Tuesdays with Ryz: It Is What It Is

“It is what it is.”

How many times have you heard this line or, more than likely, said it? 

It is a line that has become our generation’s version of, “Que sera sera, whatever will be, will be.” In our office, there is a sign that even hangs near the door with it adorning the wall. My father-in-law used to say it all the time as a way of dealing with accepting disappointment or challenges that were presented that seem insurmountable or uninfluenced by our actions.

When we come across these moments, we take our spoonful of humble soup, and move on. But what if it isn’t what it is?

What if we had the ability to influence change, to cause a disturbance in the force, to change what it is into what we hope it to be? While that may seem like a tall order, isn’t it worth trying? Isn’t it worth seeing what could be instead of accepting what is? While there are moments where “it is what it is” is all it will be, not all of them are. Your presence in this world is not meant to be a supporting role, rather, you are the lead in the story of your life, your world.

Nothing that happens is meant to be what it is. We impact change and discussion, decisions and outcomes, with every moment we interact with others, with our jobs, with our families and friends, and with the world around us. Sometimes all it takes is a smile to turn what it is for someone else into what they hoped it would be. So the next time you hear or say, “It is what it is,” ask yourself, “Is that what I want it to be?” The answer you receive might be one that could do something great and change the world. And if you find yourself stuck or looking for some help, let me know, I’m for you if you need me.