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

When first faced with a loved one's Alzheimer's diagnosis, a common fear is a lack of control over our health and the health of our loved ones. How could their bodies let them down? How do we grab the reins back and fix the situation? Caregiving forces us to recognize what we can and cannot control.

Members on myALZteam 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) taking some time to be alone, whether it's for a walk or a cup of coffee
4) reaching out for support from other members on myALZteam

Here are some recent conversations on myALZteam about letting go:

• "There comes a time when we do have to let go for all our sakes as we are no longer living with the person we knew and loved in a different way!"

• "Accept what is, let go what was, and have faith in what will be."

• "It doesn't take a lot of strength to hold on. It takes more strength to let go."

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 myALZteam.com.