I read some comments today about the use of the phrase “It is what it is.” Not all commenting saw the meaning of the phrase in a positive light. Some referred to it as being lazy, or depressing, and I suppose some took it to mean surrendering and giving up.
I don’t see it like that. When I use it, I’m using it as a positive statement. But then again, I often see everything in a positive and optimistic way. I really don’t know how to do it much differently. It’s the way I am. As I have read Adam Lambert of American Idol fame, say, "I am who I am." I like that. It’s nice Adam has figured that out at such a young age. I believe I spent a number of years of my life being more of who others thought I should be. And I refuse to do that anymore. Not everyone in my life may like it. But I do, and that is where it counts.
“You cannot please everybody, but to those souls who cross your path, give kindness and love.” ~Paramahansa Yogananda (1893-1952)
I have used the phrase “It is what it is,” of late, but in my use I am acknowledging and understanding that some things we cannot change, but we can only change our perception and reaction. And also some things just don’t matter and are not worth wasting energy on, worry, anxiety. And that can be a challenge. So for me personally, there is nothing at all negatively intended by using that phrase, It is what it is. I can’t help but think of the Serenity Prayer:
God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
Courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.
~Reinhold Niebuhr (1892-1971)
“Change your thoughts and you change your world.” ~Norman Vincent Peale (1898-1993)
I’m also reminded of the phrase, “rollin’ with the flow.” Not the flow of a follower of public opinion or whatever, but the follower of the flow of life, moving forward and not stuck, and doing it in a special and unique way.
“If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer.” ~Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862)
I know I’ve often heard a different drum beat. What about you?
~Linda
6 comments:
This is no coincidence. My meditation this morning, which I recorded in my journal, was about focus with the words,"The mind is its own place, and in itself/can make a heav'n of hell, a hell of heav'n."(Winifred Gallagher)
My thoughts were around how we choose to lead our lives obsessing on misery or to choose to stay in the Light and look for the good and wonder in all who cross our path. To give up worry and distress and to give myself to loving back no matter what.
Then I thought and prayed about focus and concentration to keep on track today and not just twitter away my time. I made a plan.
Then I returned from a wonderful workout at the gym and a few very positive exchanges with Mark, Barbara, and a woman I watch frequently who knows how to push her workout to get the most out of it. I opened my mail and then I checked Linda's blog and found beautiful purple Irises and inspiring written words by Linda. I loved reading about her thoughts on what does matter.
I was very happy to also receive an email that was filled with such interesting concepts and perceptions of my father and my mother. I had never allowed myself to think that my father perhaps really loved someone in a deep way outside of his family. Now, I am thinking about that and I am so glad for him...I was so close to him in his life. I was sure he was this way and not that way.
Thanks for your time and thoughts, Linda.
Dear Linda,
First, thank you for visiting my blog! :)
Second, I totally agree with you on your opinion about the phrase "It is what it is"...
I think it is definately a matter of perception, positive attitude and the ability to "let go" of things that are the way they are...
Regards,
Michaela
I went to your blog after your comment on my post "It Is What It Is" and I thought I'd left a comment. I know I wrote one because I had another post which passed along a One Lovely Blog Award to new blogs I was reading and liking. Maybe I forgot to do the word verification thingie. I goof that up some times. Anyway, check back to Women of a Certain Age and pick up your award and pay it forward. It's a way of promoting other blogs you like to everyone else.
Hi cousin S.
Yes, as you said, there is no coincidence here. And even after 40 years there is a bigger purpose at work here, also LOL. Maybe it is our angels, huh? Always around to give us inspiration and new understandings.
We have a choice every day in how we want to see our world, both inner and outer.
And I love sharing our thoughts with each other...
Michaela
You said, "I think it is definitely a matter of perception, positive attitude and the ability to "let go" of things that are the way they are..." and that is so right. Sometimes it takes us awhile to realize that but when we do life is sure more beautiful.
:-)
California Girl,
Your first comment must have been lost in cyberspace. LOL
Thanks so much for the award. I am passing it on to others.
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