Almost Grown...Up

Seasonal change can feel like we're losing the energy, curiosity, and joy of the last chapter, but it doesn't have to be that way. In this episode, I'm sharing five playful practices to help you carry the magic of summer (or any season) into what comes next. You'll hear: ✨ Why rituals like special meals can help us feel connected and grounded ✨ The simple end-of-day habit that supports rest, rhythm, and wonder ✨ How starting a "play project" keeps curiosity alive ✨ Creative ways to celebrate quirky days and make ordinary months more fun ✨ Why sending a postcard (yes, really!) is a surprisingly joyful ritual If you're moving from one season to another, whether in nature or in life, this episode is your invitation to bring some attention, creativity, and play along for the journey. Learn more about Almost Grown...Up and get the transcript here: https://www.lucielincoln.com/episodes 🧡 Join me for Playgroup on October 2nd: https://lucielincoln.kit.com/a85a4668ed 📬 Get regular updates on living a creative life: lucielincoln.substack.com

A month long digital detox turned into an analog creativity challenge - learn the habits that revived my imagination. In this episode of Almost Grown...Up I walk you through my month‑long analog summer experiment - a conscious screen‑free challenge designed to combat digital overload and spark fresh creative routines. What you'll discover: Beginner mindset: How diving into new analog hobbies (photography, video making, collage) unlocked playful creative flow. Balanced screen breaks: Real‑world insights on managing screen time, recognizing digital fatigue, and building a sustainable tech‑free routine. Create what you consume: From reading Mary Oliver's Upstream to a whimsical Korean novel, I explain how mindful reading inspired me to start writing tiny scenes and sensory portraits. Practical tools & tips: A Play book set‑up for idea capture Sensory‑portrait exercise for immersive memory‑keeping Analog scrapbook techniques for lasting keepsakes Quick weekend analog projects you can start today (collage, cooking, star‑watching, etc.) Why it matters: A digital detox doesn't have to be an all‑or‑nothing proposition. By pairing intentional screen‑free periods with purposeful creative projects, you can reduce mental clutter, improve focus, and nurture mindful productivity. Resources mentioned: Mary Oliver – Upstream (essay collection)  Hang Bo Reun – Welcome to the Hyunam- Dong Bookshop (Novel) Upcoming Creative Mornings field‑trip (Sept 18th 3pm EST/ 8pm BST) Click here to register. Join the conversation: I would love to hear what analog experiment your trying or ideat on how to tailor a screen‑free challenge to your interests. Let's bring tactile creativity back into our lives- one sketch, one collage, and one mindful habit at a time. Learn more about Almost Grown...Up and get the transcript here: https://www.lucielincoln.com/episodes 🧡 Grab my 7-Day Play & Wonder Challenge: https://lucielincoln.kit.com/c68ddfc764 📬 Get monthly notes on living a creative life: lucielincoln.substack.com

Why does even good change feel so hard? In this episode, I'm unpacking (literally and emotionally) what it means to move forward, even when the change is something we've been hoping for. As I prepare to move home, I explore how play helped me cope, and how wonder helped me let go. You'll hear: Honest reflections on navigating positive change The emotional complexity of new chapters Why play sometimes feels like "toxic positivity"—and what to do instead How wonder helps us hold joy and grief at the same time Practical ideas like "Wonder Walks" and sensory rituals to help you find footing in the in-between If you're in a moment of transition - starting something, ending something, or just feeling the shift, this episode is your permission slip to pause, feel it all, and find a bit of magic in the mess. Learn more about Almost Grown...Up and get the transcript here: https://www.lucielincoln.com/episodes 🧡 Grab my 7-Day Play & Wonder Challenge: https://lucielincoln.kit.com/c68ddfc764 📬 Get monthly notes on living a creative life: lucielincoln.substack.com

Feeling stuck, low on energy, or creatively meh? You're not alone. In this episode, Lucie shares her go-to creative reset for when everything feels a little too much. From three playful mini creative briefs to the unexpected power of a walk, this is your permission slip to step out of overwhelm and into momentum - one small action at a time. Whether you're navigating parenthood, burnout, or just the general messiness of life, this episode is a soft reset, full of ideas, wonder, and honest reflection.  Featuring: A pep talk for anyone stuck in a creative fog Lucie's favourite creative reset 3 creative briefs to jump-start your imagination The surprising clarity a walk in nature can bring Learn more about Almost Grown...Up and get the transcript here: https://www.lucielincoln.com/episodes Want to find a bit more everyday play? Join the 7 day Play & Wonder Challenge Each day you'll get a simple, playful prompt straight to your inbox — just 5 minutes a day to spark creativity, joy, and fresh perspective. ✨ It's free and it starts whenever you're ready. Sign up here Join the Blanketfort Club Want a regular dose of creative encouragement and messy magic? Subscribe to The Growth Chart, my newsletter →https://lucielincoln.substack.com Join Playgroup, my monthly creative event →  https://www.lucielincoln.com/playgroup Let's hang out Instagram → @lucie.lincoln Website → www.lucielincoln.com YouTube →https://www.youtube.com/@lucielincoln

Ever feel like you've missed your chance? Like you're too late to begin again? In this episode, we talk about the messy, magical truth of starting over - at any age, at any time. From the myths we believe about time, to the fear of the unknown, to the playful rituals that help us take that first step, we're diving deep into the big question: Is it too late to start again? Spoiler: it's not. You're right on time. Learn more about Almost Grown...Up and get the transcript here: https://www.lucielincoln.com/episodes Want to find a bit more everyday play? Join the 7 day Play & Wonder Challenge Each day you'll get a simple, playful prompt straight to your inbox — just 5 minutes a day to spark creativity, joy, and fresh perspective. ✨ It's free and it starts whenever you're ready. Sign up here Join the Blanketfort Club Want a regular dose of creative encouragement and messy magic? Subscribe to The Growth Chart, my newsletter →https://lucielincoln.substack.com Join Playgroup, my monthly creative event →  https://www.lucielincoln.com/playgroup Let's hang out Instagram → @lucie.lincoln Website → www.lucielincoln.com YouTube →https://www.youtube.com/@lucielincoln

What if wonder wasn't something rare or far away, but something you could feel today - right now? In this episode, Lucie explores the beautiful, everyday wonder of small pleasures. From your morning drink to the sound of birds, we talk about how simple joys can anchor us, soften life's edges, and help us feel more alive. A gentle reminder that slowing down might be the most powerful creative act you can do. For anyone feeling overwhelmed, this is your permission slip to pause, notice, and find magic in the mess. Learn more about Almost Grown...Up and get the transcript here: https://www.lucielincoln.com/episodes Want to find a bit more everyday play? Join the 7 day Play & Wonder Challenge Each day you'll get a simple, playful prompt straight to your inbox — just 5 minutes a day to spark creativity, joy, and fresh perspective. ✨ It's free and it starts whenever you're ready. Sign up here Join the Blanketfort Club Want a regular dose of creative encouragement and messy magic? Subscribe to The Growth Chart, my newsletter →https://lucielincoln.substack.com Join Playgroup, my monthly creative event →  https://www.lucielincoln.com/playgroup Let's hang out Instagram → @lucie.lincoln Website → www.lucielincoln.com YouTube →https://www.youtube.com/@lucielincoln

This week we are back in the blanket fort for the ultimate showdown -play versus productivity. I'm kidding (kind of). Play is often put in opposition to productivity and in this episode, we are going to dive into a few of my favourite play rituals to help boost productivity. And then explore how we can escape the productivity trap!  Tune in to:   -Explore how play can support your productivity rather than work against it  - Get play ideas to help boost your productivity - including a few exercises to help stave off procrastination  - Think on what we do once we have been productive with all the time we have Ready? Let's Dive in! Learn more about Almost Grown...Up and get the transcript here: https://www.lucielincoln.com/episodes Want to find a bit more everyday play? Join the 7 day Play & Wonder Challenge Each day you'll get a simple, playful prompt straight to your inbox — just 5 minutes a day to spark creativity, joy, and fresh perspective. ✨ It's free and it starts whenever you're ready. Sign up here Join the Blanketfort Club Want a regular dose of creative encouragement and messy magic? Subscribe to The Growth Chart, my newsletter →https://lucielincoln.substack.com Join Playgroup, my monthly creative event →  https://www.lucielincoln.com/playgroup Let's hang out Instagram → @lucie.lincoln Website → www.lucielincoln.com YouTube →https://www.youtube.com/@lucielincoln

Remember that thing you used to love doing… before life got so busy? In this episode of Almost Grown Up, we're talking about the quiet magic of hobbies - not for productivity, not for monetization, just for the joy of it. Whether it's painting, gardening, journaling, or dancing around your kitchen, those little creative acts can offer us the daily opportunity to play.  We'll explore the power of hobbies and how we can bring more of them into our lives. This is your permission slip to reconnect with joy, curiosity, and the playful parts of yourself you may have forgotten. Tune in to get: A reminder of the power of hobbies  Three strategies to help you kick-start a hobby now.  Learn more about Almost Grown...Up and get the transcript here: https://www.lucielincoln.com/episodes Want some new hobby inspiration? Join the 7 day Play & Wonder Challenge Each day you'll get a simple, playful prompt straight to your inbox — just 5 minutes a day to spark creativity, joy, and fresh perspective. ✨ It's free and it starts whenever you're ready. Sign up here Join the Blanketfort Club Want a regular dose of creative encouragement and messy magic? Subscribe to The Growth Chart, my newsletter →https://lucielincoln.substack.com Join Playgroup, my monthly creative event →  https://www.lucielincoln.com/playgroup Let's hang out Instagram → @lucie.lincoln Website → www.lucielincoln.com YouTube →https://www.youtube.com/@lucielincoln Say hi or share your thoughts → lucie@lucielincoln.com

Feeling lost is a pretty common adulting experience. But it can feel pretty difficult to be found again. Today on the podcast Lucie shares her experiences of being lost as an adult and how in her recent 'lost moment' she used a play and wonder framework to rebuild a map and help her move forward into a new direction feeling less lost.  Tune in to get: A permission slip not to know and be figuring it out  A creative and playful map to use when you are feeling lost  A reminder that you're not alone and some support to create some momentum.    The quote I miss quote during the episode: "Good decisions come from experience. Experience comes from making bad decisions." - Mark Twain  Learn more about Almost Grown...Up and get the transcript here: https://www.lucielincoln.com/episodes Want a little extra momentum? Join the 7 day Play & Wonder Challenge Each day you'll get a simple, playful prompt straight to your inbox — just 5 minutes a day to spark creativity, joy, and fresh perspective. ✨ It's free and it starts whenever you're ready. Sign up here Join the Blanketfort Club Want a regular dose of creative encouragement and messy magic? Subscribe to The Growth Chart, my newsletter →https://lucielincoln.substack.com Join Playgroup, my monthly creative event →  https://www.lucielincoln.com/playgroup Let's hang out Instagram → @lucie.lincoln Website → www.lucielincoln.com YouTube →https://www.youtube.com/@lucielincoln Say hi or share your thoughts → lucie@lucielincoln.com

This week, we're diving into the seriousness of play. Play isn't just for kids. It's not frivolous. It's not a waste of time. In fact — play is how we learn, experiment, expand, and move forward when life gets messy. Tune in to get: a reminder of why play is so important  how play changed my life a creative framework for how we can get into a space of play Learn more about Almost Grown...Up and get the transcript here: https://www.lucielincoln.com/episodes Join the Blanketfort Club Want a regular dose of creative encouragement and messy magic? Subscribe to The Growth Chart, my newsletter →https://lucielincoln.substack.com Join Playgroup, my monthly creative event →  https://www.lucielincoln.com/playgroup Let's hang out Instagram → @lucie.lincoln Website → www.lucielincoln.com YouTube →https://www.youtube.com/@lucielincoln Say hi or share your thoughts → lucie@lucielincoln.com

Welcome back! It's Season 5 and we are back in the blanket fort (now in video as well!). In this episode, Lucie shares the overview of what this season will explore. Her big aha moment from the last few months on the power of letting yourself step outside the box that other people want to put you in and instead define yourself and your life on your own terms. So if you need a permission slip to live your life your way and some inspiration on how to make that happen, then this is just that.  Tune in to get: a fresh take on how to embrace all parts of ourselves  a permission slip to adult however works for you  permission to figure it out and have fun whilst you do it Learn more about Almost Grown...Up and get the transcript here:  Join the Blanketfort Club Want a regular dose of creative encouragement and messy magic? Subscribe to The Growth Chart, my newsletter →https://lucielincoln.substack.com Join Playgroup, my monthly creative event →  https://www.lucielincoln.com/playgroup Let's hang out Instagram → @lucie.lincoln Website → www.lucielincoln.com YouTube →https://www.youtube.com/@lucielincoln Say hi or share your thoughts → lucie@lucielincoln.com      

This week we are exploring the wonder of kindness and the magic of wondering at the kindness of human kind.  Today Lucie dives into the theme of moral beauty as a bucket of Wonder and explores the topic of kindness in the world today along with sharing some kindness rituals and ideas for this end of year season.  In this episode you will learn  What is so special about kindness How it prompts wonder  Why Kindness is contagious  How we can add more feelings of wonder through kindness And some ideas for how we can be kind to ourselves and others. Books mentioned:  Awe  - Dacher Keltner Human Kind - Rutger Bergman 🔗 Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review Almost Grown...Up on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and your favourite podcast platforms  Find out more about Almost Grown...Up at www.lucielincoln.com  Get more thoughts on Substack or stay in touch on Instagram or Tik Tok

This week we dive into the power of curiosity. Often when we see the Wonder in things we feel more curious about the world and ourselves. So it feels only right that curiosity about things would prompt wonder as well.  Today Lucie dives into why curiosity is such a great tool and how it can help us to find wonder on a regular basis.  Get practical rituals and ideas of how you can make curiosity a habit. 🔗 Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review Almost Grown...Up on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and your favourite podcast platforms  Find out more about Almost Grown...Up at www.lucielincoln.com  Get more thoughts on Substack or stay in touch on Instagram or Tik Tok

This week we are back in the blanket fort to explore how wonder can be a tool to help us through low energy and burnout.  In this episode, Lucie shares: Her own moment of burnout and why she started using Wonder to help Why Wonder is such a great tool to help us track back from burnout  3 Rituals that you can use if you are feeling low on energy or burnout 🔗 Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review Almost Grown...Up on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and your favourite podcast platforms  Find out more about Almost Grown...Up at www.lucielincoln.com  Get more thoughts on Substack or stay in touch on Instagram or Tik Tok

This week is our first wonder walk episode. Wonder can feel elusive in the every day so I wanted to create some episodes to help you get right into the heart of wonder now This short-form episode is designed to help you get out into the world and tap into some wonder. So pop in your headphones, open your front door and head out into the world and see what moments of wonder you can find hidden in the everyday around you.  I would love to hear what you think of this style of episode! Message me at @lucielincoln or via email on Lucielincoln.com and let me know!  🔗 Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review Almost Grown...Up on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and your favourite podcast platforms  Find out more about Almost Grown...Up at www.lucielincoln.com  Get more thoughts on Substack or stay in touch on Instagram or Tik Tok Background Music from Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/ak/sky-high

This week we are back in the blanket fort and joined by my wonder co-host Annie Yi to discuss the wonder of transitions and how we can find beauty in the move between seasons.  In this episode, Lucie and Annie discuss: Their seasonal portraits  New rituals they are exploring in this new season  Ways of accessing wonder in the everyday Journal Prompt for the Season: What makes up your seasonal wonder portrait?  What are you ready to let go of in this season?  What kinds of aliveness can you look forward to this fall?  You can find all of their seasonal portrait inspiration and Sassibelli (thanks Alice Saparro for the term!) here. 🔗 Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review Almost Grown...Up on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and your favourite podcast platforms  Find out more about Almost Grown...Up at www.lucielincoln.com  Get more thoughts on Substack or stay in touch on Instagram or Tik Tok  

We are back in the blanket fort to kick off season four of Almost Grown...Up.  It's been a minute, but after 9 months of lots of change Lucie is back in the blanket fort to kick off a season of wonder. Yes, that's right season four of the podcast will be exploring the theme of wonder and how it can help us to grow up into the adults we want to be.  In this episode, we cover:   - How I have been thinking about growing up in the last year   - What is Wonder and why it is so powerful  - How Wonder can be part of our growing up toolkit   So why not subscribe or follow now as we jump into this season of wonder.    Find out more about Almost Grown...Up at www.lucielincoln.com   Get more thoughts on Substack or stay in touch on Instagram or Tik Tok

Welcome back to Almost Grown...Up! Before Season 4 officially kicks off, join Lucie and Annie for a special Wonder Session to celebrate the arrival of spring and summer. 🌸✨ In this episode, Lucie and Annie discuss: How life has changed in the past few months Where they've discovered wonder in their everyday lives The rituals that have been bringing them joy and awe We dive into the power of other people to help you find wonder in unexpected places. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that will leave you looking at the world with fresh eyes. ✨ Share your own moments of wonder with us! We'd love to hear where you've found wonder these past few months. If you're listening in spotify you can share directly with our Q&A  Journal Prompt for the Season: Who helps you access wonder? Where have you put in the reps on something that means you can do that thing more easily or joyfully now? What feels wonderful right now? What makes up your mood board for this season? 🔗 Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review Almost Grown...Up on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and your favourite podcast platforms! #AlmostGrownUp #WonderSessions #Spring #Summer #FindWonder #Podcast

We are back in the blanket fort for the final episode of Season Three. And to close out the season Lucie explores the idea of what growing up really means.  Sharing her thoughts on why we need permission to define 'grown-upping' for ourselves along with guests from across the season sharing their definition of what a grown up is.  Think of it as one big permission slip to build your own definition growning up, the one that feels good to you.  In this episode, we cover:  Why we should define growing up for ourselves  Many different definitions of what it is to be a grown up  Questions to explore in 2024 I would love to hear what your definition of growing up is. Let me know in the spotify Q&A. Find out more about Almost Grown...Up at www.lucielincoln.com Get more thoughts on Substack or stay in touch on Instagram or Tik Tok  

In this episode, we kick off a new series on the Almost Grown...Up Podcast: The Wonder Sessions with Annie. Every quarter Lucie and Annie Yi (storyteller, artist, animal enthusiast and, episode 61 guest) are getting together to discuss wonder and how we can add more of it into our grown upping experience.  This is the first of more conversations to come, all around how we discover more wonder as we grow.  In this episode, we cover:  What wonder we have discovered recently  Questions for the year Ideas for rituals that prompt wonder  How to find wonder in the new year We would love to hear what wonder rituals you are going to introduce? Let us know in the Spotify Q&A. Find out more about Almost Grown...Up at www.lucielincoln.com You can find out more about Annie through her website, or her instagram.  Get more thoughts on Substack or stay in touch on Instagram or Tik Tok