“Onnnee dayyy.”

In July of 2018, Demi Lovato was found unresponsive in her Hollywood Hills home.

She had suffered a drug overdose and was fighting for her life.

After a frantic 911 call, the paramedics arrived, revived her and rushed her to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

Thus began the long road to recovery.

Demi had been open about her struggles with addiction and she had even sung about it.

Although she had been sober for six years, a month before her overdose, Demi released a new single called "Sober", in which she apologized to her fans, her family... and to herself, that she was "not sober anymore".

Momma, I'm so sorry I'm not sober anymore

And daddy, please forgive me for the drinks spilled on the floor

To the ones who never left me

We've been down this road before

I'm so sorry, I'm not sober anymore

I'm not sober anymore

I'm sorry that I'm here again

I promise I'll get help

It wasn't my intention

I'm sorry to myself

But Demi made a decision... to fight for her life.

With the courage she found inside herself, the love of her family and friends, and the support of her fans, after she was released from the hospital, Demi entered rehab where she underwent medical detox and addiction treatment.

Remarkably, just 18 months later, Demi was back on the stage… at the 2020 Grammy Awards.

After getting choked up at the start, Demi delivered an emotional performance of a song she first recorded just four days before her overdose, in which she cries out for someone… anyone… to listen.

I tried to talk to my piano

I tried to talk to my guitar

Talk to my imagination

Confided into alcohol

I tried and tried and tried some more

Told secrets 'til my voice was sore

Tired of empty conversation

'Cause no one hears me anymore

A hundred million stories

And a hundred million songs

I feel stupid when I sing

Nobody's listening to me

Nobody's listening

I talk to shooting stars

But they always get it wrong

I feel stupid when I pray

So, why am I praying anyway?

If nobody's listening

Anyone, please send me anyone

Lord, is there anyone?

I need someone,

Anyone, please send me anyone

Lord, is there anyone?

I need someone

But as if that wasn’t enough of a comeback, Demi topped it off just a week later by singing the National Anthem at Super Bowl LIV in Miami. 

Now here’s the amazing thing…

Just hours before taking the field, Demi shared a post she had written in 2010 (when she was just 17), in which she wrote…

"One day, I'm gonna sing the national anthem at a super bowl. Onnnee dayyy."

Incredible.

And in that 1 minute and 58 second performance, she experienced what we all teach as coaches…

That your dreams really can become the reality of your life.

So why am I sharing all this with you? A few reasons...

One…

Demi Lovato’s story is an inspiration to anyone. But particularly, it is an inspiration to anyone who has ever struggled with addiction. There is a way out. There is hope. There is help. There is still a future available that you’ve only dreamt in your wildest dreams.

Please share this story with anyone who needs to know this.

Two...

I’m struck by the fact that, just days before her overdose, Demi was crying out so clearly for someone to listen. She just wanted someone, anyone, to listen.

I believe one of the most important things we do for our clients - or for another human being for that matter - is to listen. Listen to their story. Listen to their pain. Listen to their cries for help. Share your love, compassion, and hope. So that they can know that they matter. That we care. And that they're not alone.

Three…

Demi could have never done it alone. It is only with the love and support of her family, friends, fans, medical staff, and rehab professionals, that she is alive and sober today.

The truth is, none of us can create transformation on our own. Transformation is a team effort. Yes, you and I each have to take the steps ourselves, but none of us can do it alone. In fact, we’re not meant to. When we are in an environment where we are loved and supported by others who believe in us, even when we have a hard time believing in ourselves; who remind us of the truth of who we are, and who speak the truth in love without judgement…  that’s when transformation is truly possible.

Four…

We all need a reminder, that dreams really do come true. Even though we teach this stuff, sometimes we may not feel it in our own lives. What did Demi do with her 2010 dream? She wrote it down, she carried it with her, she imagined herself in it, and it pulled her forward. Back in 2010, it was her "moonshot", but today, even after nearly losing her life to addiction, it is her dream come true.

What is your moonshot? What is your soul’s deepest desire? What is your heart’s greatest aspiration? Write it down. Hold it close. Imagine it. And allow it to pull you forward, even in your darkest days. I can tell you that nothing is impossible when you have the power of the Universe behind you… AND when you have the courage to fight for it and the support of people who believe in you, no matter what.

Here’s to healing.

Here’s to hope.

Here’s to courage.

Here’s to support.

Here’s to living your wildest dreams… Onnnee dayyy.

Pam