Do you ever look at an old photo and think… “Wow, she was so full of life!”
She’s still in there ~ here’s some ways to invite her back out to play…
Hey y’all, welcome to Lovin My Daughter-in-law podcast, where connection, love, and a whole lot of fun come together. I’m LeAnn Austin, boy mom and teacher turned master-certified life coach, who once had all the feelings when cute girlies started dating my sons. I had to learn a lot about love, boundaries, and connection, not just with my daughters-in-law, but with myself. That’s how Lovin My Daughter-in-law was born.
So if you’re craving more love, connection, and fun in your life, especially the kind that starts from within, this podcast is for you.
Today’s episode #198: Cute Girlie You
I’m so excited to talk about today’s conversation. It’s inspired by our recent Cute Girlie You Play Date. An experience all about reconnecting with that younger, playful, curious version of ourselves. If you missed the play date, no worries, the replay and the fun worksheets are still available. If you wanna go back and experience it for yourself, click HERE
So let me start by telling you what sparked this idea. I found an old photo of me when I was 10 years old, and you can see a picture of it on the cover of the podcast. My hair was doing its own thing, I had a big smile, bright eyes, and I decided to recreate it. Same outfit, same pose, and when I saw the two photos side by side, something clicked.
I realized how much of that version of me, the one who laughed easily, dreamed big, and didn’t overthink everything, still lives inside of me. She just doesn’t get invited out as much. And maybe you feel like that too, that there’s a younger, more playful version of you that’s waiting for a little attention and love.
So here are a few lessons Cute Girlie You has been reminding me of lately.
First, she doesn’t need permission to play. Remember when you just start dancing in the living room or doodling for hours? That version of you didn’t wait for everything to be quote “perfect”. She just followed what felt fun.
Sometimes as adults, we forget that play itself can be productive. So I and cute girlie encourage you to take time to play every day.
Second lesson from Cute Girlie You. She feels first and thinks later. Younger you didn’t analyze every decision or worry what people thought. She trusted what felt good to her. That’s a powerful reminder to tune into your body, your intuition, and give yourself space to feel before you rush into doing.
If you’re not sure how to do this, join us in Connection Crew. Even for just a month. I have so many tools that can help you feel and listen to that Cute Girlie You.
Third lesson, she finds wonder in small things. Little you didn’t need a vacation or a big event to feel joy. She found it in the trails outside, the clouds that looked like animals, or making up silly stories.
That curiosity is still inside of you. It just takes slowing down enough to notice. So take a minute today and notice the wonder in the small things all around you. There are so many of them when we simply slow down and notice.
The last lesson from Cute Girlie You. She is braver than you remember. Think about it – she tried new things, spoke her mind, believed she could do anything. Somewhere along the way, we started waiting for confidence before taking action, but she reminds us that courage comes first.
Remind yourself of all the brave things you’ve done and continue to do, and if you’re not sure about something you’d like to do – try it. Cute Girlie You has got your back and is cheering you on and encouraging you to do anything you want.
So I encourage you this week to reconnect with Cute Girlie You. Pull out an old photo, write her a letter, or just ask, “Hey, what would you love to do today?”
Sometimes the answers are simple. Go for a walk, play with color, dance in the kitchen. And sometimes those tiny invitations lead to really big and healing things.
If this resonates with you and you want to go deeper, you can still grab the Cute Girlie You Play Date replay and the adorable worksheet too. It’s full of nervous system tools, journal prompts, and much more to help you reconnect with that lighthearted, confident version of you. You can find it HERE
This play date is a fun, low pressure way to reflect and laugh and give your younger self the attention that she’s been waiting for. So here’s to Cute Girlie You, the one who still believes, still sparkles, and still knows how to have some fun. She’s not gone, she’s just waiting for you to say, “Hey, come play.” Hmm, something to think about.
Thanks for listening today. And as always, keep connecting and keep showing up for the beautiful, playful, curious you. Here’s to Cute Girlie You, fun, connection, and love. Have a good one y’all.
Thanks for hanging out with me today on Lovin My Daughter-in-law podcast. I hope you’re walking away with a little more connection, love, and lightness in your heart.
If this episode made you smile, tap the follow button and share it with a friend.
And if you’re tired of walking on eggshells, second guessing yourself, feeling disconnected, or ready to learn all about your nervous system, come join us inside Connection Crew or grab some One-on-One Coaching. I’d love to be your coach and cheer you on.
Until next time, be you, love you, build connections, and have some fun.