Quick Post, Real Reminder And no, this isn’t about bashing the boys, but bolstering us babes, because having confidence is one thing, but centering yourself is a world unto its own. Shuffling through many a saved and poignant note, this one fell through the cracks and deserves all the oxygen. The example: When women (us babes) look at a job posting, we tend to over study the requirements like we’re preparing for the final exam of our life. Somehow some way, we think we need to be able to do 80%, 90%, maybe even 100% of the job before we feel qualified… ready enough to apply. Meanwhile, on the XY…
-
-
When “Don’t Worry, Be Happy!” Isn’t Remotely Helpful
Turning “Yeah, But…” Into Something Useful And hold it right there, no, I’m not knocking Bobby McFerrin’s fun-loving, ’80s hit… just the overly simplistic sentiment in those four words. You know the ones with the same vibe as those other well-meaning, Pinterest-pretty quotes that show up while you’re doom-scrolling at 12:49am on a workday. Do you sometimes pause, maybe even smile a little… and then immediately dismiss them?Like, yeah, right. Not for me. Too many of them come off as vacant, sounding lofty, and even aggressively positive. Now, I’m generally a positive person, but too many of them feel like they don’t quite fit me or where I am right…
-
Big Age, Bigger Growth | Episode 01: Keep Figuring It Out
Quick Post, Real Reminder -Sincerely, Irene B
-
20 Sayings That Hit Different When You’re Growing Through Life
I hear quotes, sayings, words, and all the things any —and everywhere—in books, online, passing conversations, and some just land like solid 10. Think an Olympic gymnast who stuck the mat to screams and cheers. These sayings aren’t about hyping me up or giving me a big, gloating, bobble head. They’re more like nudges. Right-on-time ah-has, reminders, prompts, and a sprinkling of reality checks that stop me from derailing (too much), overthinking, or worse, shrinking when I shouldn’t. Spring is here. Homegirl finally parked the struggle bus, but she still needs a minute to fully step out from behind the curtain, and take center stage. We’ll give her a few…
-
The Truth About Finishing Your Project After 40
Waaay after 40, and it wasn’t quick, I’ll tell you that for nothing. So let’s get that out of the way because not even I can start faking that I’m this disciplined creative woodland fairy type, who wakes up at 5 a.m. with a green juice in hand, and joy all over my face as I look over my easily completable checklist. Hell no. Half the time I wake up mad that my bed isn’t steps from a sunny beach, and even madder at my mum for having the nerve to raise me with stupid morals instead of the will to just go ahead and do something strange for a…
-
Why Unlearning Is One Key to Growth in 2026
I was speaking with a friend this morning who was doubting herself—her reaction to a situation she already knew the answer to—yet was still willing to give the offending person the benefit of the doubt. A person who, in my opinion, was way past that point and who earned all the doubt and zero benefit. I listened and in response I said my piece, spoke my truth, and she heard me. She’s my mate and I’d never steer her wrong, but when our convo was over it left me thinking: what if, in this season — still wintering, so to speak — and not rushing to force ourselves to learn…
-
Messy Journaling: Your Secret Tool for Better Stress Relief
Two Moscow Mules, a Prosecco, and a deep conversation about something we all struggle with from time to time—managing our emotions, especially when other people, situations, or life itself unintentionally trigger them. One friend shared that she’d been trying to stay calm, respond better, not let things get to her—but sometimes, it just felt impossible. Think: “I know I’m being triggered, but I can’t seem to stop reacting. I don’t have control over it.” I’ve one hundred percent been there. Many times. Maybe, like me, you don’t yell or scream out loud—it’s more internal—but either way, you feel it. You’re not overreacting, being dramatic or ‘in your feels’, it’s real…
-
How to Turn Midlife Milestones into Lasting Happiness
When my daughter turned 18, it reminded me of something simple but easy to forget: big birthdays are automatic milestones. They come with balloons, dinners, photos, and all the “you’re grown now, woohoo” speeches. There are umpteen scripts for turning 13 through 25 — the OG markers of independence, responsibility, and new beginnings. But guess what: milestones don’t just belong to the kiddos. Sure, we still celebrate those over 30 birthdays with or without parties with 40-deep friends, or sheet cakes full of candles; but it’s a combo of ‘yeah, you’ve made it another year and we love you’ — yet, unless we actively choose it, we don’t tie it…
-
How To Get What You Want: The Power In Asking
It’s Time To Say It or Stay Stuck. Though I was never a shy kid, it still didn’t mean that I always asked for what I wanted, at least not up front and clearly. I 100% shook my head and bawled tears in my mum’s kitchen at the myriad of colorful and flavorful foods I refused to eat for no good reason. Yeah, I absolutely did that, but let’s press on, shall we. But when I did ask for what I wanted, it worked out more often than not. Now, with my daughters, I realize what I wish I’d practiced more myself: always asking. Emphasis on the ‘always’. Of getting…
