If it's true that the more love you give, the more you get back, Christina Aguilera is about to receive a tidal wave of affection. On Wednesday, Aug. 28, the "Your Body" singer, 32, shared a long, gushing, and at times rambling letter to fans in which she thanks them — over and over again — for their support through the years and then offers advice on how to live a life of art and beauty.
"I wanted to reach out to my fans out there that continuously support me and have my back relentlessly throughout the years," she begins the heartfelt dispatch, which clocks in at more than 2,200 words. "I am so grateful and fortunate for your dedication. Your time & devotion. Your kindness and understanding. Your patience and compassion."
"It has been a tremendous gift to have been able to share my work on such a large scale with all of you around the world who have supported and appreciated my efforts through all I've worked tirelessly in accomplishing, for so many years now," she continues. "Your strength encourages me to continue digging deep and searching within myself to openly offer my heart & soul to you."
"Thank you for listening to my words. Opening your hearts. Giving back love. Seeing beneath the surface. Searching for the truth. Digging deep. Within yourselves & within your minds. Feeling and sharing with me your own stories, your own life struggles…," writes the Grammy winner, who most recently made headlines for her awe-inspiring slimmed-down new figure. "You're my inspiration and a constant reminder why I continue to give my very best and open up my heart and mind so vulnerably to you and with the best of intentions."
The letter goes on to say that Aguilera — mom to son Max, 5 — is "enjoying life now more than ever before" and writing new music constantly. "I am so happy and at peace in life and I only want and wish you all to feel the same and live that way too!" she gushes.
And how, exactly, does one achieve such bliss? "Be fearless in owning who you are. No matter what," she advises. "You have to put yourself out there and take risks. Sink or swim. You have to give things a try. Provoke thought. Speak from your heart. Live in the moment. Experience and discover the growth within yourself that challenges in live give you. And appreciate that gift that's only given through times of struggle and hardship."
She adds: "Be patient. And good to yourself. We spend too much time critiquing ourselves and beating ourselves up…Appreciate the courage it takes to give yourself and put yourself out there in the forefront. Not everyone can do that."
Aguilera notes that she herself has had to learn these lessons as an artist in an industry where album sales and trophies often determine someone's worth. "Awards and accolades can be enjoyable 'moments' in time," she writes. "They look nice on a shelf…But as an inspired artist, it is also okay by me and I welcome others to question my work, be disturbed by it, sometimes offended or turned off…To be able to inspire and open up debatable conversation. That's what being a true artist is about."
She concludes the letter: "As always, thank you for accepting me for who I am. Being human — flaws and all. We're all made up of beautiful imperfections…Sending everyone an abundance of warm light. Feel me in your hearts, as I feel you in mine. Together we brightly shine. We stand the test of time. Always have, always will."
