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

When first faced with a spondylitis 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 chronic pain forces us to recognize what we can and cannot control.

Members on MySpondylitisTeam 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 MySpondylitisTeam

Here are recent conversations from members on MySpondylitisTeam:

• "Good in comparison to last week when my left leg and foot hurt tremendously but finally the pinched nerve let go, I guess. So even with pain, it's a good day."
• "I am battling inflammation that has planted me in my home. I also have a chest cold that adds to the condition. I accept the disease and I will continue self-talk of the good things I can do like a smile."

• Feeling pretty good. Some neck and rib cage pain but it didn't stop me from doing what I needed to do. I've accepted the fact that something will always ache.

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 MySpondylitisTeam.com.