It Is What It Is {Mantra 9}

Is this the way you want it to be?

Sometimes we fight reality. We don’t want things to be as they are. Our brains can’t accept it.

So we create alternate realities in our head. We unconsciously make up stories to explain what we perceive is happening.

We want to relieve the cognitive dissonance. [See how we blind ourselves to the truth, and what we can do about it.]

While this may feel comfortable in the short run (or not, depending on the story we’re telling ourselves!), it’s an unhealthy way to live.

Accepting reality as it is, whether good or bad, is a healthier and more honest way to live.

“When we can let go of how it is supposed to be, we can finally relax and be more peaceful with the way it is.”
– Susan Jeffers

It is what it is.

But even when we know it’s best, accepting reality isn’t always easy.

  • It’s embarrassing to face up to our mistakes.
  • Accepting that a relationship has changed is hard.
  • Realizing something is out of our control is frustrating.

But we create extra suffering on top of suffering when we refuse to see things are they are. We get stuck in bad habits. We imagine false scenarios. We’re inhibited from taking appropriate next steps.

Granted, it’s impossible to fully know the truth about anything. Only God can do that.

But as much as is possible, accepting “it is what it is” will better position us to receive healing and to grow forward.

As Jesus said,  

Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes” (Matthew 6:34, The Message).

Like it or not, tomorrow will be different. Live in today, even as we use today to straighten out mistakes from the past and to make things better for the future.

This is where God is most present. This is where God is now working. This is what we need to accept.

Right now it’s like this.

It is what it is.


Some people lean toward the past; I think too much about the future. Is it hard for you to stay in the day, too? Share in the comments.

Read More:

You are on Day #9 of the series: Find Your Mantra {28 Daily Mantras}

Find Your Mantra: 28 Daily Mantras

Previous:
Tell something personal” {Mantra 8}

Next:
Is it true? Is it helpful? Is it kind?” {Mantra 10}

5 thoughts on “It Is What It Is {Mantra 9}

  1. Lynn

    Oh yes! God’s word tells us He gives us all we need in all circumstances, but somehow that still does not seem enough in our human experience! I know I can be guilty of that!

  2. Lisa Blair

    It is what it is – is an interesting mantra, Lisa. I have a relative that goes into seasons of “drama making” where there is no drama and doesn’t have to be drama. It can be wearying sometimes, but that is where she is right now – whether from insecurities or immaturity in her walk with God or both, I don’t know. I just keep saying this is the way it is and pray, “Help me walk in love, graciousness and forgiveness, Lord.”

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