8 Life Lessons From Me and Taylor Swift

"I have this thing where I get older, but just never wiser" writes Taylor Swift in Anti-Hero.

The third song on her new album Midnights is a self-reflection about the insecurities and anxieties she has faced both publicly and privately. Taylor's self-reflection got me reflecting on my life and wondering if I've become wiser.

And the answer is yes! Here are eight lessons I've learned so far.

1. Trust Your Gut

Intuition, gut instinct, inner voice, or a hunch, whatever you call it, learn to listen to it. Those gut feelings mean something and often lead you in the right direction.

2. Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Outlook

Yes, it's true. The nature of our thoughts determines the quality of our life, whether it is sad, happy, or contented. You can change your life by changing your thoughts.

3. You Can't Please Everyone

And not everyone is going to like you. It's human nature to want to belong, to be desired, and valued, but not at the expense of your integrity and happiness. It's tough to learn; sometimes, I'm still surprised that we can't all be friends.

4. Your Health is Your Top Priority

We tend to take this for granted because it's just there. But always appreciate, nurture, and protect your health. Without none of this matters.

5. You Can't Always Get What You Want

Just like the Rolling Stones said, "You can't always get what you want But if you try sometime you'll find, you get what you need.

Sometimes things don't work out as planned, and that's okay. The lesson here is that you keep moving forward until you get back on track and focus on improving.

6. Get Out of Your Comfort Zone

Achieving your goals and dreams will require you to feel uncomfortable. Your comfort zone may be warm and cozy, but it inhibits growth and is based on fear. If you want something, understand that a little bit of discomfort goes a long way in your personal development.

7. Nothing Last Forever

There will be bad times, times of grief and despair, but those moments don't last forever. When you are in the middle of a crisis, remember that it will eventually pass, and you'll come out on the other side.

8. Be Unapologetically You

People like to judge. Peer pressure to conform and fit in can make you stray from who you were meant to be. Don't let other people's opinions write your story.

Some of these lessons were hard to learn, taught through loss and grief, others through loving relationships, and some from the wisdom of others.

Swift described "Anti-Hero" as one of her favorite songs she's ever written, saying it allowed her to delve into her insecurities and explore the parts of herself that she hates and wants to come to terms with. We all have a lot in common with Swift and need to look at ourselves with interest and curiosity and reflect on what we have learned and still need to learn.

I know I have more to learn, and I look forward to it!