Taylor Swift’s new documentary Miss Americana aired on Netflix this year. It is vulnerable, raw and just a little more than surprising. 

Coming from the girl that used to write 13 on the back of her hand and practice the famous hair flip in front of the mirror, she could have spoken about her love of cats for an hour. 

Thankfully, there was more to learn than her devotion to cats. 

Taylor says, “one of the major themes about the doc is that we have the ability to change our opinions over time, to grow, to learn about ourselves.”

Through Taylor’s experiences, her highs and lows, her insecurities and vulnerabilities, the viewer reflects on who they are, what they stand for, and the effect their words have on others.

Here are 4 facets of inspiration to take away from Miss Americana.

Respond to disappointment with determination. 

When Taylor finds out that her album Reputation wasn’t Grammy-nominated for any of the major categories, she is visibly disappointed. But her immediate response is determination. “I just need to make a better record,” she says, “I’m making a better record.” 

Good things can come from your lowest points. 

Taylor dropped off the map after the “Taylor Swift is over party” in 2016. Thankfully, after a year of being MIA, she bounced back, creating beautiful music from her darkest days. 

Don’t be what people want you to be. 

Standing up for what’s right might go without saying. But Taylor stayed silent because people didn’t want her to have opinions. They wanted her to be a “good girl”, so she was. Until now. She shed her “good girl” persona and now stands up for her beliefs, no matter the ramifications to her career. Instead of seeking approval, she now cares about being on the right side of history. She is no longer afraid to talk openly about her experience with sexual assault, her views on feminism and who she’s voting for in the election. 

Life is transient, so focus on what is real and important. 

Taylor talks about her mother’s fight with cancer and how this changed her perspective. While the world crucified her on social media, Taylor was spending time with her family, especially her mum. She got back in touch with what mattered. Taylor says, “do you really care if the internet doesn’t like you today if your mom’s sick from her chemo.” Ponder that. 

The premise of this article is that I basically resonated the heck with Taylor’s doc and felt all kinds of inspired afterwards. The message that spoke loud throughout was precisely what I needed to hear. If these points to ponder resonate with you, then I highly suggest giving it a watch, even if it’s just to see her mum’s gigantic dog or her backpack specifically made to carry her cat around.  

P.S. Taylor also did Todrick Halls nails for the VMAs. Iconic.

In need of some fresh, new Australian talent to get excited about? Well, you have come to the right place Ponderer. 

Brenda Ueland once said, “Everybody is talented because everybody who is human has something to express.” This may be true, but not everyone has the bravery and determination to share their talent with the universe, letting us all have a bite of it. 

So, without further ado, let’s look at eight Australian youngins to keep your eyes peeled for in 2020. 

Cassidy Krygger 

(actress)

Sparkling new talent, Cassidy Krygger is an aspiring actress. She has been featured in The Slap, Theatre productions Wuthering Heights, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and her portfolio runs like a “WATCH THIS SPACE” advert. She’s purely amazing. 

Shantae Barnes-Cowan 

(actress)

The Casting Guild of Australia chose this phenomenal actress as one of the top rising stars for 2019. She made her screen debut in the television drama series Total Control, working alongside screen icon Deborah Mailman. We will see her next in the espionage thriller Fallout, due to air on the ABC this year. 

TL Mach 

(boxer)

After achieving back-to-back national titles last year, Geelong boxer TL Mach plans to go pro this March. The 19-year-old is a four-time state champion and is ready to take the next step in his career. The Sudanese refugee is dubbed a “boxing sensation”. Just watch his lightning-fast speed with the skipper rope at training. 

Amani Haydar 

(artist)

Amani used art to find her voice after her father murdered her mother, Salwa Haydar, in 2015. She has already gained a lot of respect for her paintings and illustrations, which frequently depict women expressing bittersweet emotion. The self-taught artist uses her work to celebrate hope and resilience. 

Sariah Paki

(rugby player)

Her bone-crushing hits and powerhouse strength has afforded Sariah the nickname “Big Girl”. She made her World Series debut with the Aussie Sevens last year at the remarkably young age of 17, making her the youngest Aussie Sevens player in history. Go girl!

Genesis Owusu

(musician)

What do you get when jazz and hip-hop collide? Delicious sound for the ears. Genesis Owusu leads Australia’s new wave of hip-hop at only 20 years of age. His hits ‘Sideways’, ‘awomen amen’ and ‘Wit’ Da Team’ have captured people’s attention. He is definitely one to watch!

Kira Puru

(musician) 

Kira Puru is one of Australia’s most exciting new pop acts. She released her debut solo EP in 2018, full of funky colourful music. Kira has worked with big names such as Illy, Paul Kelly and Urthboy and is known for her dynamic live performances. You’ll find her at every second music festival. 

Kwame 

(musician)

This 20-year-old rapper and producer from Sydney has already released two EP’s and opened Splendour in the Grass. His musical dreams began when he was just 12 years old and heard Kanye West’s hit “Power”. Now, he is the talk of the town. Or the country I should say.

It’s always fun to support home-grown talent. How wonderful that we get to sit back and watch their careers flourish and dreams come true? Here’s to the magical genius of youth in 2020!