Following Through with Your Dreams: The Journey of Building This Website (and Not Giving Up)

I’ve always had big dreams. And I know I’m not alone in that. There’s something uniquely fulfilling about chasing your dreams and making them a reality. Recently, I embarked on a journey to create this very website—a project that, for me, is both exciting and daunting. And while I’m still in the process of building it, one thing is clear: this journey is teaching me more about persistence and self-belief than I ever imagined.

Let me back up a bit. I was talking to my mom the other day on the phone, explaining what I’ve been working on with this website. We talked about how long I’ve dreamed of creating something to support others—possibly a women’s group. There’s so much to say about social media, AI, and how the world often tries to define your worth based on what you get in return from others. But for me, this website is about taking control of my own destiny and sticking with it. It’s something I’m pouring my heart into.

As I explained the steps I’ve been taking—designing, creating content, and even navigating all the technical hurdles with the help of YouTube videos and online resources (thank you to all the content creators out there!)—I could hear how proud my mom was. She said, "I think it’s so smart that you’re doing this all by yourself. You’re really showing what you’re capable of."

When she said those words, it felt like a moment of validation—an acknowledgment of all the late nights and head-scratching moments I’ve had in front of my computer. But what really resonated was when she added, "If you stick with it and don’t give up…"

Ugh, don’t give up. There’s that phrase. And honestly, it stings because it’s true. I struggle with this. I can get so caught up in the excitement of new ideas, but the real challenge is seeing them through to the end. The hardest part of chasing dreams isn’t just starting—it’s staying committed when things get tough.

But here's what I’m learning: Perseverance isn’t about doing everything perfectly. It’s about keeping going, even when you don’t feel like it. And trust me, I don’t always feel like it.

I think back to when I first got the idea for this website. I was motivated, enthusiastic, and had no idea what I was really getting into. I had visions of building something powerful—something meaningful that would help all of us, including myself. But almost every day, I find myself wavering. I’m not going to lie—I think about quitting. Maybe it would be easier to just give up, I tell myself. But each time I take a breath and remind myself why I started—and repeat my mom's words in my head, which have been a huge motivator because I want her to be proud of me—I find a little more strength to push through.

The truth is, I don’t want to give up. I don’t want to stop before I’ve seen this through. It’s the fear of failure that sometimes makes me want to throw in the towel. But I’m learning that failure isn’t the end of the story—it’s part of the process. The thing is, no one has it all figured out from the start. You learn as you go, and that’s the beauty of it.

In a few weeks, I’ll be heading back to Utah for one of my closest friends’ son’s wedding. It’s going to be a wonderful time spent with family and what I like to call my "extended family." Some of them have pushed me when I didn’t even know I needed it. And as I think about them—my parents, Tia, Arlinda, and all the other people in my life who’ve shaped me—I can’t help but feel grateful for the support system that surrounds me.

Being around these people always reminds me of why I do what I do. They believe in me, even when I falter. And it’s that belief that helps me get back up, dust myself off, and keep pushing forward, even when I want to give up.

So, what keeps me going with this website, and why do I think I’ll make it through? It’s a combination of passion, persistence, and the understanding that failure isn’t something to be feared—it’s an opportunity to grow. Every step I take, even if it’s a small one, brings me closer to the goal. And that, my friends, is enough to keep moving forward.

As I prepare to go to the wedding, I know I’ll reflect more on my journey so far. I’ll remind myself that following through with your dreams isn’t always easy, but it’s worth it. And maybe, just maybe, I’ll come back to this website with renewed energy, ready to keep building, ready to keep working toward what I’ve always dreamed of.

To anyone reading this, if you’re working on something of your own—whether it’s a project, a dream, or a goal—remember this: It’s okay to stumble. It’s okay to have doubts. What matters most is that you keep going. You’re capable, and you’re stronger than you think. Don’t give up. Stick with it.