Tuesday, April 27, 2010

It Is What It Is


Ready for the close-up?


It is what it is. And what this is, is my favorite new bracelet. The inscribed phrase, of uncertain origin, resonates with me because it's pretty much my philosophy in life. Events and circumstances are what they are, and the human side of that equation is to use attitude and action to make whatever comes our way work for us. In other words, "You cannot control the wind, but you can adjust your sails." Trying to change or rearrange things that lie beyond our control is an exercise in futility.

It's all about acceptance, a quality the apostle Paul really understood: "...for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content" (Philippians 4: 11).

It is what it is.

The more I adopt this point of view, the less stressful my turn on earth becomes. Doing my best not to judge the merit of any given life experience by comparing it to whatever potentially growth-inhibiting circumstances I might favor (translation: path of least resistance) brings me peace. I feel better when I "trust in the Lord with all [mine] heart and lean not upon [mine] own understanding" (Proverbs 3:5), and I try hard to make a conscious effort to be grateful that God is in charge and has a plan for me that is better than anything I might be able to come up with myself.

There's just one catch. I don't always succeed in my efforts. Hence, the bracelet.

(A gentle reminder, for––and from––one of my BFFs.)

Me.

=)

26 comments:

Anonymous said...

i guess i needed that today. no I know I needed that.

thanks

Caroline said...

This is one of my favorite sayings too! And, as you so perfectly pointed out, it's message is supported by scripture.

I too don't always succeed at this, but I have learned when I accept things in my life just as they are, I am much more at peace.

Excellent post (as always).

Momza said...

I need that bracelet, I say it all the time.
Sometimes, we just gotta deal and move on.
Thanks for stopping by this morning!

Amy said...

What a great bracelet! I love that you have it as a gentle reminder to just let things be as they are. How wonderful. And what a good friend you have.

Lisalulu said...

LOVE IT. and may I say that I just found my this weeks Wednesday Wisdom, THANK YOU!!!

Natasha and Jesse said...

I found your profile through Segullah and hope you don't mind me commenting...

What a great bracelet and reminder! I have always loved that scripture in Philippians. I'll be back to visit your blog!

Unknown said...

I LOVE that bracelet. That should be my perfect motto...at least...I would be better if I actually practiced it. Where can I get one?

Susan Anderson said...

I just added the link to the bracelet to my post, for those who might be interested...

=)

Secret Mom Thoughts said...

Great quote and bracelet.

Jess said...

That is a really pretty bracelet- and I love that you're so go with the flow and let things work out the way that Heavenly Father intended, a great reminder for me

Have a blessed day! said...

Sue I love this! I have one that says "Return With Honor" that my dad gave me. He said it's not just a perspective for missionaries...it's a vision for life too! For when we are called home we can truly say "Jesus, I lived and loved for you."

I think I might have to get me one of your bracelets!

Darlene said...

Good reminder. Why is it that I always try to figure out what the outcome will be and solve the results before they even happen. Sometimes I have more than one alternative to a certain situation. Is that just trying to take control or is it that I am alwyas anticipating a disaster? I am a certified worry wart that's for sure. I need a good reminder.

Karen said...

Lucky girl!

jen said...

Thanks, Sue. Does it match your new red shoes? Yep, I think it does!

CB said...

Great saying - Life would be a whole lot less stressful sometimes if we could remember this!

Actuary Mom said...

I think I need to start using that phrase!

Grandma Yellow Hair said...

So glad I came by here tonight while eating my dinner..lol
Love this post and the one before it too. I have a lot of catching up to do with your site.
I see you have written some books that I sure need to purchase. Can I find them at Barnes & Noble.
Also I would be honered if you wrote a story for my Blogazine
Thanks
Maggie

Karen Mortensen said...

Amen and well said. Thanks.

leigh hewett said...

That is one of my favorite sayings. Oh...and Cat Steven's music makes me feel like I'm alive. My heart gets all mushy whenever I hear one of his songs.

Joy For Your Journey said...

What a great bracelet and what a great reminder. It isn't that we should be satisfied with things that can be changed, but rather that we need to accept the things we can't change--like some people, or challenges of life--and still be able to find joy in it.

I think I have only recently learned that lesson. I wish I had learned it sooner.

Grandma Honey said...

Interesting to me how you like that statement. Whenever I hear it I tend to say, no, I WILL CHANGE THE PROBLEM. I guess I'm not very good at acceptance. I need to work on that.

M. Reka said...

What a lovely bracelet :)

Short Poems

Annette Lyon said...

A friend of mine recently taught this concept--I can't change circumstances. "It is what it is" is simple, but it's helped me in so many ways.

Karen Sue said...

THANKS FOR THIS!!
Changes are happening and I'm kind of in a funk, but hey, It is What It is... if I was a tatoo person, this might just be the one!! As the wrinkles came in abundance and the skin got saggy, you could just smooth me out and read It is What It Is!! Too funny...

karen said...

I am commenting late. Had a horrendous day yesterday. I read this post and meant to come back and comment. The bracelet said exactly what I should have said to every princess I work with. Thanks for validating!

Lisa Loo said...

Lovely post--I am so struggling to work this into my life!