There are moments in life when we feel like giving up, but not in the way you might think. I’m not talking about giving up on life itself, but on something we’ve been relentlessly pursuing. Whether it’s a project, a dream, or a personal goal, we hit points where it feels like we’re giving so much but getting so little in return. It’s easy to feel like it’s just not worth it anymore.
If I’m being honest, I’ve given up on things many times before. I’ve been passionate about something one minute, only to walk away the next because it wasn’t taking off the way I expected or hoped. It’s a part of who I am — my addictive nature has always meant I dive deep into things, but when they don’t meet my expectations, I can let them go just as quickly. It’s something I’ve struggled with, and something I’m actively working on.
When I first started my blog, I was filled with passion and excitement. I wasn’t just posting for myself; I realized I was reaching people, I was making a difference. The same was true when I started my podcast and began my charity work. I poured everything I had into it, fully believing that I was contributing to something bigger.
But recently, I lost sight of what all of this was for. I was giving 110%, but in some ways, it didn’t feel like I was getting anywhere. I questioned if it was even worth it — the time, the effort, the emotional investment. Was I making a difference, or was I just spinning my wheels?
Today, something changed. For so many different reasons, I was reminded of why I started in the first place. When I began this journey, I didn’t think I was going to change the world. I told myself that if I could help just one person, that would be enough. If I could offer support to even one person, then all of my struggles would have had a purpose.
And today, I saw just how far I’ve come. It hit me in a way that I wasn’t expecting: the reach I have, the people who’ve been impacted by my work, and the faith that others have in what I’m doing. I realized I’ve already made more of an impact than I thought, and that alone is something to be proud of.
I am incredibly grateful for the people who’ve stuck by me — for the ones who have been unwavering in their support. I’ve received messages from people I’ve never met, who’ve offered kind words and encouragement, and even though some of them don’t know me in the traditional sense, they know me. They see me — they see the person I’m becoming, even when I’m still learning to see her myself.
One thing I’ve come to accept is that I don’t believe everything happens for a reason. I wouldn’t say I would never change a thing because, frankly, there’s a lot I would change. The pain, the heartache — I don’t think they were deserved. But here’s what I do believe: I am not defined by what happened to me. I am defined by what I do next, by the difference I am trying to make, and by the difference I already am making.
Today I had several conversations with strangers — conversations that reminded me why I started this journey in the first place. I may never change the world overnight, but I’m off to a pretty damn good start. I’ve been told by people I don’t even know how proud I should be of what I’ve done. And for the first time, I really feel it. I’m proud of what I’ve built, proud of the impact I’m having, and proud of the person I’m becoming.
But more than that, I’m thankful. Thankful for the people who show up for me, day after day. I talk a lot about missing my old life, my old friends, and I do. I miss them. But the people who are in my life now — both old friends and new ones — have shown me something I never thought possible: they stick around, even when it’s hard. Even when I don’t always see the value in myself, they do.
One of my best friends said something to me today that really stuck. She’s always asking me to meet up, whether it’s with my kids or just the two of us, and I often hesitate, because I’m just not ready yet. But today she told me, “One day, when you’re ready, you’ll say yes.” That’s what it’s all about. People who don’t walk away at the first sign of trouble. People who keep showing up, even when you’re not sure you’re worth it. Those are the people that make all the difference.
Sometimes, I lose sight of that. But I never forget how much I appreciate it. And if it weren’t for these people — the ones who’ve never given up on me — I wouldn’t be where I am today.
I know I still have so much more to do, but today I’m reminded that every step, every small victory, counts. It’s not about changing the world overnight. It’s about making a difference in the world I can reach, in the lives I can touch. And that’s enough for me.
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