My father was probably the most bottom line guy I have known. One of his most quotable lines was, “The main thing is don’t get excited.” If anyone was tempted to stress about an issue he would interject this often repeated line.
There have been many times I have needed to remember those words.
Another phrase he used often may be even more poignant for our day. Perhaps you need this one – for what you are facing – or fear you may face.
It is what it is.
And, you know, it really is what it is.
In other words, you can’t change it now. That’s a fact, Jack.
There is a Bible verse which always comes to mind. This may be one of my favorites.
If clouds are full of water, they pour rain on the earth. Whether a tree falls to the south or to the north, in the place where it falls, there it will lie. (Ecclesiastes 11:3)
It is what it is.
When the clouds are full – it rains.
When the tree falls – there it is.
Admitting “it is what it is” allows you to quit complaining and actually begin to figure out how you will live with the reality you are facing.
You didn’t get the job promotion. It is what it is.
The business failed. It is what it is.
The pandemic happened. It is what it is.
Where do you need to admit it is what it is?
Perhaps your marriage is in trouble. Maybe you have a spending problem. You’ve let your weight get out of control. Perhaps you’ve been a lousy friend. It could be you are in over your head and don’t know what to do about it.
Insert yours here __________________.
But whatever it is:
It is what it is.
The first step in moving forward is often to admit the reality you’ve been denying or trying to ignore. Now that you’ve admitted what it is you can ask more important questions, such as – What are you going to do about it?
Because where you’re going is far more important than where you’ve been or even where you are currently.
