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Blog, 3 years alcohol free October 14th 2022  

Today Friday, October 14th marks my 3 years without alcohol. I clearly remember that I had been thinking about giving it up for months before and took the time to evaluate my habits and how they were linked to my emotions.  I had been through some traumatic experiences along with the compound effect of insecurity & imposter syndrome it was clear that alcohol was not the best idea when I was in much need of some healing. I realized how much it held me back in my musical life as well.  

Luckily my musical sister and friend Vanessa (Goodnight Sunrise)  had posted on Facebook how she just celebrated her soberaversary of one year and shared her story. I was so inspired that I reached out to her. She called me right away and we talked about our experiences. She told me how she came to the decision and set a date to give it up so I did the same thing and picked October 14th.  I had one last hurrah on the 13th by going out and getting good and drunk, woke up hungover for the last time!  

Since that day I have constantly affirmed that I made the right decision because I have seen such an improvement in all facets of my life from my emotional, financial and professional life. When I look back I know that my relationship with drinking wasn’t a problem till it was. Although I didn’t fit the description of a textbook alcoholic it was progressing to a point where I could see it was a form of alcohol abuse that had been building up. Previously I spent time with other people who drank, a lot, and probably stayed in that environment because of some co-dependency and not properly dealing with my trauma. I knew it was time to take it all on and get myself back to a place where I was being my fully authentic self but to do that I had to FEEL all the feelings.   

As a bonus to kicking that habit, within three months of giving up alcohol I managed to kick my smoking habit. It was so associated with drinking/being drunk. I would not smoke through the week sometimes and then come the weekend if I was having a few, I’d convince myself that it was ok if I was drinking then it led back to full-time smoking so when I removed the catalyst I wasn’t tempted to smoke.  I was staying out way too late, had spent time with questionable people and on top of that, the money I would spend on drinks wasn’t serving my financial goals. When you look at how much one night out costs with drinks and cigarettes I’d drop $50 to $100 and not have an issue with it at the moment but yet claimed I couldn’t “afford” certain things.  

I can’t finish this blog without telling you the truth about how it affected my music career. If you are not familiar with my industry as a musician, well we have a lifestyle that is associated with it that defiantly involves booze.  We play in bars, have liquor and brewery sponsorships, free drinks all the time, etc.  These are not bad things it's just the way it is. I honestly didn’t drink much when I performed. I’d have a sip or two but that was it.  It was more so after and including being at some of our conferences where I’d be there for a few days and exhaust myself from staying up late and partying with various people. That would mess me up if I had meetings and showcases.  There was one year in particular that I think I stayed up till 5 am and fell asleep in someone else's hotel room and because I had barely any sleep, was dehydrated and smoked most of the night…..I sounded like garbage…at my SHOWCASE!  

I was embarrassed, disappointed, and frustrated yet carried on for a few more years, and guess who hasn’t showcased at that conference since?  Is it connected? I’m not sure but regardless if anyone from the industry was in that room that night I don't blame them for not jumping at the opportunity to work with me. 

I finally woke up and realized all of these things…I was mad at myself because I have two kids who deserved better than that. It was time to step up and put my family first and to do that I had to get myself to a healthier headspace!  

So that being said, I feel like I have had to work twice as hard to get back to the real level of my ability as a creator and with my most recent work, I know that none of it would have been possible without kicking the booze habit. I have had a lot of personal successes this year and want to keep the momentum going so you likely won't see me picking up a drink for a very long time if ever unless its a delish Libra non-alcoholic beer or mocktail!  I drink a lot of sparkling water and coffee anyway.  

If you are an artist on the East Coast there is an incredible peer support program through ECMA Wellness that meets bi-weekly you can attend and it is a safe space if you are looking to reduce your usage or give it up completely and Unison Benevolent Fund has resources for you free of charge as well and also please reach out to me directly if you ever have questions or want some encouragement of your own and I would be more than happy to personally be there for you.  (contact link below!)

XO - JR

 

Area 506 Recap and what's on deck!  

Here we are a few days into August and I am just very much unwinding from an incredible July. It was SOOO busy with music for me with some stellar shows! My heart is super happy with my band and all the humans who came to see us. I had a bit of a line up change in early June but ended up with a serious upgrade as fans are saying! 

I had 3 great shows lined up so especially for these I welcomed a bassist Chuck Teed, Keys player Huey Lord and also Amanda Doucet who is now doing beautiful backup vocals and percussion. They have been a wonderful addition to my lineup as they are joyful and professional so I'll use them whenever they can be on stage with me!  

Most recently with this new dream team, we played AREA 506 and honestly it was all fantastic. My band backing me up was amazing and it was one of my favorite performances to date!  

These Humans are super photogenic and its impossible to take a bad photo of them haha. I f you missed it well there have been loads of photos and videos from the weekend and See more photos and I’m LOVEING all the great posts from our set and the whole festival.  

Here are two of my favorite photos (so many tho)!!!  Check it out and let me know if you were there in the crowd!  All of these from Mathieu Savidant at AREA 506 because um ya he's incredible. 📸✌️

So now what's up? 

You can find me solo acoustic at the following festivals and events!  

(Tonight) August 4th 
Saint John NB 
Night Market Saint John 
6:00PM - 9:00PM  

Saturday August 13th   
Alma NB 
Rising Tide Trails & Tunes: Women in Song at the Molly Kool Centre 
7:00pm - 8:00PM 

Saturday August 25th  
Moncton NB 
Patio Fest - St. James Gate 
5:00PM - 7:00PM  

I hope to see you around this month!  

Love - JR 

P.S. I’m loving the spins on my music and the sweet playlist adds keep em coming! 

www.linktr.ee/jaclynreinhart for all streaming links (or simply search “Jaclyn Reinhart” on your favorite platform.  

 

Another one for the books - Farewell to 2021 

I feel like every year I say "well that was one for the books". This year was no different.  To take inventory of my year here is the breakdown.  

  • Started a band (The Fire Signs) 
  • Started a long-term relationship 
  • Started a new full-time job with an amazing company 
  • FINALLY finished & released my EP "Sleep with Ghosts" 
  • Released my very first ever Music Video! (Rearview - Check it on YouTube)
  • Had one child turn 18!  (Yes I'm that old)  
  • Had approx 30 performances despite COVID both solo and band!  
  • Did my very first mini-tour in Ontario both solo and with my band 
  • Ended long-term relationship (three weeks before Christmas) 
  • Received a raise for 2022 
  • Took my first two-week vacation ever 
  • Was awarded funding from the Govt. of NB/Music NB for the MID Program for recording, professional development, and touring 
  • Celebrated two years alcohol-free! 
  • Was awarded the SOCAN Foundation Professional DevelopmentGrant 
  • Paid off expenses for EP 
  • Worked with some incredible Co-Writers for new material  
  • Bought more cute dresses!!!! 

Let's talk about this, shall we?  

Funny, I can barely remember how I felt this time last year but this was the first year that felt like I could actually thrive after years of really just cleaning up messes and surviving. That might be the biggest gift I've ever given myself. I worked really hard over the past few years so it's very satisfying to know that it is paying off and I am seeing so much growth.  

The Relationship

I started 2021 single but then by February, I had finally taken the chance to open my heart again to another person after a long time of being single. It had been something I was so scared to do because I had been so broken in the past along with all the half-assed dates I had been on. He made me laugh and I was so excited to spend time with him.  We had a great honeymoon phase. 

I had to learn to open up and trust a bit more but also to stand my ground on what I truly want in a partner.  He was a safe place for me to heal for a while kind of like relationship rehab. Honestly, it was uncomfortable at times working through some triggers because we had such different communication styles and it caused a lot of friction.  

In early December...I made the tough decision to end it. Now I'm grieving what we had and what I was hoping to build with this person. I'm really sad with this broken heart at Christmas but my little bandaged heart just needs to catch up to my mind because I know I made the right decision. I still gave him the duck socks I ordered from amazon because they were funny. Although he has not acknowledged me at all since....that's just who I am and felt like it was the thing to do.  

The rest of the longer story of us will likely make its way into a new record because it still feels unresolved but I really did (or do) love him.   

Before I move on from my failed relationship actually if I think back to years ago. This year I celebrated two years alcohol-free.  You see old drinking Jaclyn would have got drunk, swiped tinder, and tried to get over it by not dealing with the hurt and disappointment. The fact that I've got through a fairly significant breakup right before Christmas and have no inclination to drink is a huge win for me.  I finally feel in control of it yet still have zero desire to sip OR date!!!!   

Now let's move on to much better things. I had one heck of a great year really and I wanna tell you more.  

The Job 

For a long time, I didn't feel like I should talk about the fact that I had to do anything other than music to survive. It was a pressure that I can't even explain. I wasn't trying to look the part of a full-time musician but I just didn't make it public.  The reality is that to make it a full-time job is just too risky for someone like me who is a single mom with two kids. 

So COVID kind of blessed me with no other option than to leave self-employment and find another source of income that would support my family and my creative endeavors.  

I'm happy and feel supported as a human and I have the vacation time that allows me to still perform music. So none of that will change any time soon. Music will always be a part of my life...kids only grow up once and it goes fast so I'm happy to be there for them in this way but also get to pursue my passion.  It's a good balance!  

It feels so great to be in this position and I have very grateful for the opportunity. (Shout out to BFF for the encouragement and reference)  

The Music 

Wowwee! 

It's been five years since I released any music. So this year was a huge deal for me. It was time-consuming, expensive, and stressful but it was all worth it. Having some pretty amazing people on the record was beautiful and I'm proud of it.  It got some attention from a few press outlets, 3 of my songs were added to really cool playlists on Spotify like the EH! List by Exclaim Magazine, it was voted favorite October Release on Americana Highways so now I'm on their "New Americana" playlist plus for the first time ever, I released a music video for Rearview, and it's at over 5000 views!  Check it out!  

Funds 

As far as funding goes I had some incredible support through the MID Program and am so grateful for the support of the Government of NB & Music New Brunswick. I was able to take my band to Toronto, cover a bit more of the expenses for the record, and take advantage of some professional development by working with mentors that have helped me define my goals and more.  I also was awarded a Professional Development grant through the songwriter's mothership in Canada the SOCAN Foundation!  I am so glad these programs are available for us artists because without them it would take much longer to achieve my goals or I'd need to take a second job that could take away more of my creative time.  

Speaking of now that the album is out and the new year is upon us...I'm going to be diving into more writing, co-writing more...then...more writing. The Fire Signs and I are looking to start creating together and will be playing more shows in 2022 both with myself as a solo artist and also as a unit. I CANT wait!  

Christmas 

I'm not done shopping but not worried about it. Mostly I enjoy the whole scene of the holidays with lots of great movies, food, and company. My kids and I love making hot chocolate and curling up on our big comfy corner couch and I can't wait to see them open presents on Christmas morning!  

To wrap it up 

There were some pretty major changes in my life that made for a remarable year and I am so grateful I was finally able to reap the seeds I had sewn over the years and actually enjoy the ride.   

I'm heading into the New Year with NO resolutions because I don't do that.  I like to see it from the angle of a renewed outlook on what I want to achieve in 2022.  I'm open to the possibilities in life and love. 

I hope you can reflect on the good stuff you experienced this year, learn from your mistakes, and heal from the hurt. 

All the best to you and yours in the new year. 

Love, 

Jaclyn Reinhart  

You can listen to my podcast version of this blog too! 

https://anchor.fm/jaclynreinhart/episodes/Another-one-for-the-books---Farewell-2021-e1brjtq

When I look in my "Rearview"   

I have so many great things to reflect on in the creation of my upcoming EP "Sleep with Ghosts" Now that I have released the first single "Rearview" I can talk about it a little more openly!!! 


This album and song in particular came to life when I needed it! I almost gave up on recording and pursuing music professionally in early 2020 but one person, in particular, pulled me out of it and I'm forever grateful for her advice, support, and guidance to take the next steps. You see I went through a really, really rough patch and wasn't sure I could recover emotionally or financially for a long time. This was right before the pandemic struck! I had to decide my artistic future to push forward to leave it in my Rearview.... but I chose music.  


What a time to start recording an album when we weren't allowed to breathe in the same room as other humans we didn't live with! I launched a crowdfunding campaign on Feb 24th and 3 weeks in we got shut down. I managed to complete the project and raised 107% of my goal thankfully. I had some pretty amazing people behind me! Now I can finally show you all the work that went into this! The team I built around me helped me grow exponentially on so many levels and some are still helping me on this path.  


Everything that happened along the road to making these 5 songs seemed to come together in just the way that served them well. John McLaggan helped me create the sound I was looking for and suggested some incredible musicians to work with. From my long-time friends and even bounced some tracks down to Nashville to bring together the songs in my new Americana Roots Rock vibe that well flirts with country a bit...I dunno maybe it's because I wear a hat now. I just hope Sheryl Crow and Tom Petty would approve!  

I'll speak to Rearview for this entry. This song came to life because I needed to fill a spot that I didn't want to leave empty. I reached out to a co-writer I had met through the Songwriters Association of Canada's Master Class during the lockdowns. Kim Williams and I had a chance to write together and became friends pretty quickly. We had been talking about doing more writing more together but I didn't think it would be for this record because I already had the songs picked...or so I thought. I ended up dropping a song that was intended for the record so I reached out to her to work with me she gladly obliged!  

When we first started talking about writing together we started a folder. She dropped in a list of potential titles. Rearview popped right out to me!  We had both been in some less than desirable relationship situations and had a cathartic discussion about that then started writing this track. 

We worked so well together and it turned into one of my absolute favorite songs that I've written/co-written. It's about the moment you find the sense of confidence to put an unhealthy relationship behind you and begin the healing process. I think we have all been there and know when it's time to move on, it just takes a little time. 

Now "Rearview" is beginning its journey as it has been officially released to the world for potential listeners who need to hear what we have to say. I have already made it onto some pretty sweet playlists so far like Exclaim!'s "Eh, List" debuting at #47, Canadas Music Incubators "CMI Supported" and more. I am very interested to see how it progresses. 

I hope you will take a few moments to check it out. Please hop onto your favorite streaming platforms to start playing and adding this brand new track to one of your playlists, share on socials and tag me @jaclynreinhartmusic or just tell a friend if you like what you hear! 

More music coming at you soon! 

Love, 

JR

www.rootsmusic.ca 

Self Love and Style - Podcast 

Over the past few years, the theme of my life has been on a radical self-love and acceptance journey as Amanda Hanson of Simplystylish.ca calls it. I worked with Amanda for helping me style my new album photoshoot and stage.

The one thing that shocked me was how connected our self-expression through our clothes are with our past and beliefs. She helped me move past some limiting beliefs about my wardrobe and helped me to express myself more authentically through my attire. That included me sharing my story with her.

Recently we teamed up for a crossover episode to release it on both of our platforms to talk a bit about my personal experience leading up to us working together.

You can watch the video below or choose your platform from one of the links!

The Essence of Jaclyn Podcast https://anchor.fm/jaclynreinhart - Listen on Spotify, Apple music and more! 

Women Disrupted Podcast www.simplystylish.ca/podcast

More on Amanda Hanson

She is a mom of two that always has a “healthy” stock of bacon in her kitchen. She also has a slight addiction to red lipstick. As a Style Coach, she has worked with hundreds of women who cut through the BS and shut down their negative self-talk. She shows women how to redefine their "beauty standards" so that they can fully embrace the body they are in. Amanda helps women unapologetically express who they are in their clothes and wants to challenge societal beliefs about body image so that it is a safer and shame-free world for the women of now and future generations.

You can find her many free tips and videos on Instagram at @simplystylish.ca and FB: @simplystylishInc If you want her to dive into your closet, then check out her services at www.simplystylish.ca

Here is our episode and please drop a comment if you enjoyed or if you have anything you'd like to add to our discussion.  

Keep loving yourself - You are worth it!

<3 Jaclyn