What is Speak Now?

Welcome to our Speak Now meeting, where we gather to share stories, find support, and inspire each other on our recovery journeys. Every Tuesday evening, we open the virtual doors to a safe, inclusive space where Swifties and those on similar paths can speak their truth, reflect on their progress, and offer encouragement. This meeting is all about vulnerability and empowerment, where every voice matters, and healing happens together.

In each session, we explore themes of emotional growth, self-reflection, and the power of community. Whether you're navigating sobriety, mental health challenges, or simply seeking emotional connection, this is your space to share openly. We’ll dive into a curated theme, offer guided reflections, and leave with actionable insights to carry into the week ahead.

Each week, we invite a special speaker to share their story and wisdom, adding depth to our discussions and broadening the perspectives within our recovery community. Whether you're a long-time member or new to the space, we welcome you with open arms and a listening ear.

Best of all, this meeting is completely free! It’s a great way to check out our community with no commitment or cost, so you can experience the support and connection we offer, low-stakes and at no cost.

Why Speak Now?

Speak Now offers a chance to:

  • Inspire others: Your story could be the turning point for someone else in their recovery journey.

  • Create connection: Share your experience with a community that understands and values your journey.

  • Give back: Many members find strength in hearing from those who have walked similar paths, and your share can offer that same support to others.

We encourage authentic voices and real stories from all recovery paths. If you have a story to share, we want to hear from you!

Event Details:

Speak Now is structured to be a safe, supportive space where you can share your recovery journey with the Swift Steps community.

  • Event Format: A 30-40 minute share followed by a community discussion.

  • Date: Upcoming sessions are first come, first serve.

  • Platform: The event will take place via Zoom (link will be sent closer to the event)

  • Duration: The share will be about 30-40 minutes with a follow-up community discussion.

What to Expect When You Speak:

  • Inspiration from Speak Now: Just as Taylor Swift uses storytelling to express raw emotion and honesty in her album, we encourage you to speak from the heart. Your share doesn’t have to be “perfect”; it just has to be real.

  • Key Themes You Can Explore:

    • What life was like before recovery

    • Major turning points or challenges

    • The role music, especially Taylor Swift’s songs, has played in your healing

    • How recovery has shaped your life today

    • Personal lessons or growth

  • Courage to Share: Like Taylor did when writing Speak Now, we believe in courageously speaking your truth, even when it’s difficult. This is a space where you are heard, valued, and supported.

Speaker Guidelines:

You do not need to over prepare. In fact, sometimes too much planning can make it harder to speak naturally. Take what feels helpful and leave the rest. You do not need to cover everything, only what feels honest and true to you.

You might want to include:

Introduction:

  • Your name

  • Anything you’d like to share about your connection to recovery

What it was like then:

  • Struggles you were facing, whether related to substance use, mental health, relationships, or something else

  • What daily life looked like at that time

  • How you felt emotionally

  • How things impacted your relationships

  • Any major consequences or turning points

What it’s like now

  • What recovery or healing has changed for you

  • What daily life looks like today

  • How you’re doing emotionally and mentally now

  • What support system you’ve built

  • Milestones, growth, or wins you’re proud of

  • Ongoing challenges and how you work through them

Music and healing

  • Any songs, lyrics, or artists, Taylor or otherwise, that have carried you through

  • Personal stories about how music has shaped your recovery or healing journey

  • Ways music has helped you feel, process, hope, or keep going

Closing

  • Anything you’d like to leave people with

  • A moment of gratitude for your journey, the space, or the community

How to Apply to Speak:

If you’re interested in being a Speak Now speaker, simply follow these steps:

  1. Fill out the form below to apply.

  2. Suggest (3) Tuesday evenings that work for your schedule.

  3. We’ll review your application and get in touch to confirm your spot.

  4. Once confirmed, we’ll send you our Speaker Guidelines.

  5. We’ll send you a reminder email a few days prior to your date.