"But that's not the way it's supposed to be!" is a common thing we say when our expectations fall short. It happens to all of us. Some members of MyBCTeam have found the practice of "allowing and letting be" in the midst of a trying to be a way to minimize anxiety or heaviness.

Mindfulness experts suggest a few ways that we can notice -- not push away -- how we feel during difficult moments. There are physical responses we can notice (heaviness in the shoulders, tightness in the chest), and we should also take note of our emotional responses to disappointment (blame, self-doubt, exasperation). These can be opportunities to realign our expectations and extend grace to ourselves.

Here are recent conversations from MyBCTeam members:

• "Tomorrow will be a super day for me!! I'm back substitute teaching since December when my journey started. They might wear me out but I'll be smiling ear to ear from all the hugs."
• "This site, all you ladies; have been instrumental in helping me keep and maintain a positive attitude. Your suggestions, stories, and journeys helped me prepare and recover from surgery with ease. I felt like there were no surprises and was well prepared mostly because of all of you."
• "Mentally has been a challenge as certain fears and the uncontrollable thoughts kept passing through my being. So I grasp each one and send a loving embrace to myself and to the universe that has always supported me with the understanding I am doing everything possible with the support of my husband, my family, and friends in different continents."

Share how you respond when things fall short of your expectations in the comments below or directly on MyBCTeam.com.