GRL Pep Talks: Real Conversations for Real Growth
Your go-to space for leadership, confidence, identity, team culture, and the everyday challenges young women and student-athletes navigate.
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.
You’re Not Late: Life Goals, Timelines, and the Myth of Falling Behind
Feeling behind in life? You’re not alone — and you’re not late. This post explores the pressure of artificial timelines, the myth of falling behind, and why evolving at your own pace is not just okay — it’s essential. Featuring insights from Glennon Doyle, Brianna Wiest, and more.
The Gender Trap: When Rest Feels Like a Risk
In male-dominated spaces, rest can feel like a risk for women in leadership. This post explores the gender trap that punishes vulnerability and questions what it truly means to lead with strength, empathy, and humanity. The GRL Initiative stands for leadership that honors mental health and real-life healing.
Removing expectations, removing judgement
Now More Than Ever: Lead With Love
In a world that feels increasingly divided, The GRL Initiative calls on young leaders to rise with compassion, empathy, and courage. This post explores what it truly means to lead with love — especially when the cause doesn't directly affect you — and how allyship, action, and community can create real change.
When the Yips Hit Your Workout: Getting Unstuck When Nothing Feels Fun
Ever feel like your workouts have lost their spark? Like nothing is fun anymore and everything feels like a chore? You're not alone. This post dives into how "the yips" — the mental block athletes experience — can show up in everyday fitness routines, and how to gently move through it with grace, grit, and a little GRL energy.
Now What? Your Perimenopause Game Plan (Without the Overwhelm)
You got your hormones tested — now what? This guide breaks down your next steps in perimenopause with zero overwhelm. From understanding your body’s signals to building your hormone-support toolkit, we’ve got you covered with real-life tips, expert quotes, and GRL-approved advice.
When Burnout Meets Perimenopause (And Brings Anxiety to the Party)
Is it burnout, anxiety, or perimenopause? (Spoiler: maybe all three.) In this post, we dive into what happens to your hormones in your 40s, why getting tested matters, and how to stop guessing and start feeling like yourself again. Plus, expert insights and podcast recs to help you make sense of the chaos.
Spring Cleaning, GRL Style: Clearing Space for the Season Ahead
Protecting GRLs: How The Safety Team is Changing the Conversation Around Consent & Safety in Vermont
We spoke with The Safety Team, a Vermont-based nonprofit doing powerful work to prevent violence and promote consent. Learn how they’re shifting the conversation from fear to empowerment—and why The GRL Initiative is stepping up to protect and inspire the next generation of GRLs.
When a Space Doesn’t Exist, We Don’t Wish for It—We Build It
We didn’t grow up trying to fit in—we grew up becoming who we needed. This post is for the GRLs who were always a little too bold, too independent, too real. When a space doesn’t exist, we don’t wait. We build it.
Linking Arms: Recording with Trinity on Go Off, GRL
In our very first Go Off, GRL podcast episode, I sat down with high schooler and all-around powerhouse Trinity McCarthy. We talked leadership, inclusion, and the impact of showing up for others. This post reflects on that conversation — and the bigger vision of what girls can accomplish when we support each other, link arms, and lead with heart.
Above the Clouds: What Costa Rica Taught Me About Language, Life, and Letting Go
A small central american country taught me so much more about my life and about myself. It was a time where I was the most fluent in Spanish I’ve ever been.
Lost in Translation: Adventures in Not Knowing What Anyone Is Saying (But Still Having the Best Time)
Traveling without speaking the language? Been there. Survived it. Thrived. From a high school mix-up in Mexico to snorkeling with Japanese tourists in Hawaii and sailing with French speakers, this post is a funny, real look at how language barriers can turn into the best travel memories. It’s not about being fluent — it’s about making the effort, laughing through the confusion, and embracing the unexpected.
The Power of a Good Trip
A good trip is more than a break from routine — it’s a powerful mirror. Whether you travel with family, friends, or solo, every journey holds the potential to teach you more about yourself, others, and the world around you. In this post, I reflect on how travel builds resilience, sparks connection, and reminds us what really matters. From rebounding when things go wrong to soaking in the little moments, here’s why the best souvenirs are the experiences that stay with you long after you return home.
The Youth Travel Sports Dilemma: Are We Protecting or Pushing Too Hard?
Youth sports are supposed to be about growth, teamwork, and passion—but somewhere along the way, they became about year-round competition, high-pressure travel teams, and the fear of falling behind.
At The GRL Initiative, we’re asking the tough questions:
✔ Are kids playing too much, too soon?
✔ Is the goal of youth sports about scholarships or joy?
✔ How do we protect kids from burnout while keeping them engaged?
This space is for parents, coaches, and athletes who want to rethink the way we approach sports—with a focus on balance, mental health, and long-term love for the game.
Because at the end of the day, sports should add to a child’s life, not consume it.
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.