My Unexpected Therapist: How Taylor Swift Got This Mom Through the Chaos 💖🎧

Hey everyone! My name is Laura, and I am guest blogging today. This blog and community really resonate with me as I love diving into how music can be a surprising ally in our mental health journeys. Today, I want to get a little personal and share something that might make some of you nod your heads, and others scratch them! 😉

Being a 47-year-old mom of twin teenage boys (bless their hearts! 🤪), life is, shall we say, a lot. Between managing their schedules, navigating my own career, and just generally trying to keep all the plates spinning, I found myself in a mental health slump I didn't see coming. The kind where you feel perpetually overwhelmed, a bit lost, and like you've completely misplaced "you" somewhere under a pile of laundry and permission slips.

And then, unexpectedly, came Taylor Swift.

Yep, you read that right. The artist my boys reluctantly tolerate in the car became my secret weapon, my unexpected therapist, and the soundtrack to finding my footing again.

When the Weight of the World Felt Like "Cardigan" 🧣

There were days when I felt completely invisible, like a ghost in my own home. My identity as "Mom" had taken over everything, and the woman underneath felt... dusty. I was constantly giving, constantly doing, and constantly feeling like I wasn’t quite enough, no matter how hard I tried.

When I first really listened to "Cardigan", it hit me. The imagery of being "a cardigan / Under someone’s bed / On call, whenever you need me" resonated deeply. It wasn't about a romantic relationship for me; it was about feeling used up, cast aside when not actively needed, and blending into the background.

It made me realize that I was feeling unseen, and that was okay to acknowledge. This wasn't about blaming anyone, but about recognizing my own emotional state. That song gave me a quiet moment to sit with that feeling, to validate it, and to understand that I needed to find a way to reclaim my own space and identity, not just as a mom, but as Laura. It was the first step in pulling myself out from "under the bed." ✨

Reclaiming My Roar with "The Man" 🎤👑

After acknowledging those feelings of invisibility, the next hurdle was finding my voice and my confidence again. In a world that often feels geared towards younger generations, and frankly, still has a knack for minimizing women's contributions, I felt my own ambition and strength dimming.

Then, "The Man" blasted into my life.

Taylor singing, "I'm so sick of running as fast as I can / Wondering if I'd get there quicker if I was a man" and "They'd say I played the field before I found someone to commit to / And that would be okay for me to do"? Oh. My. Goodness. 🙌

It wasn't just about gender equality; for me, it was about challenging the narrative that I had subconsciously internalized – that my age, my role as a mother, or simply being a woman meant I should shrink myself. This song ignited a fire in me! 🔥 It reminded me of the fierce, capable woman I am and always have been. It pushed me to speak up more, to advocate for myself, and to stop apologizing for having ambition and a voice, even if it’s just in my own daily life.

I started setting boundaries, saying "no" when I needed to, and even picked up a new hobby I’d always wanted to try. It was about standing tall, reclaiming my space, and realizing my worth.

Music: The Universal Language of the Soul 🎶❤️

It might seem wild that a pop star famous for breakup anthems and glitter could be so instrumental in a middle-aged mom’s mental health journey, but that’s the magic of music, isn’t it? It transcends age, genre, and often, our preconceived notions.

Taylor Swift’s honest storytelling gave me permission to feel my feelings, to recognize where I was struggling, and then to find the strength to push back and reclaim parts of myself I thought were lost. Her music became a safe space where I could process my own experiences through her lyrics.

So, if you’re out there feeling overwhelmed, invisible, or just plain lost, I encourage you to turn to your music. Whether it's rock, classical, hip-hop, or yes, even pop, find the artists whose words resonate with your soul. Let their songs be the friend who understands, the therapist who validates, and the cheerleader who reminds you of your own incredible strength. You might be surprised by who ends up writing the soundtrack to your healing. 🎧🌟

What unexpected artist or song has helped you through a tough time? I'd love to hear your stories in the comments below! 👇

Thanks for reading!

Laura

dancing joyfully to music