I know it’s hard. So hard. Some days can be so overwhelming and chaotic that you want to just give up. There are days when you feel so alone that you just cry. I get it. You’re sleep deprived, you’re fighting an inner battle with postpartum depression, your body is not what it used to be. I know. It’s like there’s a rain cloud over your head that just follows your every move. Every day you ask yourself if it gets easier. I’m here to tell you it does.

Whether you are doing it alone or have a village of people standing behind you, nobody but you will understand the sacrifices you have made for that tiny human who never sleeps. But because you are a mother, you cannot give up.

Some things never get easier. We all struggle differently. But we have all been there. Late nights, throw up, blown out diapers and bumped heads. It happens. Those are the moments that shape you. Every tear shed, every late night and early morning, every doctor visit and WebMD search (and those expired BabyCenter threads), every photo and video taken, every milestone they complete—that shapes you. Those first steps, first words, smiles, laughs, claps, and dance moves they throw your way shapes you.

They always say it only gets worse. I’m here to say it gets better. Those sleepless nights end. Eventually they don’t need diapers. They will walk themselves. They become independent. Before you know it they are starting school. And you think back on all those small moments when they drove you nearly i n s a n e. You’ll miss them.

Your struggles now may feel like too much to bear. You’ve given up so much of yourself to make sure they have everything they need. You’ve given up your body, your time, your sleep, your friendships, your sanity, sex life, long showers, girls nights, and everything else pre-baby. But it’s worth it.

You’re struggles do not mean you’re alone. I’m here to say I’ve been there. I’ve lost friends and sleep and everything there is to lose. I cried during my five minute shower and cried holding a half sleeping baby while his dad slept peacefully. I cried when I looked in the mirror and my pants no longer fit, even after giving birth. I fought a quiet battle against postpartum depression. But I am living proof that those struggles are only temporary.

My life has done a 180 in the last two years. I’ve gained more “mom friends” than imaginable, I sleep through the night, sometimes with my sweet baby beside me, I’ve accepted the body I have now, but most importantly, I’m happy. I’m flourishing. I’m a stay at home mom who’s finally overcame those struggles answers enjoys life. I did not let them define me. I came out stronger, and happier than I ever was before.