It has been said that when you learn to accept instead of expect, you’ll have fewer disappointments. And yet, as humans, we expect a lot and are often disappointed. Disappointment occurs when your expectations are not aligned with reality, and it can be emotionally and physically painful. However, disappointment is inevitable and natural, but there are ways you can soften the blow to help yourself heal and move through the feelings instead of getting stuck in them. For you see, when you learn not to hold on so tight and let go, seek joy, and imagine the road ahead, you help yourself dilute the disappointment until it no longer hurts you. So, today, if you encounter disappointment, set your intentions to accept what you can control and what you can not. This is paramount to managing your disappointment. Holding on to a reality that does not exist only makes your wounds fester. Accepting what is or what has happened is the first step to moving through your disappointment. Today, choose to accept that even though none of us like being disappointed, disappointment is an opportunity to grow our emotional resilience. It’s a chance to get stronger and intentional about your life, evolving into a better version of who you were yesterday. Acceptance is a lifelong challenge and fundamental to dealing with disappointment. You will be disappointed, and you will disappoint, and Life will be disappointing—but it will pass.

Today, begin to accept that disappointment is a part of life, but it can help you grow. You can be present and aware even amid negative emotions and therefore live more fully. So today, give yourself some time to process and consciously let go of your disappointment and get ready for the next adventure the universe will send your way.

Just for today, I now release all expectations, knowing that Life will always take care of me. I let go of all expectations and I flow freely and lovingly with Life. I love and respect myself enough to let go of all people, places and things that no longer serve any purpose in my life-that only cause me frustration and are draining my energy. I know that the person that is the hardest for me to forgive is the one I need to forgive and let go of the most. I am safe and I am in the process of making positive changes in my life. And so it is.