“22” from Red
"22" has become a powerful testament to my personal journey. The song isn’t simply about partying or youthful abandon; it’s an intimate narrative of transformation. Each line reflects a piece of my struggle—whether it’s hiding behind distractions, seeking solace in humor, or recklessly chasing fleeting connections to fill an emotional void. Yet, amidst the chaos and messiness of my post-marriage life, there remains a persistent hope—a belief that even in confusion and loneliness, there can be moments of magic and healing.
"When Emma Falls in Love" from Speak Now
"Emma Falls in Love" isn’t just a song about romance—it’s about being watched, adored, and craved. It’s about longing, not just for love itself, but for the feeling of being wanted so intensely it borders on worship. That dizzying, intoxicating high of knowing you’ve changed someone, that you’re the thing they can’t stop thinking about. Listening to this song makes me think about an ex boyfriend of mine—the way he looked at me, the way I made him feel, and the way I fed off that attention like a drug. It wasn’t just about love. It was about power. About being something unforgettable.
"I Almost Do" from Red
Have you ever been caught in that quiet, late-night tug-of-war between your past and your progress? I Almost Do by Taylor Swift captures that exact struggle—the pull of old habits, toxic relationships, and the craving to return to what's familiar, even when you know it’s not good for you. This song speaks directly to those moments in recovery when it takes everything in you not to pick up the phone, not to pour that drink, not to fall back into old patterns. Let’s break it down and see how every almost is actually a powerful step forward.
“Babe” from Red
This song for me is about losing the trust of the one person I swore I’d protect, my younger self. The version of me who fought tooth and nail to escape chaos, only to watch me willingly run back into it. This is a letter to her, to the promises I made, and to the reality of what it means to break them.
"Change" from Fearless
“Change” perfectly captures the duality of my journey right now: balancing the necessity of my job with the passion and purpose of Swift Steps. Both are vital in their own ways, and while it’s hard to give so much of myself to both, I know it’s worth it.
This song reminds me to focus on the progress, the small wins, and the people who continue to believe in this mission alongside me Just like in early sobriety, where every day is about showing up, doing the hard work, and trusting that the struggle will lead to something better, my journey with Swift Steps is about building a foundation for something lasting. There are moments when it feels like I’m juggling too much or questioning whether I can keep up the pace, but this song reminds me why I keep going.
Effortlessness Is a Myth: Taylor Swift's Advice on Trying...
Taylor’s message debunks this myth. Effort is not something to be ashamed of...it’s what makes growth possible. Whether you’re in recovery or navigating mental health challenges, progress is never effortless. It’s messy, exhausting, and full of setbacks. But it’s also deeply rewarding. Recognizing this truth helps us let go of the pressure to look like we have it all together and focus instead on the work of healing.
This is where recovery spaces become invaluable. Unlike social media, which often amplifies feelings of inadequacy, these spaces are built on honesty and connection.
"Dear John" from Speak Now
“Dear John” is a deeply personal anthem for me, not because of a romantic relationship, but because it mirrors the complexity of being groomed and manipulated as a child. Writing this is part of my recovery—naming what happened, placing the blame where it belongs, and releasing the shame I’ve carried for too long. If you’ve experienced something similar, know that it wasn’t your fault, and healing is possible. Together, we can reclaim our stories and shine brighter than ever.
"Vigilante Shit” from Midnights
"Vigilante Shit" is my battle anthem against addiction. Every set of lines is a reflection of what it means to face addiction head on, call out its lies, and reclaim my power. Recovery isn’t about being perfect or pretending the past didn’t happen—it’s about owning my story, choosing myself, and proving that I’m more than the thing that tried to destroy me. This song is a reminder that even after the darkest betrayals, I have the strength to rise, to thrive, and to take back everything addiction tried to steal.
"Question…?” from Midnights
"Question...?" captures exactly how ruminating thoughts can hold you hostage. The endless loops of asking yourself "questions" is so relatable to anyone who’s ever been stuck in their head, replaying every little moment like it’s a bad movie they can’t turn off. Questioning every decision, every move, every word. This song is a reminder that ruminating thoughts will keep you stuck if you let them, and the only way out is to stop giving them the power to keep running the show.
"Illicit Affairs" from Folklore
This song breakdown is about the affair I had with my addiction—the intoxicating pull, the lies I told myself, and the parts of me I gave away without even realizing it. It reminds me of the time I lost to that betrayal—the promises broken, the lines crossed, the pieces of my life that scattered like shattered glass.
But it also reminds me of the strength it took to come back, to face the wreckage and start rebuilding. Addiction breaks you into a million little pieces, but recovery is about picking up each one, no matter how sharp or painful, and putting yourself back together again. It’s messy, it’s hard, and it’s worth every single step.
"Daylight" from Lover
"Daylight" is a celebration of self-love. It’s about stepping into the light of your own worth, seeing yourself clearly, and choosing to stay. For the first time, I’m not looking for love in someone else. I’ve found it in me, and I don’t want to look at anything else. Daylight is here, and it’s brighter than I ever imagined.
"Robin" from TTPD
This week’s reflection is inspired by "Robin,"a song that feels like a conversation with the child within us—the bold, curious, and fearless part of ourselves that existed before fear, shame, and self-doubt crept in. For me, it’s a reminder of the unrestrained curiosity I may have lost along the way and the resilience I’ve worked hard to reclaim in recovery.
The lyrics speak to the messiness of growth, the courage it takes to embrace imperfection, and the joy of rediscovering what makes us feel alive. As I reflected on "Robin," I found echoes of my own recovery journey—how structure and accountability gave me the foundation to rebuild, and how every step forward felt like reclaiming a piece of that lost freedom.
"The Manuscript" from TTPD
The Manuscript: Reflection of My Life is a story of revisiting the past to understand the present—a journey of peeling back the layers of pain, love, loss, and resilience. Much like flipping through an old book, I’ve found myself rereading chapters of my life that I thought I’d closed long ago. These chapters are messy, complicated, and sometimes painful, but they’re also filled with lessons that shaped who I am today.