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

When first faced with a breast cancer 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 MyBCTeam 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 MyBCTeam

Here are recent conversations from MyBCTeam members:

• "The last couple months have been amazing. Working at a job I really love. Let go of so many meaningless things from my life. Celebrating every day being cancer-free by doing something each day that makes me happy. Spending quality time with family more often. And on days I just don't feel like doing anything, I don't and no longer feel guilty about it."

• "I no longer feel "ashamed" of my breast cancer diagnosis. It's taken nearly a year to be rid of "my shame", and it's a relief to let go of my shame."
• "Cancer can be something I go through, but, it does not define me, it is but an experience in my life. I heal with every inhalation, and let go of cancer with every exhalation."

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 MyBCTeam.com.