Jojo says watching her mother overcome abuse helped her release shame (exclusively)
4 mins read

Jojo says watching her mother overcome abuse helped her release shame (exclusively)

Writing a memoir was catartic for Joanna “Jojo” Levelsque.

Last year, the 34-year-old “Too Little Too Late” opened the singer writer about the heights and the lowness of her life and career in her first book Over influencethat linked to enough readers to earn a place on New York Times Bestseller list. The experience changed her life.

“I didn’t realize how much I was on before I released the book and how much weight I felt,” Levelsque, who is currently marketing her new Ngl Epictells people. “I love writing songs and I love to sing, but this book was a hinge in my life. I will never be the same, I think, after that – in a positive way.”

Joanna “Jojo” Leviesque’s ‘Over the Influence’ book cover.

Amazon


Many stories from the book became great news, from reflections on children’s fame to run-ins with other celebrities. While she chose to disclose the names of stars as her interactions were not as positive, others she specified, as a Supportive evening spent with Selena Gomez and Taylor Swift At a time when she could not release music due to problems with a previous record company.

Then Over influence Come out, Levelsque has not heard from any of the famous names she wrote about, and that’s okay. “I had to accept, when I shared some stories, that people would have their feelings about it. Not everyone would understand where I came from or the point of sharing certain things,” she explains, noting that she “never” never “intended to “go in” on any of her comrades.

Putting her life in words was not an easy or even always comfortable task. A large part of Levelsques time spent growing up to parents Diana and Joel (who died in 2015) involved witnessing their respective travel with addiction.

Within the book’s pages, she recalled many heartbreaking stories, from her mother’s mental health struggle and suicidal thoughts to her convicted father’s use of subjects and unwillingness to accept her daughter’s offers to help.

Before publishing the memo, Leviesque spoke with Diana about including some of their darkest moments. She was ultimately okay with the stories being told – and still feels like such to know fans have now read Over influencesays the author.

“My mom is in the best place she has ever been, that I’ve ever seen her in my life, so it’s pretty amazing that we are both in this good place at the same time,” explains Levesque, who also opened around her own addictive patterns in the book.

Note that Diana is “proud” of what she has accomplished with the book, she continues, “her sobriety has really changed how she looks at things. She has taught me a lot about releasing some shame that we have been on, individually and together. ”

Joanna “Jojo” Levelsque.

Alexander Tamargo/Getty


Another big theme for Over influence Was Levesque struggled with the desire to return to the great success she served as a young star with early hits like “Leave (Get Out)” and “Too Little Too Late”.

Eventually, she found a way to redefine success and therefore enjoy the creative process with less pressure on the commercial result. So when her memoir became a New York Times Bestseller, she took a moment to process the urgency.

“It was very validating, and I had to control myself and be like,” Even if this didn’t happen, you would still be worthy, and this is still a success and an achievement, “says Levesque.” It wasn’t anything I expected. ‘

If you or someone you know struggles with abuse, please contact Samsa Helpline at 1-800-662-Help.