Jewel, renowned as a successful singer and songwriter, once faced homelessness and severe mental health struggles. In a discussion on the “No Magic Pill” podcast, she opened up about the hardships she endured growing up. Her mother left the family when Jewel was just eight years old. Post this, Jewel’s life took a challenging turn when her father became abusive after they moved back to his hometown.
Reflecting on her childhood in Alaska, Jewel shared how living without electricity and running water during her upbringing kept her grounded. “I made a promise at a young age to avoid drugs and alcohol,” she explained, noting how vividly she observed the negative impacts. By age 15, Jewel lived independently and moved to San Diego to care for her sick mother. However, financial struggles forced her to live in her car when her mother returned to Alaska.
Despite initial optimism, Jewel’s mental health declined significantly. “My panic attacks and agoraphobia worsened,” she recounted. Her situation compelled her to resort to shoplifting for essentials such as food and herbs for her health issues. “Stealing evolved into taking things I didn’t need,” she admitted, describing her struggle with compulsive theft.
During a moment of reflection, while attempting to steal in a changing room, Jewel faced a striking realization. She saw herself as a “homeless kid shoplifting,” understanding the potential dire consequences. A memorable quote about happiness struck her, leading her to decide to change her mindset and overcome her addiction.
To facilitate this change, Jewel adopted an unusual practice. She meticulously chronicled everything she did with her hands over two weeks. “I noticed I hadn’t had a panic attack in that time,” she observed. This practice of “being radically present” helped her focus on the moment, alleviating anxiety about an uncertain future.
Jewel emphasized that fear acts as a “thief,” depriving individuals of opportunities to change their lives. By facing her fears and refocusing her thoughts, she successfully transformed her life from one of hardship to one of accomplishment.