Written and illustrated by me, It won’t be like this Forever is a gift book about moving through difficult emotions, hope, and the truth that it is often the darkest moments that reveal our inner light.
A board book for the inner child.
The Author-Illustrator Michelle Varga
Five years ago I was in the throws of postpartum with my third child. Within weeks of his birth a familiar fog had set in and I found myself depressed, anxious, and lonely. I couldn’t even muster up the energy to spend time in my art studio, which up until then had been a reliable source of joy and peace.
The disappointment I felt “losing” my connection to my creativity left me feeling hopeless.
At the same time, my daughter was starting third grade at a new school, in a new house, with a new brother, post pandemic and was going through her own version of overwhelmingly heavy feelings.
I thought about what I wanted to say to her in those moments- the dark moments when life feels like too much. The moments when how you feel is all consuming and you can’t imagine a world when you won’t feel like this anymore. I wanted to tell her (and I guess myself) the truth. The truth is that these dark nights of your soul are meaningful, transformative, and can be your greatest gift if you allow them.
It won’t be like this forever
do not give up on the light
because without the darkness
you could not shine so bright.