Happy Birthday to SincerelyIreneB… yeah… me! So here we are. I made it! Twelve months of writing, blogging, posting. And I’m beyond excited about it! One whole year since I showed up to my own party, nervous but absolutely refusing to wait for the ‘Productivity Fairy’ to convince me that now was the right time to begin. One year since I typed out that first post, hit publish before I could talk myself out of it, and officially committed to Starting Sideways. So… how’d that go? Well, grab something and lemme tell ya. The Checklist, Revisited If you read my very first post, you know I showed up with a…
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Big Age, Bigger Growth | Episode 01: Keep Figuring It Out
Quick Post, Real Reminder -Sincerely, Irene B
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Are You Really Learning from the “Last Time”?
The very last time. Because it’s been 50–11 times now, so really, really… this is the last time. I love not only thinking about growth, but also actually growing. It’s not, nor will it ever be a perfectly straight path, but in my Big Age, the path is less curvy, less wobbly, and less riddled with self-inflicted obstacles. Paid to Learn, Paid to Leave “Lessons learned” at work is one thing. There’s more clarity there. You’ll do better with the time, budget, scope creep foolishness, or switch out the drama queen who contributed to the downfall. Simple. And believe me, I know there are those projects that will absolutely test…
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What Do You Love About the Way You
LookThink?I’ve been watching my brain lately… OK, wait… wait… hear me out. I haven’t completely lost it. I know you can’t literally watch a brain like how I watched—well, serial-inhaled—season 4 of Bridgerton, but honestly, I’m paying a heck of a lot more attention to my thoughts, and the way they feed into my reactions. And I’m loving it more and more. Too often before, my brain felt like a noisy, messy roommate that I couldn’t escape while we both worked from home… at the same company… on the same project. Now, in Big Age (and with nothing perfect, obviously), my brain is more like an enemies-to-lovers rom-com. Our beef has lessened, we…
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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…
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Wintering Through Life: Planning, Pausing, and Unexpected Growth
Unless you’re lollygagging somewhere tropical and smug (you know who you are!), we – the rest of us are still wintering. The snow that got dumped on us these past weeks is still here. Move, Bitch, get out the way! Winter Is Still Winning So I cannot lull myself into letting one semi-decent, sunny day trick me into a fake emotional spring after ice-gate. Sure, the sun popped out a little longer than five minutes. High enough to shine but not heat anything up, so relax people, put your big coat back by the hook by the door, and humble yourself. That was just a teaser trailer of things to…
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Stillness and Growth: Why Slowing Down Isn’t Lazy
Lately, I’ve been paying attention to people who seem to find calm—not perfectly, not permanently, but intentionally. Not people who have it all figured out.People who are actively choosing it. They still have trials and tribulations in their own lives but are intentionally managing their responses to them. And no, it’s not easy—but looking for and choosing calm rarely is. They commit to enjoying the simple things without dismissing their real problems. So they don’t spiral over what they can’t fix single-handedly.And that means they move through life with a little more caution, slower, even—not because they don’t care, but because they do. And I’ve realized I don’t need to become someone…
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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…
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I’m Not Revealing Myself in 2026, I’m Claiming It
I’ve got it! It’s locked in, loaded, and ready to go. My word for 2026 is CLAIM. Behold and absorb the visual of me breathing a giddy sigh of relief. I flirted with some other real-deal contenders. But claim landed like a slap to the face that I soothed into sticking, and a friend helped me see why. Reveal wasn’t strong enough. For me, anyway. I didn’t need to show who I am. I already know. This year is about claiming it. Phase two of who the heck knows. Claiming the work I’ve been doing quietly.Claiming the parts of myself I held back while waiting to feel comfortable.Claiming forward movement…
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A Reminder for Anyone Who Feels Behind Right Now
One with a few words but giant vibes as we wrap up 2025. Here’s a snackable truth: the calendar may be running out, but you’re not. You’re still moving—sometimes with momentum, other times like you’re dragging a mountain in some dusty, worn-out flip-flops. Didn’t cross off all your finish lines? Shake it off, Luv. You’re exactly where you’re meant to be. Read this if you feel behind (though you’re not). You don’t need to rush this season I’m calling this an active change, and you’re allowed to keep going at this pace. You don’t need to justify your pace. It’s time for you to enjoy this, and all the seasons—tied…
