Timeless Journal
Write Your Story, Timelessly.
Hi, my name is Deca. I'm 53 years old, and I've always been endlessly curious.
A few months ago, I started learning how to code — not in a class, not at school, but with the help of ChatGPT. I've always loved exploring new ideas and imagining ways to create something helpful for others. I tried many things, but nothing really clicked... until I asked myself:
“What would be useful for me?”
People have often told me that I should write a book about my life. I’ve been lucky to live an incredible journey. But the truth is… I’ve never been great with writing. Hiring a ghostwriter? Too expensive. So I thought — what if I could use photos from my past to tell my story?
That’s how the idea for Timeless Journal was born.
But I had no idea how to build an app. I had never written a single line of code. Still, my curiosity pushed me forward. I asked ChatGPT for help... and step by step, I started learning.
After months of studying, experimenting, and building, I created this simple app — not just for myself, but for anyone who has thoughts they want to capture but struggles to find the words.
I hope Timeless Journal helps you bring your memories to life, one photo at a time.
With heart,
Deca
16 Comments
This hit home. I’m building a dark fantasy RPG-style site to help people reflect on regrets, habits, and purpose — and reading your journey gave me a real emotional boost.
You didn’t just build an app. You built proof that it’s never too late.
What was the biggest surprise you discovered about yourself through building?
Hello River and thank you for your wonderful words. I know that I have always been very determined when I put myself into something; I have always been like this, especially in something new. My biggest surprise was how fast actually "a normal person" can create something new relatively fast. But now I have to work on the feedback I received, and it starts to be a little painful. Lot's do to still. Thank you and I wish you a lovely day.
Im not sure I can express how much this post means to me. In short, so inspiring!
I am 52. Have always been a builder. Currently own a carpentry business. I have always love tech and have dabbled in it here and there.
About 6 years ago, I went to a coding bootcamp, and while I loved it. I never did anything with it. Imposter syndrome set it, intimidation, and all that. So, I just sat it down and believed that it was just beyond me.
One day I started playing around with ChatGPT. From there I got back into learning to code and haven't stopped yet. Ive built websites for my business, coded tool tracking inventory programs for my shop, and tinkered around with other ideas. To say the least, I am having a blast.
Not only do I get coding. I get it at a different level. When I went through the bootcamp, it was, "Here's how it works, just start writing and it will click". Well, it never did. I am a person that needs to know the why. So, when I could break it down using AI as a teacher and at my own pace, it really clicked.
Congratulations, to you! Keep going! I cannot tell you how much I loved reading your post. Hope to see you posting more about your journey.
I really thank you for your positive energy. Everyone has been so nice to me!! I really appreciate you!! Have a lovely day
This is so inspiring to read! As a developer, I love seeing people dive into coding at any age, especially when it comes from a genuine need to create something meaningful. Timeless Journal sounds like a beautiful way to preserve memories through photos. If you're looking for any help with improving the app or adding new features, feel free to ping me - would be happy to chat about it! Sometimes a second pair of eyes can spot new possibilities you might not have considered yet. Wishing you lots of success with Timeless Journal!
Can I try to break it?
Ah, I didn't even have to try to break it. I tried to use it and it's already broken: "Failed to generate caption. Please try again." 🤔
Please don’t break it… why would you do that?
For testing purposes and to help identify flaws. If you're going to publicly release something and charge people for it, it should work. If you expect people to upload intimate moments of their life, it should be secure.
I know what you're getting at and I know you're trying to help, or at least I hope you are, but if I could suggest approaching it differently.
Filippo explained how new they are to this world. How hard they have worked. So, when you jump on here and say, "Can I try to break it?". That creates a lot of fear in people.
Slow down, and help them understand how you might be able to help them.
Just a suggestion.
You are 100% right. Out of my ignorance I did ask ChatGPT to make it secure as much as possible and I think it is… I’ll have a friend looking into this next week more deeply, but when he looked at it he said that was nicely structured… but I believe nothing has been ever secured on the net, the fact that my phone keep listening and suggesting ads all the time it bothers me…
Congratulations ! I'm curious about figures, how many paid users do you have, right now ?
I asked that, because I'm curious about the need, why not to use Instagram ?
Hi thank you so much for this. This is actually the point, I'm asking to a friend to polish the UI for mobile and the UI in general, and yes the idea is to find a way to share it nicely with Instagram, but I'm at the point where I need some help
Good luck :)
Congrats Deca! Did you use ChatGPT to build the entire website too, like the landing page?
I did ask to Chatgpt everything