“It Is What It Is”

I’ve uttered this phrase a lot in 2020. Not sure the derivation. Not sure the why. I just say it. Out loud.

And it’s strangely comforting.

My guess is that its related to what the Stoics termed “The Art of Acquiescence.” Letting go. Acknowledging that while things are not what we want them to be, we still must deal with them. As they actually are. With clear eyes and hearts. Nothing extra. Leaning in to the obstacle. Not pushing away or running from it.

By willing acceptance, we can deal with whatever life throws in our path.

And then, down the road, in the rearviewmirror, when we’ve fully dealt with those problems, we’ll have the energy, the confidence and the will to make lasting change. So that those problems don’t come up again.

In the meantime, for anything that comes our way…

“It is what it is.”