It Is (And Isn’t) What It Is

The American Stories We Tell Ourselves

As a reward for reading your email the day before a widespread 4-day weekend US holiday typically filled with food & gratitude, I’ve dropped a link to the latest episode of my fave YouTube show: How To Drink. You can skip straight to it, but the rest of this message is worth it so read on:

I’ve always had a problem with the bypassing, dismissive statement, “It is what it is.” I don’t like how it is often used to negate feelings and shut down curiosity before it blooms.

As a recovering Type-A achiever, it used to irk me to not have control over a situation where my actions couldn’t impact an outcome.

Now when I hear the phrase, it’s more of a mantra reminding me to root into a moment without trying to immediately change it, which inevitably causes more stress and suffering for myself and others.

I’m not saying we should be ok with things that are NOT OK - far from it.

There is work to be done, actions to be taken, and lives to lift up.

It isn’t what it could be for LGTBQ+ humans, non-binary individuals.

It isn’t what we should collectively want it to be for humans who are unsheltered and hungry.

It isn’t what it is for BIPOC humans who have consistently been marginalized by American laws and practices.

It isn’t what it needs to be for children who are neglected and abused, or for women who should be trusted with their own bodies.

It isn’t what it should be for people who are differently abled and can’t access what many consider the mainstream.

This is where the work is.

This doesn’t have to be what it is.

As we go into the time when “Thanksgiving” is celebrated, it may be a good time to also reflect on what we all consider what is…and what isn’t.

That’s why I share the link to this episode of How to Drink.

Not because I want you all to have some tasty beverages this holiday season (though that punch looks downright epic), but because of the insights into how our history of mythologies created what is today.

“It is what it is,” at its highest level, can be a reminder to be here now and not to force things. Or, it can be a call to our soul to act collectively to create a different story.

I believe there is abundance in life, and being present and grateful for it in the midst of uncertainty is the greatest gift we can give to ourselves and others.

Everything is truly what it is right now.

It’s up to us to write this chapter & make a better story.

Xox,

Michelle

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I write thoughtful, story-led blogs like this a few times per month that subscribers call "inspirational," "resonant," and "just wow." Sign up here.

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