The Taylor Swift Cardigan of Recovery

One of the first tools I used in early sobriety and recovery was making a playlist for my commute.

Listening to music got me out of my head and brought some peace to my ruminating mind.

Taylor Swift’s album Reputation was released a few months before and was full of badass empowerment songs, so I put the whole album on that playlist and listened to it every morning on my way to work for six months.

The lyrics gave me energy and put me in a state of mind that I desired for my recovery - I can do this.

A few months after my first soberversary, the Lover album came out, reflecting the space I was in, dreaming about my future. I was starting to experience a reconnection with creativity and began to think beyond living from day to day.

The first inklings of Thirsty For Wonder began to pass through the ether and land in my heart, giving me so much hope.

Taylor's music has been the soundtrack of my healing journey. Her poetic lyrics have seen me through sobriety, the death of both my parents, a pandemic, heartache, worker exploitation and violence at a job that was supposed to be ideal, burnout, starting a business, and moving.

Her music has accompanied me from floundering to flourishing. And it continues to be a constant companion on the path before me.

For the past few years, I’ve been referencing what I call “The Taylor Swift Cardigan of Recovery.” This comes from her song, Cardigan, and the lyrics read, "You put me on and said I was your favorite.”

The tender song tells of being young, feeling unseen, and how validating it is when you are remembered and cherished. Like finding a forgotten item of clothing that fits just right, is worn in all the right places, and brings immediate comfort.

Sobriety is my cardigan. And I wear it all year long now, and it feels so damn good. And this is a possibility for all of us.

Integrating sobriety is like knitting together the most mesmerizing stitches of self-discovery in the healing journey. A timeless sweater of warmth and comfort woven with resilience.

This integration is far more than just a step in the recovery process. It is the alchemy that transforms sobriety into a cherished lifestyle.

Sobriety becomes a favorite thing when it seamlessly integrates into the fabric of our day-to-day living, creating a pattern that feels as natural as breathing.

When sobriety has the time and space to mix into our lives, we begin to discover there is an art to living sober.

Integrated recovery allows us to find joy and fulfillment in life's mundane and extraordinary moments. Like an old sweater with memories and stories, sobriety becomes a treasured companion.

The process is not about rigid rules.

It is about cultivating a deep connection with ourselves, others, and the world. This is a sweet dance of self-discovery, and the once daunting concept of sobriety becomes a beacon of light and a trusted ally in the ongoing adventure of coming home to ourselves.

As we weave our way through recovery, let’s not forget to embrace the imperfections and unravellings along the way. A knitted sweater may have dropped stitches or loose ends, and it mirrors our path to sobriety, where we may encounter setbacks and challenges.

But, it is precisely in these moments of vulnerability we find strength and resilience, knowing that each stitch, whether perfect or flawed, contributes to the beauty of our recovery story.

So, dear one, let’s wear our "Taylor Swift Cardigans of Recovery" with pride, knowing they represent our commitment to sobriety and our capacity for growth and transformation.

And as we navigate life, let’s remember we are not alone. We are part of a community bound together by shared experiences and unending support.

Together, let’s embrace the journey ahead with open hearts and know that with each step, we are one stitch closer to a life of fulfillment, purpose, and joy.

With so much love and care,

Anne Marie

PS. In January, I participated in a one-day choir performance in New York City where 180 strangers got together for 3 hours and sang Taylor Swift’s Evermore in 8 parts! The experience was powerful, healing, haunting, and now lives in my bones. Enjoy!