GRL Pep Talks: Real Conversations for Real Growth
Real talk for every woman who is rising, leading, or figuring out who she is becoming — at any age, in any season of life.
Not sure where to start? Here's how it works.
GRL Pep Talks are honest, research-backed pieces written by Dr. Lauren Young — educator, athletic leader, and founder of The GRL Initiative. Each one is designed to meet you where you are, whether that's figuring out who you are, leading under pressure, parenting a kid who's hard to figure out, or just trying to stop shrinking in rooms that weren't built for you.
Inside each Pep Talk you'll find personal essays, journal prompts and worksheets, deep dives into equity and belonging, and quizzes to help you reflect on who you're becoming.
Find your entry point: Browse the four collections below and pick the one that matches your season. Or scroll the full feed and let a title stop you — they're written to be honest about what's inside. Once you're in a post, click any category tag to find more pieces on that topic.
Choose Your Pep Talk Collection:
Find the words you need for the season you’re in.
Identity & Belonging
For the moments you’re figuring out who you are, where you fit, and how to grow into yourself — without shrinking to belong.
Mental Health & Burnout
For when life feels heavy, loud, overwhelming, or exhausting — and you need permission to be human, not perfect.
Girls in Sports & Equity
For athletes, advocates, and leaders working to build better systems, stronger pathways, and real access for girls.
Motherhood & Real-Life Leadership
For the women leading teams, families, careers, and chaos — learning that leadership is lived, not just performed.
Trip Design: Listing priorities
When planning a trip, it’s so important to know what your goals and priorities are for the trip. If it’s relaxation, sun and sand or adventure and seeing it all. Make sure to prioritize your planning!
The 10 Best Period-Positive Influencers You Need to Follow
At The GRL Initiative, we’re here to have the real conversations—the ones that challenge outdated norms, empower self-growth, and normalize topics society still whispers about. Whether we’re talking menstrual health, confidence, self-care, or breaking barriers, this is a space for education, empowerment, and unapologetic truth.
✨ What You’ll Find Here:
✔ Menstrual Health & Period Positivity – Breaking the stigma and embracing your cycle.
✔ Confidence & Self-Worth – How to build it, own it, and walk into every room like you belong.
✔ Wellness & Mental Health – Supporting your body and mind, from period fatigue to self-care routines.
✔ Breaking Barriers & Leadership – Thriving in male-dominated spaces and taking up space with pride.
💡 This is your space to learn, grow, and own your power. Because when we talk about the things that matter, we change the narrative. Let’s do this together.
How to Build Confidence When You Don’t Feel Like ‘That Girl’
Confidence isn’t something you’re born with—it’s something you build. Whether you’re navigating a male-dominated industry, struggling with self-doubt, or just having an “off” day, this space is here to remind you that you are enough, as you are.
From practical self-confidence tips to personal stories of growth, The GRL Initiative is all about showing up, owning your space, and embracing what makes you different. Because confidence isn’t about being perfect—it’s about knowing yourself, trusting yourself, and moving forward anyway.
✨ Explore Topics Like:
✔ Confidence Hacks – Small daily habits that boost self-worth
✔ Mindset Shifts – How to stop waiting for approval and own your voice
✔ Personal Growth Stories – Real-life moments of "faking it till you make it"
✔ Breaking Barriers – Thriving in male-dominated spaces & challenging outdated norms
💡 Confidence is built, not given. Let’s build it together
A letter to Winter Sport AThletes
How to Create a Self-Care Ritual for Every Phase of Your Cycle
Struggling to stay consistent with self-care? Your body’s needs change throughout your cycle, and your self-care should, too! Learn how to create a flexible, phase-based self-care routine that supports your energy and mood—from high-energy follicular days to cozy menstrual rest. Discover simple self-care hacks, how to listen to your body, and easy ways to nurture yourself through every phase.
The Power of the Period. Period.
The Best Period Products for Comfort & Convenience
Periods Are Normal—Let’s Talk About It!
Welcome to our Menstrual Health & Self-Care hub! Here, we break the stigma around periods and share the latest period products, self-care tips, and holistic remedies to make that time of the month easier. Whether you're looking for the best period essentials, ways to ease cramps, or how to talk about periods confidently, we’ve got you covered. Because let’s be real—periods are normal, and it’s time we treat them that way.
✨ Explore Topics Like:
✔ Best new period products (menstrual cups, period underwear, & more!)
✔ Natural remedies for cramps, bloating, & fatigue
✔ How to talk about periods without the awkwardness
✔ Essential self-care tips for your cycle
Let’s break the stigma and support each other through every phase of our cycle!
Why Does My Period Make Me So Bloated?! (& How to Fix It)
Why Am I SO Tired Before My Period? (& How to Get Your Energy Back)
When Everything Annoys You: How to Handle Hormonal Chaos
Skin Freaking Out Before Your Period? Here’s Why & What to Do About It
OMG it’s not just you, your period affects your skin!
Let’s Talk About Periods: No More Stigma, No More Shame
I grew up in a time where talking about periods was just embarrassing, but this week we are taking a deep dive into all things period related!
Embracing the Championship Journey: Navigating Emotions, Pressure, and Resilience in Student-Athletes
Expanding Horizons: Scholarships, Internships, and Opportunities Beyond Sports
Your journey doesn’t end when the game does—it’s just beginning. 🏆💜 Whether you’re looking for scholarships, internships, or leadership programs, there are so many ways to grow beyond sports and set yourself up for future success.
In this blog, we’re breaking down:
✅ Scholarships for female athletes 💰
✅ Internships & leadership programs for career growth 🔥
✅ Resources to help you take the next step 🚀
Because the skills you’ve built as an athlete—discipline, resilience, teamwork—are exactly what will help you succeed in ANY field. Let’s get you connected to the opportunities you deserve.
The Pep Talk You Need Before Your Big Moment
Here’s the pep talk you need before the big game, the big meeting, the thing you’re nervous about. You’ve got this. Read for more!
How Running (and Life) is About Taking the First Step
Four summers ago, I wasn’t a runner. I had run one mile that season. Then, out of nowhere, a friend asked me to sub in for a 100-mile relay race. My first instinct? No way. But something inside me said, why not?
I showed up. I ran my segments. It wasn’t perfect, but I finished. And the feeling at the end? Unreal. That moment taught me something huge—you don’t have to be ready, you just have to start.
Now, running is my reset button. When my mind is busy, when I need space, when I need to feel strong, I put on my shoes and go.
Starting The GRL Initiative was the same way. I didn’t have all the answers, but I knew I had to start somewhere.
If there’s something you’ve been waiting for—a race, a dream, a challenge—just start. 💜
Fueling Your Body
Ever feel like your workouts (or your whole day) are harder than they should be? It might not be you—it might be your fuel. 🚀
Your body needs the right energy to train, think, and function at its best. But if you’re under-fueled or eating the wrong stuff, you’ll feel sluggish, frustrated, and stuck.
In this blog, we break down:
✅ Clean fuel vs. non-clean fuel (and why it matters)
✅ How proper nutrition makes training easier & more effective
✅ Why balance—not perfection—is key
✅ How to plan ahead so you always have the fuel you need
Because fueling your body isn’t just about fitness—it’s about showing up strong in every part of your life. 💜
Balancing the Hustle: How to Push Yourself Without Burning Out
Girls today are under more pressure than ever—to be the best, to never fail, to always be on. But where’s the line between pushing yourself to grow and pushing yourself to exhaustion?
By age 14, girls drop out of sports at twice the rate of boys, not because they don’t love it, but because the pressure becomes too much. It’s time to change the game.
In this blog, we dive into why girls put so much pressure on themselves, why they quit sports, and how to find a healthier balance between ambition and rest. Because success isn’t just about winning today—it’s about showing up for yourself tomorrow.
Now More Than Ever: Empowering Girls to Lead, Speak Up, and Stand Strong
As rights and protections for women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and BIPOC communities are being dismantled, the message is clear—your voice matters less. But we refuse to accept that.
With 1 in 5 women experiencing sexual violence and 39% of LGBTQ+ youth seriously considering suicide, it’s urgent that we equip young women with the leadership skills, resilience, and confidence to fight for their rights.
Now more than ever, we must teach girls to think critically, advocate for themselves and others, and challenge outdated systems. Because as women take more seats at the boardroom table, their voices at every table must be heard.
Breaking the Cycle: Navigating Gender Roles in Career and Home
As women continue to advance in their careers, traditional gender roles at home can be hard to navigate. The pressure to “do it all” still exists, while outdated expectations about household responsibilities remain.
In this blog, we explore how gender roles are shifting, why it’s crucial to teach all genders essential life skills, and how we can break the cycle of outdated expectations. Because as women take more seats at the boardroom table, their roles at home evolve too—and that’s a good thing.