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From her eloquent lyrics to her savvy business moves to her unrelenting generosity, Taylor has given us so much over the years. In honor of our 30th anniversary issue, we’re celebrating 30pieces of wisdom she’s taught us about happiness, heartbreak and everything in between.

1. Your biggest dreams are well within reach. How did a young girl from rural Pennsylvania become the world’s biggest popstar? She knew what she wanted—and had the grit and determination to pursue it. 

2. Stand up for what you believe in. Consider this permission to tell people to calm down if they’re being too loud. 

3. Your words have real power. Can we all agree that Taylor’s lyrics have quite literally changed lives? So grab your own metaphorical fountain pen (or your quill pen or your glitter pen) and speak now. 

4. Embrace your feels. Being emotional, intuitive, excitable, talkative and compassionate isn’t a bad thing. In fact, it’s kinda your secret superpower.   

5. Hard work pays off. OK, you don’t have to release eight albums in a four-year time span (srsly, how did she do it?), but Taylor’s work ethic is inspiration to get things done.

6. Having doubts about yourself is totally normal. Everyone has those “It’s me, hi, I’m the problem, it’s me” days. Being honest about your insecurities just makes you more authentic.

7. Love is complicated…and it always will be. From “Fifteen” to “Fortnight,” the struggle is the same: Crushes. Are. So. Confusing. There’s really no way around it.

8. You don’t have to follow the crowd. Acting like someone you’re not so you can fit into the popular group? Forgoing a niche interest just because it isn’t considered “cool”? Think again, and fully embrace the fact that you’re the only one of you—and baby, that’s the fun of you.

9. Love what you do. When your heart and soul are behind your every endeavor, you’ll naturally make the whole place shimmer.

10. Honor your crew. Taylor’s forever friendships with OGs like Abigail Anderson, Selena Gomez and Blake Lively are inspo to prioritize bonds with the amazing women in our own lives.

@taylorswift

11. Shared experiences are powerful. Let’s be honest, the highlights of the past year were trading friendship bracelets with strangers instant BFFs at the Eras Tour, scream-singing the bridge to “Cruel Summer” with a bunch of other Swifties during the Eras Tour movie and watching grainy livestreams of the same Eras Tour on TikTok while chatting in the comments about your surprise song guesses. 

12. Change it up. Pivot to a whole new unexpected aesthetic à la reputation or dye your hair a different color (remember Bleachella?). You never know when a risk will totally pay off.

13. Shake it off. The haters are *always* gonna hate, hate, hate, hate, hate. And getting caught in their negativity spiral is sooo not worth it. 

14. Always have a passion project. Baking, embroidery, painting, filming cat videos: Taylor might be known for her music, but she also makes time for the hobbies that make her happy (and we could all use a little more of that).

15. Tell people how you really feel about them. Here’s to being brave enough to maybe even write your crush’s name into a song.

16. Hype up your besties. We have Taylor to thank for boosting artists like Sabrina Carpenter, Gracie Abrams and Phoebe Bridgers. Support your girls in achieving their greatest goals by helping them sparkle and shine.

17. Keep your brain sharp. Whether we’re searching for secret 13s, hunting for Easter eggs, brushing up on Aristotle or learning new vocab words like “Machiavellian” and “soliloquy,” Taylor is the patron saint of smart cookies everywhere (hey, that’s you!).

18. Your mom can totally be your BFF. Any gal knows that a mother-daughter bond is one of the best things in life. Taylor’s relationship with Mama Swift is hard proof.

@taylorswift

19. Be independent… Not a lot going on at the moment in the romance department? Enter your personal 1989 era: Chop your hair, assemble your girl squad and enjoy the endless freedom of your newfound solo status.

20. …but don’t be afraid to open your heart to someone else. A relationship can bring major good vibes into your life—and it could happen when you least expect it.

21. Cut toxic people out of your life. If someone’s constantly causing drama, undercutting your success or just generally making you feel like a lesser human being, let ’em go. And remember, karma’s a relaxing thought

22. Time heals (most) wounds. Taylor is a living example that the pain you’re feeling right now won’t cut as much down the road—and it actually might provide you with some much-needed wisdom and perspective. 

@taylorswift

23. Always be gracious. Treat others with kindness, and don’t forget the people who helped you get to where you are. (Thanks, Tay, for always taking time to thank us.)

24. Setbacks won’t define you. Every rejection, misstep or stroke of bad luck led you to where you are right now—and could turn into your personal Taylor’s Version if you wanted it to.

25. You’re not alone. Up at night pondering how scared you are about growing up? Hellooo, “Nothing New (Taylor’s Version).” No matter what you’re going through, Taylor (and so many others) have been there too.

26. If you fail at something, try again. Whether it’s a messy breakup, losing out on a major award or someone telling you that you’re simply not good enough, use that to propel yourself forward to a whole new level.

27. Don’t let people walk all over you. If someone pushes one too many buttons, let your snake side show—and bite back if you have to.

28. When it hurts, turn it into art. It isn’t just therapeutic for yourself—it might help someone else who’s struggling to face tomorrow with confidence.

29. It’s good to reinvent yourself every now and then… After all, that’s what eras are for!

30. …but never change who you are at your core. Through every style switch-up, new album and smashed record, Taylor is proof that you should always stay true to yourself. And that’s still the best advice we’ve heard in 30 years. Or, like, ever.

Hey, girl! Just wanted to let you know that this story originally ran in our August/ September 2024 issue. Want more? Read the print mag for free *today* when you click HERE!

Top artwork by Dayat Banggai.

by Kathleen O'Neill | 9/10/2024