Some days being deaf in one ear really sucks.

Some days, after yelling, "Try again, CLEARLY and LOUDLY," to my little backseat drivers, my loss makes me feel like less of a mom.

Some days, when I see my husband understandably frustrated as I say, "I couldn't hear you. Can you say it again?" for the third time, my loss makes me feel like less of a spouse.

Some days, when I can't hear my friend sitting to my right on our back porch, my loss makes me feel like less of a friend.

There is not a day I don’t miss when both ears worked.

We are more than our losses, I get that. But adjusting to the new normal after loss doesn't come without some sucky days.

Whether it's friendships changing, an injury or diagnosis, a loved one passing away, or not being as in shape or carefree as you used to, loss is hard.

Still, your losses don't make you less of a person. They make you more resilient, empathetic, and appreciative for what you DO have.

I AM able to hear in one ear, go for a run, speak at a normal volume, drive, and mother my children. There were points in my recovery when I didn't know if that would ever be the case again.

"When you are grateful for what you have, I understand that you understand the magnitude of what I've lost." -Brené Brown

Every loss is a piece of your story and, yes, some days they suck. But you are not defined by your losses.

They have strengthened you. They have shaped you. And there is still so much to be grateful for today.

Originally appeared on the author's Facebook Page, Mountains Unmoved.