A Heartfelt Reflection on Connection, Growth, and a Night That Felt Like Magic
Three weeks ago, a memory popped up on Instagram from two years ago in 2023. It was a photo from one of the most magical nights of our lives, our trip to see Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour.
This was our third Taylor Swift concert, and somehow it felt even more special than the others. I grew up in the music and radio industry, going to concerts regularly, hanging out backstage, and meeting artists. But this one was different. This was more than a show. It was an experience filled with emotion, meaning, and connection.
There is something truly magical when a cultural moment can positively impact multiple generations. That night, I looked around and saw my daughters, their friends, my sister, and myself, all different ages and stages of life, and we were all equally enchanted. From me, an Xenial, to my Millennial sister, to my Gen Z oldest daughter, and my Alpha youngest, we were united by lyrics, memories, friendship bracelets, and joy.
At the beginning of June two years ago, we packed up and headed to Detroit for a girls’ trip. We planned out which era we’d each wear. We made friendship bracelets. We booked a hotel and turned it into a full-on bonding adventure. We laughed, danced, and sang our hearts out to every song.
Taylor Swift, the iconic singer-songwriter, has left an undeniable mark on the music industry with her heartfelt lyrics, captivating performances, and ability to reinvent herself with every era. But what’s even more inspiring is the way she uses her platform to make a difference. Seeing Taylor’s impact off stage is just as powerful. She gives back. She quietly visits children’s hospitals, takes time to surprise fans, donates to causes close to her heart, and advocates for artists’ rights and mental health. Her selflessness and generosity are rare in an industry that often prioritizes ego and image. She leads with integrity, heart, and grace.
It was a time when we all felt connected, not just to her, but to each other. Before the critics got louder. Before political commentary started attaching itself to her name and tearing her down. Before anonymous accounts on the internet started tearing her and Travis apart for just… living their lives.
Back then, it felt lighter. Softer. Sweeter.
And in a world that’s become so noisy and reactionary, I keep coming back to the energy of that night, what it taught me about leadership, presence, and heart.
Taylor is more than a chart-topping artist. She is a leader, a visionary, and an example of how to use fame for good.
Here are just some of the life and leadership lessons that still echo from that stadium floor:
- Embrace Change
Taylor’s evolution, from country darling to pop queen to indie folk storyteller, is a masterclass in trusting your own path. She shows us that growth means allowing yourself to change and be seen in every version of who you are becoming.
- Own Your Story
She’s been misquoted, criticized, mocked, yet she keeps going. Taylor doesn’t let other people write her story for her. That’s a powerful reminder that we get to own our narratives and rewrite them anytime we need.
- Celebrate Individuality
Each era in her show celebrates a different part of her identity. That night, the crowd mirrored that message, glitter, fringe, red lipstick, cozy cardigans, and fearless sparkle. We all felt permission to be fully ourselves.
- Speak Your Truth
Her lyrics are diaries set to music, heartbreak, healing, anger, joy. She says what so many are afraid to say out loud. That kind of vulnerability is brave. It reminds us that strength and softness can live side by side.
- Lead With Connection
It’s not just her stage presence, it’s her ability to make every single person in a packed stadium feel seen. True leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice, it’s about making people feel like they matter.
- Dream Big, Stay Grounded
The Eras Tour was more than a tour, it was a cinematic, emotional, artistic vision come to life. Yet through it all, Taylor stays deeply connected to her team, her fans, and her core values. That balance is rare and powerful.
- Teamwork Is Everything
She gives credit where it’s due, to her dancers, tech crew, band, and support staff. No one shines alone. That’s a real leader, someone who uplifts and amplifies the people behind the scenes.
- Grace Under Pressure
Things go wrong on stage. Weather, technical issues, the unpredictable energy of live performance. She rolls with it with a smile and keeps going. That’s not just professionalism, that’s grace.
- Inclusivity Matters
From the fans to her open-minded lyrics to the range of styles in the show, the Eras Tour was a celebration of difference. That’s a beautiful example of what it means to build inclusive spaces where everyone belongs.
- Magic Is in the Moments
We live in a world obsessed with productivity and achievement. But what I’ll remember forever isn’t what seats we had or which songs she played, it’s how we felt. Music can heal. Shared joy can shift something in your soul.
Looking back now, it’s not just about Taylor. It’s about what she created, a portal back to presence, to fun, to meaning. A time before everyone had something to say. A time when it was still okay to just enjoy things without dissecting them.
And every time a Taylor song comes on in the car, we’re right back there. Singing at the top of our lungs, windows down, friendship bracelets on our wrists, hearts completely full.
Not just because we saw a concert. But because, for one night, everything felt magical, and beautifully simple.
And that? That stays with you forever.
Nikki Lanigan
Nikki Lanigan is a yoga, HIIT, and Barre instructor, she is also a Holistic Health Coach through Institute of Integrative Nutrition. Nikki is trained in Yoga Shred, Yoga Psychology, meditation, chakra balancing, and EFT/Tapping. She has done trainings with Sadie Nardini and Ashley Turner. She got her 200 hour yoga teacher training in 2017 at the Carrie Treister School Of Yoga. Nikki takes a holistic view of health, helping her students and clients reach a place of self-love not just through movement, but with mindset and lifestyle guidance as well. Nikki is also show prep writer for The McVay Media Show Prep and host of the podcast Fit, Fun, and Frazzled. Connect with Nikki on Instagram. www.instagram.com/nikkilanigan.yogaandwellness www.instagram.com/fitfunandfrazzledpodcast
