Demi Lovato walked the red carpet at Sunday night's MTV VMAs with confidence while donning a fire-red curve-hugging cleavage-baring thigh-high slit gown - a look that the "Heart Attack" singer herself considered a step in the right direction.
In an emotional Instagram post Monday, the 22-year-old star reflected on her past struggles with self-esteem and body issues and commended herself for finally being happy and comfortable in her own skin.
She posted a side-by-side picture collage of her four most recent VMA outfits and explained the insecurities she had about each outfit.
"This picture makes me feel so many mixed emotions.. I remember the day I wore the dress in the very first picture," Lovato wrote. "I remember asking for spanx to flatten my stomach because I use to feel so heavy and 'fat.' Now looking at this picture, you can clearly see my hip bones. It makes me sad because I wasted so many years ashamed of my body when I could've been living the happy and healthy life I live today. It TRULY just goes to show you that your perceptions can lie to you. OR they can make you learn to enjoy life. "
In 2010, the former Disney darling entered the Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center in Illinois and was treated for "physical and emotional issues." In 2011, Lovato completed a three-month stint for her struggles with alcoholism and drug addiction.
"Fortunately looking at the picture of myself in the red dress yesterday, I not only feel so grateful for the love and support I've had from fans, friends and family, but... I also feel beautiful," the singer wrote. "I'm so excited to live my life the way I deserve to and to the complete fullest."
Adding: "Thank you guys once again.. I'm so thankful for my Lovatics. I love you... And never forget that staying strong is worth it."
