I asked my Instagram mama friends to describe motherhood using one word and here’s what they said: 

Joyful. Endless. Overwhelming. Exhausting. Lonely. Happiness. Stressful. Struggle. Anxiety. Terrifying. Unpredictable. Fulfilling. Challenging. Love. Sleepless. Selfless. Adventurous. Rewarding. 

What can I say? Motherhood brings out every emotion possible, the good, the bad, and the ugly. Yet, no matter how long you’ve been in the game, the size of your tribe, and if you’re a “crunchy” mama or not, it just doesn’t matter. 

And why not?

Because we all struggle to keep it together. Even that perfect Instagram mama, who always seems to be put together, struggles behind closed doors. 

We all struggle in keeping sane.

We all struggle in finding time for ourselves.

We all struggle meeting our basic needs with little fingers, feet, and eyes following our every move.

We all struggle in finding balance.

We all struggle with not feeling enough. 

We all struggle in giving our all and endlessly pouring from an empty cup. 

We all struggle to put ourselves first without guilt.

We all struggle in losing our sense of self. 

We all struggle with feelings of loneliness, unworthiness, and uncertainty. 

We all struggle with mental, physical, and emotional breakdowns.

We all struggle with being overworked and unappreciated.

There’s no handbook to give us a play-by-play, at any age, and what to expect. The fights, tantrums, and unexpected emergencies are inevitable. We can’t exchange or return our little people, not that we’d want to. But isn't it almost tempting on those instances when they irritate every inch of our souls or give us a run for our money? 

On most days, I find myself asking, “WHEN WILL THIS GET EASIER?” And the truth is, it never will. Because with every growth spurt, milestone, and stage, comes even more challenges, and breakdowns. 

But if there's one thing I want you to remember, it's that struggling means you're giving 1000% to your family. You're struggling because you are amazing...and YOU ARE MORE THAN ENOUGH! 

So if you're struggling today, tomorrow, or every single day, you are not alone. We're all on the struggle bus together! Enjoy the ride because one day we'll look back, laugh at the memories and struggles, and realize that time has gone so fast.

On your struggling days, give yourself a little more love, mentally and physically. 

And don't forget there is so much to be grateful for.

Love always, 

Your struggling mama friend, Amy :)