"Life is too short. I can't control everything in my life. Trying to is exhausting!!" - member of MyFibroTeam

When first faced with a fibromyalgia diagnosis, a common fear is a lack of control over our health. How could our bodies betray us? How do we grab the reins back and fix the situation? Living with a chronic disease forces us to recognize what we can and cannot control.

Members on MyFibroTeam have various strategies for letting go of control and fear, including:
1) using guided imagery to visualize letting go
2) opening up and trusting others
3) organizing or cleaning the house
4) reaching out for support from other members on MyFibroTeam

Here are recent conversations from members on MyFibroTeam:

• "Put your own well being first. Let go of the pressure to please others. Release any expectation of what you think you should be doing. Work within your boundaries. By all means, push those boundaries, I do, but push gently... Push only with awareness of self."

• "There are days certainly when I am somewhat back to my old self, but never 100 %, as many have said it is a grieving process to let go of what was and accept what is. Give yourself forgiveness, your body, and mind for betraying you, and find strength in that new person. It's there and I know sometimes it feels as if she's not, but dig deep and you will find the strength to keep fighting!"

• "I have been reading up on how to let go of past issues that are bothersome or hurtful in my life and how it has to do with the body's coping with pain, sleep, and just being happy. It sure is not easy but I am trying to get better at letting go of thoughts of the past. Reaffirming that I am in the present only to release negative feelings and behavior."

Have you had moments of letting go just when you needed it most? What helps you 'let go' of things out of your control? Share in the comments below or directly on MyFibroTeam.com.