ready to move on from. I always find the last few days of the year are packed with so much intense energy and possibility for change that the best thing you can do is sit and reflect.

Goal:
Make a list of all that you’ve accomplished this year.

Acknowledgments

Thank you to everyone at CAST Recovery, Philymack, Inc., Derris and Company, Macmillan, CAA, Hertz, Lichtenstein & Young, the Nordlinger Group, and everyone else on my team. Special thanks to Anna Roberto, Jean Feiwel, and Rachel Fleischer. Much love and thanks for the support of my wonderful friends and family . . . you know who you are!

Resources

Help and support is available from many organizations and treatment centers, but here are two that I recommend:

The Meadows treatment center in Wickenburg, Arizona, is one of the nation’s premier programs for treating addiction and psychological trauma, through the Meadows Model, 12-step practices, and the holistic healing of mind, body, and spirit.
www.themeadows.com

CAST Recovery offers a range of services and treatment/therapy. Demi Lovato has partnered with CAST Recovery to create the Lovato Treatment Scholarship to cover expenses for someone struggling with mental health and/or addiction issues.
www.castrecovery.com