“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.
“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.