Do It Afraid!

There’s an old saying: You can’t pour from an empty cup. But as moms, wives, daughters, and caretakers, we often live as though we can. We put others first—our families, our jobs, our spouses—and leave our own dreams for another day. But what happens when “another day” never comes?

Taking the First Step

…and yet, taking that first step can feel overwhelming. You might wonder, Where do I even begin?

Let’s be real—your days are packed. You’re running from school drop-offs to work meetings, meal preps to bedtime stories. Your dream might feel like a luxury you can’t afford. But what if it isn’t? What if your dream is part of God’s purpose for your life?

Maybe your dream is writing a memoir, but you barely have time to read. Maybe you’ve always wanted to learn photography, but the thought of taking a full in-person class feels impossible. Dreams often feel out of reach not because they’re too big, but because we convince ourselves we don’t have time.

Here’s the encouragement: Start where you are.

• If writing feels daunting, start journaling for five minutes a day.
• If photography feels too expensive, watch free YouTube tutorials or sign up for a beginner class on Udemy or Skillshare. Forget buying an expensive camera for now. I took a class on taking professional pictures on my iPhone, for free, on Udemy. I learned to use many features on my phone I never knew existed.
• If you dream of building a business, check out resources like SCORE’s Small Business Mentoring or explore free templates for business planning on Canva. In my case I wanted to invest in a dollar store. I searched for franchise opportunities and what it would take to start a business like that. I visited neighborhood dollar stores and asked what felt like thousands of questions to the owners.
• And, most importantly, pray to God for guidance.

Don’t let the fear of imperfection stop you. C.S. Lewis once said, “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.”

Fueling Your Faith

Scripture offers us a roadmap for navigating seasons of doubt and uncertainty. Proverbs 16:3 reminds us, “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans.” What does it look like to commit your dream to God?

It starts with prayer—not just for the outcome, but for the courage to begin. Ask Him to guide your steps, to open the right doors, and to give you clarity in the moments when you feel unsure.

Then, act. Faith doesn’t eliminate hard work; it makes the work purposeful. Hebrews 12:1 encourages us to “run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” Perseverance means showing up even when it’s hard, even when progress feels slow, even when the finish line is out of sight.

Your dream may not unfold overnight. It may take months, even years, of small, consistent steps. But with faith as your foundation, every step becomes part of a larger story.

Encouragement for the Journey

I want to speak directly to the heart of the woman who feels like her dream is too far gone: It’s not too late.

You’ve spent so much of your life lifting others up—your children, your spouse, your parents, your coworkers. And that’s beautiful. But God didn’t call you to pour yourself out until there’s nothing left. He called you to live abundantly, to use the gifts He’s given you for His glory.

And here’s the thing about abundance: it’s not just for you. When you step into your calling, you inspire others to do the same. Your kids see what it looks like to dream big and work hard. Your community benefits from the unique gifts only you can offer. Your life becomes a testimony of faith in action.

As I reflect on the dream I set aside all those years ago, I don’t feel regret. Instead, I feel a deep sense of gratitude—for the lessons life has taught me along the way. I’ve learned the importance of faith that moves us forward, the power of perseverance through life’s detours, and the undeniable beauty of second chances.

Your dream is not too far gone, and it’s never too late to begin.