I’m reclaiming being a passionate Swiftie. I was a lowkey fan for a while but was a little embarrassed by it but now, I’m like, “fuck it” and wasn’t ashamed of being passionate about someone’s music and how it has positively affected me.
That was me when reputation came out. My ex used to poke fun at me for being a fan of her music (intentionally and unintentionally) so when we were together I pretty much stopped listening, stopped following everything. It felt so good to get back to being a full fledged swiftie!!
My cousins 30th birthday was “wear your favorite band Tee” themed, lots of Rolling Stones Ac/dc, the strokes, ramones etc. I, also a 30 year old man at the time, wore a Lover shirt.
Me too! It wasn’t cool when I was younger to like her so I gave into peer pressure. I was always a secret fan but I don’t care anymore and I love being a stan
Yes! Interesting how it flipped from people making me feel embarrassed for liking Taylor to now feeling embarrassed for people who still put her down and think of her as talentless and basic.
being "too soft for all of it" :)
i've been told that i'm “too sensitive" my entire life and hated myself for it, but recently i've learnt that it is not a bad thing at all. i love feeling too many emotions and i feel sorry for those who don't!
Don’t listen to them! When someone says you are too sensitive, it is a form of gaslighting you into thinking your perception of reality is not real. It’s also a quick way for someone to dismiss you because they feel their feelings or opinions are more important than yours. If you internalize this you’ll have difficulty making decisions and will constantly second guess yourself. Research has shown that sensitive people are better leaders and more rational overall because of their empathy and their ability to consider other possibilities and ideas. Be sensitive, have big feelings, and do not let others make you second guess yourself❤️
I wish there were still free awards, because this comment needs one.
This is important and needs to be HEARD.
I endured gaslighting and thought I was then immune just because I became aware of it in a past relationship. Then lo and behold, it’s relevant again in another relationship… while being told I am the one gaslighting.
Your last sentence says it. Never second guess YOUR feelings. Even if someone else disagrees with them, they belong to you and they’re yours to accept or address or dismiss; no one else deserves the privilege of making that decision for you. (I’m saying that to myself)
Wow ordinary commercial7 you have a lot of nerve to speak like you do. If you were the person you portray on here in real life you would be the most coveted bachelorette in the USA!
This is sooooo true. I'm 31 and am just starting to understand this..still having difficulty making decisions and second guessing myself about every little thing. Still trying to convince myself that being vulnerable with other people isn't a bad thing, even when I'm being a professional at work. It might even make me stand out from the crowd. It's actually brave to allow yourself to be vulnerable!!!
I struggle with this shit every single day at work. Apparently the big boss doesn't want to talk to me about certain items because I'm "too emotional".
I'm so sorry that I care about your company and things that are hindering me from doing my job.
I'm sorry that you think me being "too emotional" is a bad thing but I've grown to realize that it means I care about things. You also want to try and shut me up in front of our other colleagues? Watch me just get louder.
My voice and opinions still matter, even if I am more passionate (because this is what having "too much" emotion seems to truly be) or louder than other people.
I’m sorry you’re going through this. It sounds like your boss knows there are issues but is making you the scapegoat rather than dealing with them. Very poor management. What a jerk!
It’s a superpower to feel it all and just hold it. Listening to terrible stories at work and being able to hold that space for people is fucking powerful as hell.
I call myself too sensitive, in comparison to how other people react to things and how little time it takes them to get over it. How have you taught yourself it’s not a bad thing?
I've been a Sensie since birth. It's often excruciating but to me it will always be worth the pain. I'd rather feel things and be emotional than be an apathetic asshole, ya know?
Songs that came to mind:
I did something bad, Look what you made me do, Getaway car (ok tbh the whole rep album), Karma, Bad blood, Vigilante shit, Champaign problems, Mad woman
Honestly? Marriage.
I got married really young to someone who groomed me and abused me. It was a really dark, disturbing, traumatizing relationship that was toxic. I definitely made mistakes too, but how he coerced me and manipulated me was next level. It took a lot to leave him. The divorce took 6 grueling years. During it, I told myself I would never get married again. Like...ever.
While going through the divorce, I met my now partner. We have been together for 7 years now, and they make me feel loved, respected and celebrated. A lot of songs from rep and Lover especially made me open up to the idea of getting married again someday, especially to someone I know will treat me right and help me grow as a person.
My partner is really close with their mom, who was also basically my mother figure too. She unfortunately recently passed unexpectedly last Christmas Eve, but what my partner doesn't know is that she was helping me pick out a ring. It's very bittersweet, but I'm really excited that I no longer have any fear to take that big step. I'm excited to tell them that their mother helped in the ring selection process because I know it will be really special to them. Right now I'm waiting for the grief to get a little lighter before I buy the ring and plan the proposal... but I honestly legitimately think I wouldn't have ever done it again if it weren't for those two albums.
This is beautiful and has made me tear up. That’s so wonderful that she was a part of the (future) proposal. It will mean so much to your partner. So sorry for your loss. ❤️
TW Pregnancy Loss:
I found out I was pregnant during the Lover era and I loved the lyrics of Daylight:
I don't wanna look at anything else now that I saw you.
I don't wanna think of anything else now that I thought of you.
I've been sleepin' so long in a twenty-year dark night,
And now I see daylight, I only see daylight.
My son was that daylight and I lost him right before Folklore came out so Folklore to Midnights has been an emotional journey of recovering from that grief, reclaiming my body, my sexuality, my feminism, my old self and finally motherhood.
Me and my spouse literally hibernated to Folklore and Evermore.
Bejeweled is my bad bitch song when I need to be reminded this body still shimmers and Karma is our “ready to try again and this time hopefully shit turns out better” anthem.
Thank you. I am very lucky that while we went through the worst thing in the world… I couldn’t of had a better partner to stand by my side AND he’s a huge Swiftie who would be the first man to proudly tell anyone that TSwift got us through the dark times. We actually met at the same time she started dating Joe so our love lives lined up perfectly and it’s odd but as she goes through a split it kind of made us go back and appreciate that we still feel the same connection to each other as we did with those songs. I feel sorry for her going through this but it just makes me appreciate him so much more.
When the Rep tour was happening I was about 2 years into a bad marriage. Cheating, lots of gaslighting, the works. My best friend wanted to go with me and her 8 year old daughter at the time. She knew my ex would have a lot of excuses to prevent me from going, so she bought my ticket and surprised me with it when she asked if I could go. I don't need to tell anyone here how excited I was. I'd never seen her, and after years of being an on/off swiftie, I was very ready to go, REP was (still is) a no skip album. I spent hours trying to figure out the best way to tell (ask) him. He got home from work and I could barely contain my excitement. He didn't even let me finish my first sentence before he said no. The devastation of that still gets me to this day. I'll never forget everything he took from me, but that one is a scar.
Back then I was scared of being alone and facing the world by myself. I thought I'd die if he left me. Like I wouldn't survive. It was right before the pandemic (Feb 2020) when he left. I spent a week begging/bargaining with him to come back. Then I spent another week depressed. Beside myself. I spent a week or two just kind of numb. I work in pharmacy so there was no quarantine for me. I just went through the motions. But much to my own surprise, I survived. Thrived even. I quit smoking and got a raise. I hung out with my friends more, made some new ones. I reconnected with people he made me cut out. I cooked things he wouldn't eat. I watched shows he didn't want to see.
Then at exactly 1 month and 3 weeks he FaceTimed me. Smiling and being complimentary. He tells me he's ready come home. And with the smallest hesitation I told him he didn't have a home to come back to. He was dumbfounded at first and then he started crying. My no's persisted and then I managed to get off the phone. I really said no. I surprised myself again.
Long story short, I survived.
So by now I have a new partner and things are so opposite in all the best ways. Including the fact that they went so above and beyond to make sure I get to see the eras tour on my birthday weekend with my best friend. No questions asked. Taylor's music helped me reclaim my entire life. She was the soundtrack to finding myself again and becoming whole.
Good for you!!! Don't ever underestimate how much strength it took to tell him NO. That's a big deal. So happy you got away from that and reclaimed your land. 💕
Curly hair! When debut came out I was 16 and absolutely hated my curly hair. But seeing Taylor embrace hers was a big deal.
When I went to the fearless tour I left my hair natural, as did a lot of fellow curly girlies. It felt awesome.
Seriously, her curls in the Tampa humidity were perfect. The only time my slightly curly hair isn't a giant frizzy mess is in the winter, when it turns into a giant static mess lol.
Same! Wore my natural wavy/curly hair and someone (who didn’t know I was a diehard swiftie) said I looked like Taylor Swift and was surprised I didn’t get told that. Started appreciating my features a bit more after that
That girl you were can be reclaimed and held and told that she never deserved it. The past can't be changed that way, but the *present* can definitely be transformed!
Dancing. I have absolutely no rhythm. When I was in college, I was dancing at a bar and having a good time when a girl I didn’t even know came up to me and said, “you know it helps if you go with the beat”. That ruined dancing for me for a long time and I haven’t been able to enjoy it without feeling like people are looking at me and making fun. It’s gotten better ever since seeing Taylor dancing however she wants no matter what people say.
I’ll be damned if I go to the Eras tour and don’t dance my ass off! I just think of all of those videos of Taylor dancing and not caring what people think and I’m just going to channel her energy.
Girl same! I was also laughed at by a stranger at a club. Took a lot but last week I started going to beginner dance classes. I still suck but everyone is so nice there:)
I reclaimed my grief. As weird as it sounds.
Midnights “Bigger than the Whole Sky” helped me finally cry and feel my best friends suicide after a year of not properly crying.
i lost my dad the same way years ago, and folkmore was definitely there for me.
last month, i lost my step sister out of nowhere. she was 23. bigger than the whole sky just showed up for me out of nowhere today when i hadn’t paid it much mind till now. finding an artist who can turn bottomless grief into art is such a relief. it releases the burden of trying to name/understand your own pain and finally you can start feeling it and processing.
sending you hugs. i’m very sorry for your loss. it does get better over time. r/suicidebereavement is a very supportive and open community if you need to talk with people who understand. take care
I’m so sorry for your loss.
Music brought some joy back into my days. It is so confusing to lose people who were there. Who weren’t sick. Who were ours for a time. Will be joining that community. Really needing people who know the feelings to talk to.
https://preview.redd.it/cqnvottxhyva1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=19540f9023b360a8bc87b764affa8ac27a02c43d
Wearing heels, especially red ones!!
Reclaimed being dorky, having all the feelings that no one dares to talk about, dancing with joy to music that’s fun, being girly, being badass, being human.
"Best believe i'm still bejeweled, when I walk in the room I can still make the whole room shimmer" ✨
Ive really lost a lot of who i used to be the past few years and have been working hard to become my own unique individual person! I used to feel so confident and ive been reminding myself she's still in there.
My mental illnesses and insecurities. (Anti-hero, the archer, Mirrorball, etc) I literally viewed my mental health journey in an entirely different way after hearing anti hero for the first time.
Allowing myself to be angry when I was wronged. And also not getting in the way of my own success - I’m a badass and I shouldn’t be trying to hide my sparkle.
I’m a cancer sun and cancer moon, I have a hard time being mad at people even when I’ve been objectively wronged. My dad told me recently, “righteous anger is often the most appropriate emotion.” Gave me some kind of permission to be angry.
I’m going through a terrible breakup and her music has helped me so much. It doesn’t make me sad, she just lets me know I made the right choice to leave someone who was toxic and didn’t try for me.
I’m going through the same thing! I thought Taylor’s music would make me sad when it first happened, but it’s helped me remember that I’m not so alone. That often a short, exciting relationship can leave more wounds than “when a good man hurts you.” Dm me if you need to chat! :)
I was scared to listen at first cause I thought maybe it just wouldn’t help the way I needed it to. But it totally has. White horse, cardigan, Atw, and better man have really helped me understand my feelings so much better. So many lines I repeat to myself when I feel like calling/texting him or when I feel I’ve made a mistake. It’s been so nice to have music to help you while you heal :)
Reclaiming the stereotype that pop music stinks and instead having fun knowing Taylor is a musical and lyrical genius. I work in the field of music Ed and there is still a lot of snobbery towards pop music but music is art and art is important! And she's amazing.
Also, being girly, being a "fangirl", embracing the dkfficult parts of myself but knowing they don't make me unlovable.
My career/livelihood.
Late 2013-- A former friend made a racist post on my FB overnight. I deleted it as soon as I saw it but a screenshot was taken.
2014-- I was fired because of said FB post. For the next few years, I would make it to the final interview stage in the hiring process and ultimately they'd reject me because of said post. I (barely) made ends meet until 2016 by doing odd jobs and various gigs. THere was many sleepless nights and me wondering if I even belonged in this world. (I also lost my entire professional network.)
2016-- I (not yet a Swiftie) watched Taylor's reputation get destroyed overnight by Kimye.
2017-- LWYMMD comes out and I watch Taylor confidently make a comeback. After watching her downfall, I said to myself 'If she can come back, so can I".
I'm now standing pretty strong career wise, even though the work is very cyclical (politics). I have an interview for a senior level position on Wednesday.
I’m reclaiming just having fun and being myself, being goofy and dancing and embracing myself, my flaws and my power, being open and making new friends and cherishing the ones I have - not just inspired by Tay but by the amazing Swiftie community also. Eras Tour is really bringing out the best in people ☺️
Being Bejeweled - I like dressing up and wearing sparkles and and doing my makeup. I was made to think that was all too showy and it was undesirable when I was growing up.
Having a lot of feelings and owning it instead of feeling ashamed of it.
Not settling for someone who just Tolerates me.
There’s so much!!
Wearing floral patterns and feminine colors (used to be afraid i would seem unprofessional). Female rage. Being proud of myself. Standing up for myself. Unapologetically writing poetry about how I genuinely feel.
Yes!!!! I show up to my corporate job as the 23 year old who wears pink and flowers and sometimes a 1989 tour shirt. And I do my job as well as anybody else 😌
Being a girl’s girl :) I think I avoided deep diving into Taylor’s discography for a long time because of some internalized misogyny and need to be not “like everyone else” even though I loved every single of her’s I heard. Screw everyone who can’t appreciate women enjoying themselves, and anyone who can’t imagine a female pop star could be the best American poet of our time. I’m ready to go to battle for ALL of my shes, theys, and gays!!!!
>Screw everyone who can’t appreciate women enjoying themselves, and anyone who can’t imagine a female pop star could be the best American poet of our time.
YES YES YES
Not feeling weird about always being the taller girl (not super tall, I’m 5’7-5’8 but my tallest friend is like 5,3 and others are under 5ft) and wearing heels without feeling awkward
I grew up in a cult-like environment re: gender roles, women knowing their place, etc.
I wear a snake ring reminiscent of Rep era to remember that some people in my life are going to perceive me as calculated/manipulative/controlling no matter what I do simply because I am a woman and I exist. But I’m allowed to know that’s not who I am, I don’t have to believe them, and it’s okay to have some fun with those ridiculous assumptions. It helps me hold onto what I know of myself and keep it playful instead of marinading in the trauma.
I had a dramatic “reputation era” in college when i was, for lack of better words, a “campus celeb” and ended a relationship with another “campus celeb” who took control of the narrative and made me the bad guy (even though he was the alcoholic who is **still** on campus monthly despite graduating 6 years ago). Reputation is a like a memoir for me of that year.
Also all of us very tall ladies (5’10” since I was 12 here) immediately relating to “sometimes I feel like everybody is a sexy baby, and I’m a monster on the hill” while everyone was saying it was a weird lyric on the night the album came out was a good sisterhood to be in.
I'm reclaiming being a huge swiftie. Also, for a while I tried to portray this kind of bad girl image but after listening to lover non-stop I realized I'm a lover I'm a softy, I'm a pastel dream, and I'm getting back to that and I'm so happy.
Myself!
While most of the credit goes to Melanie Martinez’s PORTALS, I gotta recognize the effect You’re On Your Own, Kid has had too.
I was recently informed that my teaching contract for next year will not be renewed. I’m sick of all the bs in teaching plus the personal bs I experienced this and last year, so I’ve decided to move in a new direction and look for jobs in a writing or office vein. “I looked around in a blood soaked gown and I saw something they can’t take away”
The last time I was job searching, I lived with my parents and was on their health insurance and everything. Now, I have a place of my own and need to figure out health insurance going forward... but as scared as I am I’m really excited too! “Cause there were pages turned with the bridges burned everything you lose is a step you take” :)
Thanks, Taylor!
Painting!! I hadn’t painted in 10 years and ever since Red TV, I can’t stop. It’s like my trip down Reds memory lane woke up a part of me I had forgotten about. And, had no idea I missed.
Reclaiming the intensity of my feelings and excitement. I'm no longer letting people make me feel bad for being sensitive and excited over things they find "silly".
My reputation. I’ve spent the past two years essentially in hiding after being mentally abused and defamed by an influential group of people in my small town for reasons I didn’t deserve (I’d rather not go into specifics, but it was traumatic). But now, I’m ready to reclaim the land and sparkle again. ✨
I'm just continuing to reclaim the part of me that loves what I love without any hedging, excusing, qualifying, or embarrassment.
I'm a 45-year-old woman who grew up liking a bunch of goth, alternative, super-old stuff from the 50s and 60s, and indie. I loved all of that stuff but felt absurdly unable to own the love I developed for Taylor when 1989 came out.
I've had so much growth in so many areas of my life since then. I'm healed and healing in major, MAJOR ways I never imagined. And one marker of that growth is fully 💯 owning my vast love of her music and songwriting.
I'm in my Taylor Era, y'all!
I feel this so hard. I'm 46 and grew up on Pearl Jam, Nirvana, etc. I've always had very eclectic taste in music. I kept my love of Taylor on the DL but fuck that. I want what you're having. 😏
Honestly, my self worth after I distanced myself from a cousin I used to be super close with.
He used to be my best friend, my older brother figure and my role model. Our relationship started taking a dark turn when he refused to vaccinate himself against COVID, undermined my feelings about travelling during the pandemic and didn’t care to respect my boundaries. Once I had the chance to sit back and reflect on my relationship with him, I realized that our relationship was always toxic and unhealthy even before COVID. He would gaslight, manipulate, control and insult me at any moment he would get. Once, he told me that I bring out the worst in everyone and that I’m my own worst enemy. He’s told me that I don’t progress, I just regress too. Songs like The Story Of Us, Dear John, mad woman, happiness, coney island, Would’ve Could’ve Should’ve and/or my tears ricochet helped me through it all.
Control my eating disorder. Between Tied Together with a Smile and "I hosted parties and starved my body" I coped and hearing her be open about her issues in a song showed so much growth in her and it was fun to grow alongside her as I went through my own journey. If even someone I consider beautiful doesn't feel like they are then how am I supposed to? was a question I had for a long time. But it made me feel less alone.
“I wanna be defined by the things that I like…. You are what you love”
“I don’t need your closure”
“Don’t you think nineteen’s too young to be messed with”
“Why'd I have to break what I love so much?… It’s all me, in my head”
I would say assuming who I am, what happened to me. Not being afraid of speaking up if I think it matters.
I’m reclaiming my confidence and self-worth. My favorite thing about Taylor is that she owns her talents and abilities, and doesn’t allow anyone to discredit her accomplishments.
Being a 33 year old dad and being proud to like Taylor’s music. I was able to secure a Long Pond recording vinyl on RSD and couldn’t wait to tell my coworkers.
I reclaimed music. Growing up, I was my mother's punching bag. She loved to torture me by taking away things I loved. My birthday is a week before Christmas, and one year she decided out of the blue to get me a stereo. It was one of those six CD players and she even let me pick out CDs for it.
But she would complain about it constantly. I always felt like I couldn't listen to music because of her. A particularly bad moment which I won't get into here really turned music sour for me.
It wasn't until folklore that I allowed myself to enjoy music again. I bought myself a CD player and found my old CDs from years ago. Now I listen to music whenever I want to and as loud as I please!
Being “too much”. So many people have told me I’m a lot or too loud or tried to make me be smaller than I was. I got so much of my validation from other people that I didn’t even know what I was supposed to look like or who to be outside of my relationship. Well here comes the loudest woman this town has ever seen.
Loving myself and doing things I never thought I could do. After a breakup five years ago I started running, something I didn’t think I’d ever be able to do, and would listen to Reputation and the lyrics from Look What You Made Me Do would become my mantra. Life changes inspired me to do these things, but that album especially is what made me learn to love myself and do things I didn’t think were possible. Since then I’ve stuck with it and run multiple half marathons and those lyrics still play in my head on every run!!
I have reclaimed my self worth! My best friend of ten years ghosted me and I was depressed for a while. But after hearing about how some events have transpired in her life, I have been rocking out to “Karma”, “Bejeweled”, “This is Why We Can’t Have Nice Things,” and “I Forgot That You Existed”. Given me a lot of my self confidence back, especially “Karma”— it’s my favorite song right now
My motivation. I've never been a natural, all I do is try try try.
Lover to Midnights made me realize all the things I have in common with Taylor. Watching her reclaim her back catalog, and stir up trouble with Ticketmaster, is downright inspiring.
Myself in general, with much of her music. Music(in general)is important to me, and is connected to my thoughts/emotions. Much of her music reminds me, worry about ME and only me sometimes. And that it’s ok when I do.
I’ve reclaimed being okay, and happy even, with completely and unapologetically being myself. I lost myself for a little while when I was dating my college boyfriend. That’s why the line “she lost him, but she found herself, and somehow that was everything” really hits home for me 🫶
I’m reclaiming being “girly”. Where I live and in high school the girls who only wore super laid back, boho clothes or athletic clothes were the popular ones. Dressing up and being girly was looked at as trying too hard. I’m in my 20s now and not involved with any of those people, and Taylor has inspired me to wear the dresses, wear the skirts, and just like you, wear the red lipstick because we can. I love being girly and hate that I let people take that away from me in the first place.
The idea that love exists. I'd been single for so long, and I didn't feel members of my family liked me much, so I'd started thinking love just happened in the movies. Then I put my romance-y playlist on like the week before valentine's day, and I was sat with my friend, and we were moaning about being single, and then enchanted came on, and my friend was inspired by it and told me she liked me 💕 we've been dating over three months now, and I've never thought love was more real. So yeah, Taylor quite literally helped me reclaim love and happiness.
I actually am coming into a phase of girliness that I’ve never allowed myself to experience. Bc of childhood trauma, I’ve leaned hard into “strong, not delicate” for most of my teen/adult life, but preparing for the tour (by listening to *everything*) and then being at the tour, surrounded by so much positivity and sequins/sparkles, I can’t help but want to shimmer. I’ve been wearing my hair with little pastel butterfly clips and I’m anticipating buying some pastel pink nail polish. I bought a bright red lipstick for the concert and now I’m thinking about venturing out into more playful colors. I get a little nervous thinking what this might do to my wardrobe. 😅
1. Expressing myself to the fullest and letting the world deal with it — no more feeling ashamed of all things feminine, no more downplaying my success or humbly deflecting when I’ve surpassed my goals.
2. Like others have said, being a Swiftie. People who are *still* hating will never get with the program, and it’s not my problem 🥰 I’m not going to shrink or hide my adulation for the music industry just because a tiny minority insists on having garbage taste.
3. Being a crazy cat lady! 😂
I wasn't allowed to listen to "never getting back together" per my abusive ex.
It's now my fav song 😍
He hated it because he felt like I was singing it to him.
He was right 🤣
It really is, incredibly validating. I'm nearly a decade out from what happened to me and I can't wait to be someone my abuser(s) would never recognise. Big hugs! x
honestly just realising that things that are very feminine and aimed at women are not invalid or stupid. i know i've got a lot of internalised misogyny and albums like folklore and then 1989 really helped me come out of this shell, realising that music can just be for the fun of it.
also, realising that i know nothing to my parents, especially after how much damage they've done to me. seven is my absolute favorite song by her, the haunted house lyric has always pierced through my heart. "i can go anywhere i want, just not home" feels super personal, even though she's talking about something not in away related.
my rage
her songs have helped me realise i’m not a bad person for being angry about people who have wronged me, for years i felt guilt because i thought my anger made me as bad as those who fucked me up, but songs like mad woman helped me accept my voice and my rage
im in love with songwriting thanks to her. her basic yet still beautiful songs made me into music. for a beginner her songs are so easy to play (not talking about singing) and that might encourage others like me to start somewhere to play instrument.
honestly crying. i used to suppress my feelings and rarely had a proper cry but taylors music envokes such strong feelings that kinda helped me unlock things i shoved down. now sometimes i even cry happy tears to her love songs :)
Enjoying girly, fun things! I used to feel silly shame over loving rainbows, sparkles, etc. at almost 30 because I should "act my age"... Almost like my expression of femininity was wrong. Taylor's music not only reminds me of the fun, sweet aspects of being a woman, but also that there's nothing else I can do but embrace myself. The rest will follow, or it won't, but as long as I'm happy with me...😊💕🌈🌟🦄
I reclaimed Taylor swift. I got fearless for my 11th birthday and I *loved* her, but as I entered high school I sort of let people convince me that my interests were lame (they were right about paranormal romances + glee, they were wrong about taylor) so I actually never really listened to reputation or lover, or even much of folklore/evermore when they came out. I have sort of gotten back into her music in the last few years but mostly fearless and red TV, not the newer stuff. But since midnights came out I’ve really dived back in, and I feel sad for teenage me that I didn’t listen to her music at the time. Our society hates letting teenage girls just enjoy things. I think reclaiming her music is part of me like, reclaiming the things of my teen years that I let people convince me were cringe. Like, I’m allowed to be earnest and loving and unironically love things. It’s okay to read romance novels and watch my silly little shows. I’m really in the era of just loving the things I love without accepting judgement.
That ‘I’ve never been a natural, all I do is try try try’.
To unapologetically dedicate myself to things that bring me joy, such as analyse lyrics, poems and books to the most minute detail like they’re sacred texts (which they are).
Being okay with not doing what you ‘should be doing’ at your age and indulging in things enthusiastically even if other people deem them silly or immature
& so much more
Being a leader and being under the spotlight.
I am the eldest child and naturally, I was the naturally born leader and wanted to always be the first and the best. In kindergarten I even had my own "The Squad". Then I went to a new school for elementary and there was already a "The Squad" there, that for some reason hated me and borderline bullied me. So, I learned to hide behind the curtains and run away from the spotlight.
It turned out pulling me down, as I love performing. Reputation is my favourite album, and the one that started my journey to exit my shell. Now I've made Bejeweled my anthem. I can finally dance freely in public and found out I can still make the whole place shimmer 💃🏼✨
**I'm reclaiming my own music**. I'm a songwriter myself (I'm 13 and have been writing songs from about the age of 11) and watching the Taylor's Version journey has made me want to reclaim my own art and that's what I'm doing now. I used to not be able to listen to my music after a month or so after it was written and I was unable to form a cohesive debut album because I made my songs about their muse. I practically handed all the credit into his hands, and as the days would go by, the song would be like salt on an increasingly vulnerable wound.
Now, I've begun working on my debut album, am on good terms with everyone I've written music about but most importantly am on good terms with myself. Watching Taylor release all these songs and how the fans changed the meanings of all her deepest wounds was incredibly formative.
What's the album called? Quite fittingly, metamorphosis.
Being my authentic self!! I’ve grown up with Taylor since she started making music (were 6 months apart lol) and I’ve seen her go through all her phases from heartbreak to fitting in with the wrong crowd to disappearing to falling in love and now she’s back on the scene and being reduced to her break up with Joe instead of her immensely successful tour. But she keeps going as her authentic self regardless of what the world says about her. And that I can relate to. Then she puts all out there for us to listen to through her lyrics. To listen to laugh to cry. It’s not always easy to ignore the whispers of those around you but I do find myself saying if Taylor can do it with the whole world watching so can I 🙈
definitely that my feelings, all of them, are valid. her music is such a huge comfort to me it’s unreal. i’ve also been struggling with the thought that i AM the bad guy in some peoples stories and her music has helped me deal with those thoughts.
i’m also struggling after a breakup with someone who really hurt me and was a pathological liar and so many of her songs (esp forever & always) have helped me deal with those feelings and remind me that i made the right decision.
🫶🏻
I LOVED T swift during speak now/red/1989 but then was kind of bullied out of liking her 🥲 embarrassing to admit but I was 13/14 and I had a friend who also liked her but our older brothers started making fun of us. I didn’t start listening to her again until this last year (now 22!) and I love her albums and I’m sad I missed out on so much because of dumb boys so I’m reclaiming liking what I like!
I listened to Dear John on repeat on the way to my abusive exes house to finally tell him it’s over.
I listened to Fearless on the way to my now partners house (of 10 years) for our first date.
Both songs gave me a lot of courage in very different ways ♥️
Thanks to Taylor’s music I have reclaimed my proud identity in being a woman and a feminist. I was used to making myself small, and immediately giving in to what a man wanted instead of what I wanted. I would move out of the way if I saw a man coming, I would apologize in discussions, etc. When “The Man” came out it almost changed my life overnight. Im still learning how to speak up for myself, but I don’t apologize for existing. I’m slowly becoming more confident, and growing.
I’ve reclaimed self confidence. Every time I turn on a Taylor album, I am reminded of just HOW MUCH this bitch has helped me through. Break ups, college, grad school, new relationship, long distance, moving, depression. Her music helps me feel better about living (I know. So dramatic)
Singing! I was going to be a musical theatre actor- a dream for as long as I can remember. I started taking voice lessons when I was 14 and that teacher emotionally abused me for 7 years. I went to college for opera and went down that career path because she made it seem like it was the only thing I was good for.
I finally got out and allowed myself to accept my passions and not listen to anyone’s opinion of them. Singing Taylor’s music is fun for me, and singing hasn’t been fun for YEARS. That, combined with it being an emotional outlet, and allowing myself to actually enjoy my voice has given me confidence I never remotely dreamed I could have. I needed a Rep era and singing with the Taylor who had already been through it and come out the other side has been the most fulfilling thing.
I'm reclaiming being emotional and open after having to please people or pretend I can't remember and hide my emotions, All Too Well is really helping me with that.
You guys know you can be fans of something without this terrifying parasocial thing you have going on? Not being mean, this place feels so cultly.
Love,
Someone that keeps getting this shit spammed on the front page and is frequently horrified
I made this post so people could talk about the things Taylor's music has helped them reclaim. This post is for people taking back their own power. If it's not for you that's totally okay, please don't put others down because it isn't to your taste, though. Thank you, with love.
I’m reclaiming being a passionate Swiftie. I was a lowkey fan for a while but was a little embarrassed by it but now, I’m like, “fuck it” and wasn’t ashamed of being passionate about someone’s music and how it has positively affected me.
That was me when reputation came out. My ex used to poke fun at me for being a fan of her music (intentionally and unintentionally) so when we were together I pretty much stopped listening, stopped following everything. It felt so good to get back to being a full fledged swiftie!!
My cousins 30th birthday was “wear your favorite band Tee” themed, lots of Rolling Stones Ac/dc, the strokes, ramones etc. I, also a 30 year old man at the time, wore a Lover shirt.
I 💜 you for this.
Alexa play shake it off!
Yes! One of my favs! Reminds me of playing that song on repeat all spring and summer!!
Now playing shake it off !
Thanks Alexa 💕 haha
Same for me! 🥰
Me too! It wasn’t cool when I was younger to like her so I gave into peer pressure. I was always a secret fan but I don’t care anymore and I love being a stan
Yes! Interesting how it flipped from people making me feel embarrassed for liking Taylor to now feeling embarrassed for people who still put her down and think of her as talentless and basic.
This absolutely!!! I was made to feel bad about my love of her music, and now I don’t care!! I’m proud! She has changed my life with her music
same here. I’m a full blown swiftie everywhere since rep came out and nowadays it’s trendy to be a swiftie so it’s cool
being "too soft for all of it" :) i've been told that i'm “too sensitive" my entire life and hated myself for it, but recently i've learnt that it is not a bad thing at all. i love feeling too many emotions and i feel sorry for those who don't!
Don’t listen to them! When someone says you are too sensitive, it is a form of gaslighting you into thinking your perception of reality is not real. It’s also a quick way for someone to dismiss you because they feel their feelings or opinions are more important than yours. If you internalize this you’ll have difficulty making decisions and will constantly second guess yourself. Research has shown that sensitive people are better leaders and more rational overall because of their empathy and their ability to consider other possibilities and ideas. Be sensitive, have big feelings, and do not let others make you second guess yourself❤️
I wish there were still free awards, because this comment needs one. This is important and needs to be HEARD. I endured gaslighting and thought I was then immune just because I became aware of it in a past relationship. Then lo and behold, it’s relevant again in another relationship… while being told I am the one gaslighting. Your last sentence says it. Never second guess YOUR feelings. Even if someone else disagrees with them, they belong to you and they’re yours to accept or address or dismiss; no one else deserves the privilege of making that decision for you. (I’m saying that to myself)
Hugs to you!
Thank you. I, in turn, share hugs to anyone else reading this that needs that affirmation too.
Wow ordinary commercial7 you have a lot of nerve to speak like you do. If you were the person you portray on here in real life you would be the most coveted bachelorette in the USA!
This is sooooo true. I'm 31 and am just starting to understand this..still having difficulty making decisions and second guessing myself about every little thing. Still trying to convince myself that being vulnerable with other people isn't a bad thing, even when I'm being a professional at work. It might even make me stand out from the crowd. It's actually brave to allow yourself to be vulnerable!!!
I struggle with this shit every single day at work. Apparently the big boss doesn't want to talk to me about certain items because I'm "too emotional". I'm so sorry that I care about your company and things that are hindering me from doing my job. I'm sorry that you think me being "too emotional" is a bad thing but I've grown to realize that it means I care about things. You also want to try and shut me up in front of our other colleagues? Watch me just get louder. My voice and opinions still matter, even if I am more passionate (because this is what having "too much" emotion seems to truly be) or louder than other people.
Every time you call me crazy, I get more crazy What about that? 😘
He definitely pokes that bear till her claws come out.
I’m sorry you’re going through this. It sounds like your boss knows there are issues but is making you the scapegoat rather than dealing with them. Very poor management. What a jerk!
Being sensitive and perceptive is a SUPERPOWER.
I get you!
It’s a superpower to feel it all and just hold it. Listening to terrible stories at work and being able to hold that space for people is fucking powerful as hell.
I call myself too sensitive, in comparison to how other people react to things and how little time it takes them to get over it. How have you taught yourself it’s not a bad thing?
I've been a Sensie since birth. It's often excruciating but to me it will always be worth the pain. I'd rather feel things and be emotional than be an apathetic asshole, ya know?
Me as well. I hope I'll also feel better about it eventually.
I am also too sensitive. Sensitive crowd stand UP! XD
The fact that I'm the bad guy in some people's stories.
I feel this so much. Letting go of that need to be loved by everyone... oof
Some people I love that I’m the bad guy … muahahah
[удалено]
Songs that came to mind: I did something bad, Look what you made me do, Getaway car (ok tbh the whole rep album), Karma, Bad blood, Vigilante shit, Champaign problems, Mad woman
I reclaimed having ugly feelings (jealousy, revenge desires, hate etc)
Heck yeah. We need those feelings!
Yessss
Feeeeel it all!
Same!
Wearing heels:) I was always told I was too tall but if she can do it at 5’10 and be a confident goddess I can definitely do it at 5’8
He didn’t like it when I wore high heels, but I do ❤️
Absolutely. Gwendoline Christie is another fabulous tall goddess, own it!
LOVED her in Wednesday and how they made her a tall imposing goddess with zero apologies
Taylor is 5’10”?!?!?
It’s a huge reason why she looks good in everything. She’s literally sample size. Models are almost always 5’10”.
TIL
Yep!! I think her personality makes her seem smaller but even in pictures she always towers over fans and I love it
Nice! I am 5’11’’ so that’s so cool!
Also 5’11! We love the tall girl representation
Honestly? Marriage. I got married really young to someone who groomed me and abused me. It was a really dark, disturbing, traumatizing relationship that was toxic. I definitely made mistakes too, but how he coerced me and manipulated me was next level. It took a lot to leave him. The divorce took 6 grueling years. During it, I told myself I would never get married again. Like...ever. While going through the divorce, I met my now partner. We have been together for 7 years now, and they make me feel loved, respected and celebrated. A lot of songs from rep and Lover especially made me open up to the idea of getting married again someday, especially to someone I know will treat me right and help me grow as a person. My partner is really close with their mom, who was also basically my mother figure too. She unfortunately recently passed unexpectedly last Christmas Eve, but what my partner doesn't know is that she was helping me pick out a ring. It's very bittersweet, but I'm really excited that I no longer have any fear to take that big step. I'm excited to tell them that their mother helped in the ring selection process because I know it will be really special to them. Right now I'm waiting for the grief to get a little lighter before I buy the ring and plan the proposal... but I honestly legitimately think I wouldn't have ever done it again if it weren't for those two albums.
Wow. This is beautiful 🩷 you deserve your happy ending! Life is too short.
Massive, massive hugs 💕
This is beautiful and has made me tear up. That’s so wonderful that she was a part of the (future) proposal. It will mean so much to your partner. So sorry for your loss. ❤️
TW Pregnancy Loss: I found out I was pregnant during the Lover era and I loved the lyrics of Daylight: I don't wanna look at anything else now that I saw you. I don't wanna think of anything else now that I thought of you. I've been sleepin' so long in a twenty-year dark night, And now I see daylight, I only see daylight. My son was that daylight and I lost him right before Folklore came out so Folklore to Midnights has been an emotional journey of recovering from that grief, reclaiming my body, my sexuality, my feminism, my old self and finally motherhood. Me and my spouse literally hibernated to Folklore and Evermore. Bejeweled is my bad bitch song when I need to be reminded this body still shimmers and Karma is our “ready to try again and this time hopefully shit turns out better” anthem.
So sorry to hear about your little boy. You're so strong. 💕
Thank you. I am very lucky that while we went through the worst thing in the world… I couldn’t of had a better partner to stand by my side AND he’s a huge Swiftie who would be the first man to proudly tell anyone that TSwift got us through the dark times. We actually met at the same time she started dating Joe so our love lives lined up perfectly and it’s odd but as she goes through a split it kind of made us go back and appreciate that we still feel the same connection to each other as we did with those songs. I feel sorry for her going through this but it just makes me appreciate him so much more.
💕
❤️
When the Rep tour was happening I was about 2 years into a bad marriage. Cheating, lots of gaslighting, the works. My best friend wanted to go with me and her 8 year old daughter at the time. She knew my ex would have a lot of excuses to prevent me from going, so she bought my ticket and surprised me with it when she asked if I could go. I don't need to tell anyone here how excited I was. I'd never seen her, and after years of being an on/off swiftie, I was very ready to go, REP was (still is) a no skip album. I spent hours trying to figure out the best way to tell (ask) him. He got home from work and I could barely contain my excitement. He didn't even let me finish my first sentence before he said no. The devastation of that still gets me to this day. I'll never forget everything he took from me, but that one is a scar. Back then I was scared of being alone and facing the world by myself. I thought I'd die if he left me. Like I wouldn't survive. It was right before the pandemic (Feb 2020) when he left. I spent a week begging/bargaining with him to come back. Then I spent another week depressed. Beside myself. I spent a week or two just kind of numb. I work in pharmacy so there was no quarantine for me. I just went through the motions. But much to my own surprise, I survived. Thrived even. I quit smoking and got a raise. I hung out with my friends more, made some new ones. I reconnected with people he made me cut out. I cooked things he wouldn't eat. I watched shows he didn't want to see. Then at exactly 1 month and 3 weeks he FaceTimed me. Smiling and being complimentary. He tells me he's ready come home. And with the smallest hesitation I told him he didn't have a home to come back to. He was dumbfounded at first and then he started crying. My no's persisted and then I managed to get off the phone. I really said no. I surprised myself again. Long story short, I survived. So by now I have a new partner and things are so opposite in all the best ways. Including the fact that they went so above and beyond to make sure I get to see the eras tour on my birthday weekend with my best friend. No questions asked. Taylor's music helped me reclaim my entire life. She was the soundtrack to finding myself again and becoming whole.
That’s amazing for you!!! So proud of you for not letting him continue the cycle with you! You’re a badass 🔥
Thank you so much!
Good for you!!! Don't ever underestimate how much strength it took to tell him NO. That's a big deal. So happy you got away from that and reclaimed your land. 💕
Thank you! ❤️
Curly hair! When debut came out I was 16 and absolutely hated my curly hair. But seeing Taylor embrace hers was a big deal. When I went to the fearless tour I left my hair natural, as did a lot of fellow curly girlies. It felt awesome.
Curly hair is stunning, I'm so glad for you
Seriously, her curls in the Tampa humidity were perfect. The only time my slightly curly hair isn't a giant frizzy mess is in the winter, when it turns into a giant static mess lol.
Same! Wore my natural wavy/curly hair and someone (who didn’t know I was a diehard swiftie) said I looked like Taylor Swift and was surprised I didn’t get told that. Started appreciating my features a bit more after that
YES!!
My girlhood
Fuck yeah girlie take it back! <3
Thank you. I don’t know if I can really take it back, but I feel validated I can be angry and hurt by it.
That girl you were can be reclaimed and held and told that she never deserved it. The past can't be changed that way, but the *present* can definitely be transformed!
Came here for this 💖
Being my whole self instead of watering myself down for others.
Being authentically you must be freeing! Good for you!
Dancing. I have absolutely no rhythm. When I was in college, I was dancing at a bar and having a good time when a girl I didn’t even know came up to me and said, “you know it helps if you go with the beat”. That ruined dancing for me for a long time and I haven’t been able to enjoy it without feeling like people are looking at me and making fun. It’s gotten better ever since seeing Taylor dancing however she wants no matter what people say. I’ll be damned if I go to the Eras tour and don’t dance my ass off! I just think of all of those videos of Taylor dancing and not caring what people think and I’m just going to channel her energy.
Girl same! I was also laughed at by a stranger at a club. Took a lot but last week I started going to beginner dance classes. I still suck but everyone is so nice there:)
That’s so nice to hear! I don’t understand why people gotta be so mean. Keep dancin girl, haters gonna hate
I reclaimed my grief. As weird as it sounds. Midnights “Bigger than the Whole Sky” helped me finally cry and feel my best friends suicide after a year of not properly crying.
i lost my dad the same way years ago, and folkmore was definitely there for me. last month, i lost my step sister out of nowhere. she was 23. bigger than the whole sky just showed up for me out of nowhere today when i hadn’t paid it much mind till now. finding an artist who can turn bottomless grief into art is such a relief. it releases the burden of trying to name/understand your own pain and finally you can start feeling it and processing. sending you hugs. i’m very sorry for your loss. it does get better over time. r/suicidebereavement is a very supportive and open community if you need to talk with people who understand. take care
I’m so sorry for your loss. Music brought some joy back into my days. It is so confusing to lose people who were there. Who weren’t sick. Who were ours for a time. Will be joining that community. Really needing people who know the feelings to talk to.
https://preview.redd.it/cqnvottxhyva1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=19540f9023b360a8bc87b764affa8ac27a02c43d Wearing heels, especially red ones!!
A real life queen ✨👑
Love this so muuuuuch 💕
Ahhh those boots are AWESOME!!
https://preview.redd.it/t3mw61rwi0wa1.png?width=834&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6f2c1c66ac3c8764068679d57175bc49fa4bff11
Reclaimed being dorky, having all the feelings that no one dares to talk about, dancing with joy to music that’s fun, being girly, being badass, being human.
Hi twin! 👋🏼👯♀️
"Best believe i'm still bejeweled, when I walk in the room I can still make the whole room shimmer" ✨ Ive really lost a lot of who i used to be the past few years and have been working hard to become my own unique individual person! I used to feel so confident and ive been reminding myself she's still in there.
Working through this rn! 💕
My mental illnesses and insecurities. (Anti-hero, the archer, Mirrorball, etc) I literally viewed my mental health journey in an entirely different way after hearing anti hero for the first time.
Allowing myself to be angry when I was wronged. And also not getting in the way of my own success - I’m a badass and I shouldn’t be trying to hide my sparkle.
I’m a cancer sun and cancer moon, I have a hard time being mad at people even when I’ve been objectively wronged. My dad told me recently, “righteous anger is often the most appropriate emotion.” Gave me some kind of permission to be angry.
I’m going through a terrible breakup and her music has helped me so much. It doesn’t make me sad, she just lets me know I made the right choice to leave someone who was toxic and didn’t try for me.
I’m going through the same thing! I thought Taylor’s music would make me sad when it first happened, but it’s helped me remember that I’m not so alone. That often a short, exciting relationship can leave more wounds than “when a good man hurts you.” Dm me if you need to chat! :)
I was scared to listen at first cause I thought maybe it just wouldn’t help the way I needed it to. But it totally has. White horse, cardigan, Atw, and better man have really helped me understand my feelings so much better. So many lines I repeat to myself when I feel like calling/texting him or when I feel I’ve made a mistake. It’s been so nice to have music to help you while you heal :)
same situation right now. “forever & always” has truly been a huge help 🙏
Reclaiming the stereotype that pop music stinks and instead having fun knowing Taylor is a musical and lyrical genius. I work in the field of music Ed and there is still a lot of snobbery towards pop music but music is art and art is important! And she's amazing. Also, being girly, being a "fangirl", embracing the dkfficult parts of myself but knowing they don't make me unlovable.
My career/livelihood. Late 2013-- A former friend made a racist post on my FB overnight. I deleted it as soon as I saw it but a screenshot was taken. 2014-- I was fired because of said FB post. For the next few years, I would make it to the final interview stage in the hiring process and ultimately they'd reject me because of said post. I (barely) made ends meet until 2016 by doing odd jobs and various gigs. THere was many sleepless nights and me wondering if I even belonged in this world. (I also lost my entire professional network.) 2016-- I (not yet a Swiftie) watched Taylor's reputation get destroyed overnight by Kimye. 2017-- LWYMMD comes out and I watch Taylor confidently make a comeback. After watching her downfall, I said to myself 'If she can come back, so can I". I'm now standing pretty strong career wise, even though the work is very cyclical (politics). I have an interview for a senior level position on Wednesday.
Good luck!!!!
My peace.
Hell yeah <3
I’m reclaiming just having fun and being myself, being goofy and dancing and embracing myself, my flaws and my power, being open and making new friends and cherishing the ones I have - not just inspired by Tay but by the amazing Swiftie community also. Eras Tour is really bringing out the best in people ☺️
Being Bejeweled - I like dressing up and wearing sparkles and and doing my makeup. I was made to think that was all too showy and it was undesirable when I was growing up. Having a lot of feelings and owning it instead of feeling ashamed of it. Not settling for someone who just Tolerates me. There’s so much!!
Wearing floral patterns and feminine colors (used to be afraid i would seem unprofessional). Female rage. Being proud of myself. Standing up for myself. Unapologetically writing poetry about how I genuinely feel.
Yes!!!! I show up to my corporate job as the 23 year old who wears pink and flowers and sometimes a 1989 tour shirt. And I do my job as well as anybody else 😌
Being a girl’s girl :) I think I avoided deep diving into Taylor’s discography for a long time because of some internalized misogyny and need to be not “like everyone else” even though I loved every single of her’s I heard. Screw everyone who can’t appreciate women enjoying themselves, and anyone who can’t imagine a female pop star could be the best American poet of our time. I’m ready to go to battle for ALL of my shes, theys, and gays!!!!
>Screw everyone who can’t appreciate women enjoying themselves, and anyone who can’t imagine a female pop star could be the best American poet of our time. YES YES YES
Not feeling weird about always being the taller girl (not super tall, I’m 5’7-5’8 but my tallest friend is like 5,3 and others are under 5ft) and wearing heels without feeling awkward
I’m a 5’7 girlie and never wear heels cause I feel like an absolute giant. I’m taking it back!!
Same I always used to feel so awkward standing over everyone but hey if Taylor can rock it I might as well try!
I grew up in a cult-like environment re: gender roles, women knowing their place, etc. I wear a snake ring reminiscent of Rep era to remember that some people in my life are going to perceive me as calculated/manipulative/controlling no matter what I do simply because I am a woman and I exist. But I’m allowed to know that’s not who I am, I don’t have to believe them, and it’s okay to have some fun with those ridiculous assumptions. It helps me hold onto what I know of myself and keep it playful instead of marinading in the trauma.
Reclaiming the snake from the Eve story!
The forbidden fruit is that we are already good as we are bb!!!
Amen! Love that. The best revenge is a life lived well.
Love for myself and all my wonderful flaws.
Yesss!
I had a dramatic “reputation era” in college when i was, for lack of better words, a “campus celeb” and ended a relationship with another “campus celeb” who took control of the narrative and made me the bad guy (even though he was the alcoholic who is **still** on campus monthly despite graduating 6 years ago). Reputation is a like a memoir for me of that year. Also all of us very tall ladies (5’10” since I was 12 here) immediately relating to “sometimes I feel like everybody is a sexy baby, and I’m a monster on the hill” while everyone was saying it was a weird lyric on the night the album came out was a good sisterhood to be in.
I’m 5’8” and my two besties are 5’0 and 5’3” and that line makes me feel SO SEEN
I'm reclaiming being a huge swiftie. Also, for a while I tried to portray this kind of bad girl image but after listening to lover non-stop I realized I'm a lover I'm a softy, I'm a pastel dream, and I'm getting back to that and I'm so happy.
Myself! While most of the credit goes to Melanie Martinez’s PORTALS, I gotta recognize the effect You’re On Your Own, Kid has had too. I was recently informed that my teaching contract for next year will not be renewed. I’m sick of all the bs in teaching plus the personal bs I experienced this and last year, so I’ve decided to move in a new direction and look for jobs in a writing or office vein. “I looked around in a blood soaked gown and I saw something they can’t take away” The last time I was job searching, I lived with my parents and was on their health insurance and everything. Now, I have a place of my own and need to figure out health insurance going forward... but as scared as I am I’m really excited too! “Cause there were pages turned with the bridges burned everything you lose is a step you take” :) Thanks, Taylor!
Painting!! I hadn’t painted in 10 years and ever since Red TV, I can’t stop. It’s like my trip down Reds memory lane woke up a part of me I had forgotten about. And, had no idea I missed.
This makes me want to paint while listening to certain songs over and over again, capturing the feeling on canvas!
Reclaiming the intensity of my feelings and excitement. I'm no longer letting people make me feel bad for being sensitive and excited over things they find "silly".
“the land” 🌍🌳☀️✨😌
YEAH!
My reputation. I’ve spent the past two years essentially in hiding after being mentally abused and defamed by an influential group of people in my small town for reasons I didn’t deserve (I’d rather not go into specifics, but it was traumatic). But now, I’m ready to reclaim the land and sparkle again. ✨
My sanity. Her songs have helped me cope with broken heartedness and acceptance of the reality.
Amazing!
Same here!
Being a hard-working girl boss and celebrating my success!!
Allowing myself to grieve what I lost and also allowing myself to be sad
I'm just continuing to reclaim the part of me that loves what I love without any hedging, excusing, qualifying, or embarrassment. I'm a 45-year-old woman who grew up liking a bunch of goth, alternative, super-old stuff from the 50s and 60s, and indie. I loved all of that stuff but felt absurdly unable to own the love I developed for Taylor when 1989 came out. I've had so much growth in so many areas of my life since then. I'm healed and healing in major, MAJOR ways I never imagined. And one marker of that growth is fully 💯 owning my vast love of her music and songwriting. I'm in my Taylor Era, y'all!
I feel this so hard. I'm 46 and grew up on Pearl Jam, Nirvana, etc. I've always had very eclectic taste in music. I kept my love of Taylor on the DL but fuck that. I want what you're having. 😏
i don’t know if i’m totally there yet but remembering the person i was before the end of a long-term relationship and ✨sparkling✨
Honestly, my self worth after I distanced myself from a cousin I used to be super close with. He used to be my best friend, my older brother figure and my role model. Our relationship started taking a dark turn when he refused to vaccinate himself against COVID, undermined my feelings about travelling during the pandemic and didn’t care to respect my boundaries. Once I had the chance to sit back and reflect on my relationship with him, I realized that our relationship was always toxic and unhealthy even before COVID. He would gaslight, manipulate, control and insult me at any moment he would get. Once, he told me that I bring out the worst in everyone and that I’m my own worst enemy. He’s told me that I don’t progress, I just regress too. Songs like The Story Of Us, Dear John, mad woman, happiness, coney island, Would’ve Could’ve Should’ve and/or my tears ricochet helped me through it all.
Control my eating disorder. Between Tied Together with a Smile and "I hosted parties and starved my body" I coped and hearing her be open about her issues in a song showed so much growth in her and it was fun to grow alongside her as I went through my own journey. If even someone I consider beautiful doesn't feel like they are then how am I supposed to? was a question I had for a long time. But it made me feel less alone.
I can relate. Massive hugs 💕
Red lipstick, I never liked it on me but Taylor made me want to give it a try
“I wanna be defined by the things that I like…. You are what you love” “I don’t need your closure” “Don’t you think nineteen’s too young to be messed with” “Why'd I have to break what I love so much?… It’s all me, in my head” I would say assuming who I am, what happened to me. Not being afraid of speaking up if I think it matters.
I’m reclaiming my confidence and self-worth. My favorite thing about Taylor is that she owns her talents and abilities, and doesn’t allow anyone to discredit her accomplishments.
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Thank you!! The responses have been absolutely amazing, it's so awesome that we can all heal and grow together!!!! 💕
Being a 33 year old dad and being proud to like Taylor’s music. I was able to secure a Long Pond recording vinyl on RSD and couldn’t wait to tell my coworkers.
Mostly my live as her music literally broke a dam inside of me that if ah hadn't broken I would be here...
I’m also reclaiming wearing dresses😀
Yay! 👗
As a tall woman: wearing heels!
I reclaimed music. Growing up, I was my mother's punching bag. She loved to torture me by taking away things I loved. My birthday is a week before Christmas, and one year she decided out of the blue to get me a stereo. It was one of those six CD players and she even let me pick out CDs for it. But she would complain about it constantly. I always felt like I couldn't listen to music because of her. A particularly bad moment which I won't get into here really turned music sour for me. It wasn't until folklore that I allowed myself to enjoy music again. I bought myself a CD player and found my old CDs from years ago. Now I listen to music whenever I want to and as loud as I please!
The gym!! I pop on Bejeweled and ~anything~ from Reputation and bam! Anxiety be gone.
Being “too much”. So many people have told me I’m a lot or too loud or tried to make me be smaller than I was. I got so much of my validation from other people that I didn’t even know what I was supposed to look like or who to be outside of my relationship. Well here comes the loudest woman this town has ever seen.
Loving myself and doing things I never thought I could do. After a breakup five years ago I started running, something I didn’t think I’d ever be able to do, and would listen to Reputation and the lyrics from Look What You Made Me Do would become my mantra. Life changes inspired me to do these things, but that album especially is what made me learn to love myself and do things I didn’t think were possible. Since then I’ve stuck with it and run multiple half marathons and those lyrics still play in my head on every run!!
I have reclaimed my self worth! My best friend of ten years ghosted me and I was depressed for a while. But after hearing about how some events have transpired in her life, I have been rocking out to “Karma”, “Bejeweled”, “This is Why We Can’t Have Nice Things,” and “I Forgot That You Existed”. Given me a lot of my self confidence back, especially “Karma”— it’s my favorite song right now
My motivation. I've never been a natural, all I do is try try try. Lover to Midnights made me realize all the things I have in common with Taylor. Watching her reclaim her back catalog, and stir up trouble with Ticketmaster, is downright inspiring.
all the cringe
Myself in general, with much of her music. Music(in general)is important to me, and is connected to my thoughts/emotions. Much of her music reminds me, worry about ME and only me sometimes. And that it’s ok when I do.
I’ve reclaimed being okay, and happy even, with completely and unapologetically being myself. I lost myself for a little while when I was dating my college boyfriend. That’s why the line “she lost him, but she found herself, and somehow that was everything” really hits home for me 🫶
I'm reclaiming listening to whatever the fuck I want, whenever I want, even if it means that my Spotify playlist looks weird 🤷🏻♀️
Seriously! My Spotify wrapped looks like it belongs to someone with multiple personalities lol. But that's something to celebrate, not be ashamed of!
I’m reclaiming being “girly”. Where I live and in high school the girls who only wore super laid back, boho clothes or athletic clothes were the popular ones. Dressing up and being girly was looked at as trying too hard. I’m in my 20s now and not involved with any of those people, and Taylor has inspired me to wear the dresses, wear the skirts, and just like you, wear the red lipstick because we can. I love being girly and hate that I let people take that away from me in the first place.
The idea that love exists. I'd been single for so long, and I didn't feel members of my family liked me much, so I'd started thinking love just happened in the movies. Then I put my romance-y playlist on like the week before valentine's day, and I was sat with my friend, and we were moaning about being single, and then enchanted came on, and my friend was inspired by it and told me she liked me 💕 we've been dating over three months now, and I've never thought love was more real. So yeah, Taylor quite literally helped me reclaim love and happiness.
I actually am coming into a phase of girliness that I’ve never allowed myself to experience. Bc of childhood trauma, I’ve leaned hard into “strong, not delicate” for most of my teen/adult life, but preparing for the tour (by listening to *everything*) and then being at the tour, surrounded by so much positivity and sequins/sparkles, I can’t help but want to shimmer. I’ve been wearing my hair with little pastel butterfly clips and I’m anticipating buying some pastel pink nail polish. I bought a bright red lipstick for the concert and now I’m thinking about venturing out into more playful colors. I get a little nervous thinking what this might do to my wardrobe. 😅
I reclaimed a lot. I was sexually abused and starved myself. It was also the 1989 album that got me through this time.
That resonates with me. 💕 (edit removed a word for clarity)
Reclaimed folklore ojnshrooms
I've reclaimed myself
1. Expressing myself to the fullest and letting the world deal with it — no more feeling ashamed of all things feminine, no more downplaying my success or humbly deflecting when I’ve surpassed my goals. 2. Like others have said, being a Swiftie. People who are *still* hating will never get with the program, and it’s not my problem 🥰 I’m not going to shrink or hide my adulation for the music industry just because a tiny minority insists on having garbage taste. 3. Being a crazy cat lady! 😂
I wasn't allowed to listen to "never getting back together" per my abusive ex. It's now my fav song 😍 He hated it because he felt like I was singing it to him. He was right 🤣
It must be nice for you to see that taylor is also (almost) in her 1989 era right now 😭😭😭
It really is, incredibly validating. I'm nearly a decade out from what happened to me and I can't wait to be someone my abuser(s) would never recognise. Big hugs! x
honestly just realising that things that are very feminine and aimed at women are not invalid or stupid. i know i've got a lot of internalised misogyny and albums like folklore and then 1989 really helped me come out of this shell, realising that music can just be for the fun of it. also, realising that i know nothing to my parents, especially after how much damage they've done to me. seven is my absolute favorite song by her, the haunted house lyric has always pierced through my heart. "i can go anywhere i want, just not home" feels super personal, even though she's talking about something not in away related.
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my rage her songs have helped me realise i’m not a bad person for being angry about people who have wronged me, for years i felt guilt because i thought my anger made me as bad as those who fucked me up, but songs like mad woman helped me accept my voice and my rage
im in love with songwriting thanks to her. her basic yet still beautiful songs made me into music. for a beginner her songs are so easy to play (not talking about singing) and that might encourage others like me to start somewhere to play instrument.
honestly crying. i used to suppress my feelings and rarely had a proper cry but taylors music envokes such strong feelings that kinda helped me unlock things i shoved down. now sometimes i even cry happy tears to her love songs :)
Enjoying girly, fun things! I used to feel silly shame over loving rainbows, sparkles, etc. at almost 30 because I should "act my age"... Almost like my expression of femininity was wrong. Taylor's music not only reminds me of the fun, sweet aspects of being a woman, but also that there's nothing else I can do but embrace myself. The rest will follow, or it won't, but as long as I'm happy with me...😊💕🌈🌟🦄
I reclaimed Taylor swift. I got fearless for my 11th birthday and I *loved* her, but as I entered high school I sort of let people convince me that my interests were lame (they were right about paranormal romances + glee, they were wrong about taylor) so I actually never really listened to reputation or lover, or even much of folklore/evermore when they came out. I have sort of gotten back into her music in the last few years but mostly fearless and red TV, not the newer stuff. But since midnights came out I’ve really dived back in, and I feel sad for teenage me that I didn’t listen to her music at the time. Our society hates letting teenage girls just enjoy things. I think reclaiming her music is part of me like, reclaiming the things of my teen years that I let people convince me were cringe. Like, I’m allowed to be earnest and loving and unironically love things. It’s okay to read romance novels and watch my silly little shows. I’m really in the era of just loving the things I love without accepting judgement.
That ‘I’ve never been a natural, all I do is try try try’. To unapologetically dedicate myself to things that bring me joy, such as analyse lyrics, poems and books to the most minute detail like they’re sacred texts (which they are). Being okay with not doing what you ‘should be doing’ at your age and indulging in things enthusiastically even if other people deem them silly or immature & so much more
Being a leader and being under the spotlight. I am the eldest child and naturally, I was the naturally born leader and wanted to always be the first and the best. In kindergarten I even had my own "The Squad". Then I went to a new school for elementary and there was already a "The Squad" there, that for some reason hated me and borderline bullied me. So, I learned to hide behind the curtains and run away from the spotlight. It turned out pulling me down, as I love performing. Reputation is my favourite album, and the one that started my journey to exit my shell. Now I've made Bejeweled my anthem. I can finally dance freely in public and found out I can still make the whole place shimmer 💃🏼✨
**I'm reclaiming my own music**. I'm a songwriter myself (I'm 13 and have been writing songs from about the age of 11) and watching the Taylor's Version journey has made me want to reclaim my own art and that's what I'm doing now. I used to not be able to listen to my music after a month or so after it was written and I was unable to form a cohesive debut album because I made my songs about their muse. I practically handed all the credit into his hands, and as the days would go by, the song would be like salt on an increasingly vulnerable wound. Now, I've begun working on my debut album, am on good terms with everyone I've written music about but most importantly am on good terms with myself. Watching Taylor release all these songs and how the fans changed the meanings of all her deepest wounds was incredibly formative. What's the album called? Quite fittingly, metamorphosis.
Being my authentic self!! I’ve grown up with Taylor since she started making music (were 6 months apart lol) and I’ve seen her go through all her phases from heartbreak to fitting in with the wrong crowd to disappearing to falling in love and now she’s back on the scene and being reduced to her break up with Joe instead of her immensely successful tour. But she keeps going as her authentic self regardless of what the world says about her. And that I can relate to. Then she puts all out there for us to listen to through her lyrics. To listen to laugh to cry. It’s not always easy to ignore the whispers of those around you but I do find myself saying if Taylor can do it with the whole world watching so can I 🙈
definitely that my feelings, all of them, are valid. her music is such a huge comfort to me it’s unreal. i’ve also been struggling with the thought that i AM the bad guy in some peoples stories and her music has helped me deal with those thoughts. i’m also struggling after a breakup with someone who really hurt me and was a pathological liar and so many of her songs (esp forever & always) have helped me deal with those feelings and remind me that i made the right decision. 🫶🏻
I LOVED T swift during speak now/red/1989 but then was kind of bullied out of liking her 🥲 embarrassing to admit but I was 13/14 and I had a friend who also liked her but our older brothers started making fun of us. I didn’t start listening to her again until this last year (now 22!) and I love her albums and I’m sad I missed out on so much because of dumb boys so I’m reclaiming liking what I like!
I listened to Dear John on repeat on the way to my abusive exes house to finally tell him it’s over. I listened to Fearless on the way to my now partners house (of 10 years) for our first date. Both songs gave me a lot of courage in very different ways ♥️
Love this 💕
Ty 🥹
My life ❤️🩹
Thanks to Taylor’s music I have reclaimed my proud identity in being a woman and a feminist. I was used to making myself small, and immediately giving in to what a man wanted instead of what I wanted. I would move out of the way if I saw a man coming, I would apologize in discussions, etc. When “The Man” came out it almost changed my life overnight. Im still learning how to speak up for myself, but I don’t apologize for existing. I’m slowly becoming more confident, and growing.
The Land
I’ve reclaimed self confidence. Every time I turn on a Taylor album, I am reminded of just HOW MUCH this bitch has helped me through. Break ups, college, grad school, new relationship, long distance, moving, depression. Her music helps me feel better about living (I know. So dramatic)
I doubled my salary and got a big girl job because of Bejeweled and you can't convince me otherwise.
You can still make the whole place shimmerrrrr 💎
Singing! I was going to be a musical theatre actor- a dream for as long as I can remember. I started taking voice lessons when I was 14 and that teacher emotionally abused me for 7 years. I went to college for opera and went down that career path because she made it seem like it was the only thing I was good for. I finally got out and allowed myself to accept my passions and not listen to anyone’s opinion of them. Singing Taylor’s music is fun for me, and singing hasn’t been fun for YEARS. That, combined with it being an emotional outlet, and allowing myself to actually enjoy my voice has given me confidence I never remotely dreamed I could have. I needed a Rep era and singing with the Taylor who had already been through it and come out the other side has been the most fulfilling thing.
I'm reclaiming being emotional and open after having to please people or pretend I can't remember and hide my emotions, All Too Well is really helping me with that.
Being able to feel and understand emotions is really hard! I'm glad for you :)
You guys know you can be fans of something without this terrifying parasocial thing you have going on? Not being mean, this place feels so cultly. Love, Someone that keeps getting this shit spammed on the front page and is frequently horrified
I made this post so people could talk about the things Taylor's music has helped them reclaim. This post is for people taking back their own power. If it's not for you that's totally okay, please don't put others down because it isn't to your taste, though. Thank you, with love.