JoJo’s Memoir and Life Lessons
JoJo’s first memoir, Over the Influence, shares many vital lessons she’s learned throughout her life, especially about breaking generational cycles.
“For a while, I was super self-righteous and thought I’d never be like my parents. I was like, ‘No, because I’m the strongest. I’m wicked strong,’” JoJo said. “But then I was like, ‘Oh, what I’m doing is no better or worse. I’m my parents’ child, and I need to be awake to what’s happening within myself.’”
Addiction became a part of JoJo’s life as she grew older, involving substances like alcohol, Adderall, and Xanax. Signing her first contract at 12 and topping the charts soon after, the music industry began to unravel around her.
Life at home was tough. Her mom, Diana, who managed her career, battled drinking and mental health issues. The record label she was with kept her stuck for seven years without releasing her music. Her dad, Joel, who met her mom at AA meetings, was in and out of her life, struggling with his own demons.
Fans can see how challenging her journey has been.
Joel passed away in 2015, and JoJo had to accept that sometimes people complete their journeys earlier than we want. Writing Over the Influence, she discussed with her mom the tough moments she would share, promising to portray her as a whole person.
JoJo realized she couldn’t take responsibility for her parents’ happiness, something she struggled with for years. She now admires her mom’s sobriety and commitment to health.
Going to AA meetings helped JoJo feel less alone, even though AA stands for Alcoholics Anonymous, it helps people dealing with various addictions. She felt a sense of community and home that had been missing.
Although JoJo isn’t fully sober now, she manages her relationship with substances better. She shared her story to encourage others to let go of shame and find strength in their own journeys.
