“I’m sorry, the old Sofia can’t come to the phone right now. Why? Oh!…” because she’s in her Reputation Era!
The talented and famous singer/songwriter Taylor Swift struck gold again with her 2017 album Reputation, inspiring the pop culture term “Reputation Era.” According to the Urban Dictionary, to be in your Reputation Era means to “shed your good girl image and take on an alter ego of an unexpected, darker, more vengeful version of yourself.” While this may appear far-fetched — although others may feel this is the exact route they wish to take — my take on the Reputation Era is to do good for yourself.
Let me spell it out loud and clear: self-care is not selfish. Becoming a version of yourself you are proud of is an ongoing process, and the best way to do so is to change your outlook on life.
That being said, here are five ways I am creating my Reputation Era — “Baby, let the games begin.”
1. “Look What You Made Me Do” – I Journal Because of You
This is a shoutout to all the wrongdoings people have done. We have all been there — I certainly know the feeling! Perhaps your emotions become so bottled up inside that you feel as if you’re going to burst. In situations like these, I grab a notebook and write down my uneasy feelings because “I bury hatchets but I keep maps of where I put ‘em”’ (Swift 2017).
The beauty of journaling is that it releases the thoughts in your mind and onto the page. I can almost visualize the feeling of a weight being lifted off my shoulders as I see the words before me. The main goal of journaling is not to vent about how much you dislike a person…but hey, why not?
Journaling is not a true resolution to the problem, but a remedy. By getting in touch with one’s inner self and indulging in a moment of reflection, the situation you are experiencing may seem less intense.
2. “Dress” – To Impress Yourself
This is a sign from the universe to grab your debit card and go.
Just kidding! (But not really).
While retail therapy may be fulfilling in the short term, I see it as another way to show up for yourself.
Buying clothes and revamping your style can showcase your growth as a person. It signifies change because “honey, I rose up from the dead. I do it all the time” (Swift 2017). I admit that I find outfit inspirations from Pinterest, put my own spin on it, and get a new hairdo every so often –whether it’s a cut or a dramatic color change. I do this because dressing how I want to is essential for my self-confidence.
Who says you can’t wear a dress to places deemed “casual?”
3. “Don’t Blame Me” – I’m Just Doing My Own Thing
This is the moment to do something you have always wanted to do – and don’t let anyone make you feel guilty for it!
This part of my own Reputation Era is something I constantly battle with because I admit it is way easier said than done. I am always worried about what people think, making me question myself. How you live your life and your choices should not be dictated by what other people think. It is beneficial at times to hear someone’s opinion, but at the end of the day, the final say is YOURS.
My best advice to give – listen to your gut and ultimately follow your heart.
Additionally, part of doing your own thing is to make time for you. Spend some quality time with yourself. It’s wonderful to say “nobody’s heard me for months, I’m doing better than I ever was” (Swift 2017). I do not take months, but I do make time for myself, which I famously call “Sofia Days.” (My friends know all about this one). Even if the duration is nowhere near a day, taking 20 minutes to yourself while keeping your body and mind active, is the best thing you can do.
4. “I Did Something Bad” – NOT!
I have recently discovered what people mean when they say ‘the night is young.’ Going out with your circle of friends and enjoying a nice meal or dancing to ABBA songs are moments that should never be taken for granted. At the end of the day, “here’s a toast to my real friends, they don’t care about the he said-she said” (Swift 2017).
I have been stepping out of my comfort zone and taking the whole YOLO to a new profound level. That being said, I am still cautious of boundaries. Finding that balance is crucial because having fun should never end in regret.
So go strolling downtown with family and friends, talk to new people, book a spontaneous trip, sign up for classes, and simply just live.
5. “This Is Why We Can’t Have Nice Things” – And It’s Not Always a Bad Thing
I mentioned early on that journaling is a remedy for people’s wrongdoings. The ability to even recognize people’s wrongdoings is part of my Reputation Era. Choosing who I want and don’t want in my life is empowering because I know the difference (at least I hope I do) between those who do not add value to my world, and those who make my heart burst with happiness. Maybe, what I think is nice isn’t really what I want. Only time will tell I suppose.
The only way is to open your eyes and see that “this is how the world works, you gotta leave before you get left”. (Swift 2017). It is up to you to have that difficult conversation with yourself and realize your worth. Accepting unfair matters will happen and being patient with yourself in that time will provide you with a sense of comfort. Without these conversations, how will our minds ever be at some sort of ease?
As life moves forward, so do I.
Let’s be real. Reputation Era is something that is fabricated. At the end of the day, I am human. A lot of the days, I am deep in my feelings. I wallow instead of journaling, choose to wear sweatpants, overthink everything, wish to be a homebody, and miss the people who I wish were in my life.
The Reputation Era is not meant to be a façade. It is an ongoing practice because it is impossible to always practice it. However, even on those harder days, my mindset remains. I still consciously choose to live this way. I hope you all choose it too. It’s your turn to re-write your story.
That being said,
Are you “… Ready For It?”