"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 myPCOSteam 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 myPCOSteam:

• "I'm going through a transition into another chapter and I’m learning more and more to accept who I am as I am. The most self-conscious battles are my weight and hirsutism. I'll reach for an article of clothing that’s going to hide a stretch mark or a makeup brush that will 'correct' my chin. But then I hear a voice say you're enough! Don’t change who you are for the comforts of others."
• "Day by day, I will get better at healthful eating that focuses on what makes me feel energetic; on movement, even if it's gentle; on getting enough sleep because that really impacts my mood more than anything; on self-care that pushes me to reach out to others and calming activities grounds me in my depression/anxiety; on acceptance that will allow me to forgive myself for my idiosyncrasies. It will all be okay."
• "I get up in the morning shake off the tired, achy body, tell myself that nothing is going to hold me down today! Get out of bed look at myself in the mirror say “Hello Gorgeous” just before leaving the bathroom, And again reaffirm that “I am a fighter! I am a warrior! I am stronger then I was yesterday because I choose to fight my battle with PCOS! And, I will not give up”!"

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