EPISODE 017: I’m Not Going Down Without a Fight - A Singer’s Story
“If this is how my life ends and it ends here today, that’s going to be okay. I’m okay with it, but I’m not going to go down without a fight,” says Christina Reckard, this week’s guest.
In this episode, Christina discusses the role music has always played in her life and how following her passions was not a choice but a necessity that led her to Nashville, TN where she was held at gunpoint at her own back door. She goes on to describe what it was like being attacked and what she learned from the experience.
In this candid conversation, Christina opens up about what her life was like growing up in a small town wanting to be a performer. She goes on to describe what it’s like now that she has pursued vocal performance in various bands, plus has recorded her own album.
Tune in not only to hear about hear how Christina got over one of the scariest events in her life and was able to stay in her house without skipping a beat, but also how she credits music for providing the most important and supportive relationships that played a role in the healing process.
LISTEN
HIGHLIGHTS
Christina describes where she grew up and what life was like growing up.
What it was like performing on a cruise ship.
How she decided to move to Nashville.
Pursuing what she really loves - performing and recording.
Working her way up in a record label.
What it was like to pursue a record deal with managers and producers.
“Everyone else was telling me who I wanted to be and I was not telling myself the kind of music I wanted to do.”
“Nothing could be worse than to follow my dreams but then to have it…not be what was truly me.”
Christina loves the music of the Mavericks and described getting to work with Raul Malo, who is one of her biggest musical influences.
Why what being successful in music means to Christina changed.
Working with Raul Malo and Eddie Perez on Kaleidoscope, Christina’s eclectic album with an Americana feel.
Performing at parties, festivals, 70s, and 80s music.
Currently, Christina is working to put a new band together focusing on Americana music. She’s subbing with bands doing 70s and 80s music.
Love of adventure and experiencing new things.
How important it is spending time with the people who matter the most.
How Christina balances time between a day job, pursuing music as a passion, and maintaining her personal life.
“When I’m at home, I’m home.” Compartmentalization is key.
Intentionally putting passions first and how that helps you be your true self.
Being married later in life.
What it was like being held at gunpoint - the full impact.
Christina didn’t allow being held at gunpoint to change her daily life.
A Neighbor noticed something strange and was able to catch a partial license plate number.
A positive experience with law enforcement who went above and beyond.
They caught the attacker and his girlfriend the same day.
What it was like in court - it was difficult to stand up in front of the attacker.
Why Christina would have been targeted.
Your life really does flash before your eyes - calmness occurred.
Emotional breakdown occurred after the detectives arrived - adrenaline kept Christina going until she felt like she was safe.
“Even though it’s a terrible situation, you really get to see the best in people.”
The healing process and the empowerment and education that came from the gunpoint experience.
How Christina made her decision to not change the way she lives because of being held at gunpoint.
The lasting impact of the attack.
The people who supported Christina during the attack were the people she met through music.
Being caring and loving is the most important thing.
TAKE AWAYS
List building.
Figure out those people in your life who you can delegate to.
Trusting those around you to help you.
“The urgent becomes important, but if we really stop and look and evaluate what brings us the most happiness, the most fulfillment, it’s not always those urgent things that seem to pop up in our days and distract us. So you have to be intentional [about pursuing your passion].”
If you think somebody is following you in the grocery store, don’t worry bout being paranoid. It’s okay to trust your gut and instincts. Ask a security guard to walk you out to your car.
If something looks out of place, don’t stop at home if you don’t feel comfortable. It doesn’t make you paranoid, it makes you aware.
“Sometimes you’ve gotta take the path that isn’t always obvious to other people.”
