"It is what it is" but is it? So often are we offered this drawn out cliche as an answer to our questions or even as a form of condolence. I am very over having a good question about something I really don't understand but would very much like to, and being told "that's just the way it is, I guess". Bore me to tears and beyond, no longer do I care about a single uninformed thing you have to say.
On a recent college field trip I asked the man with the highest position in the company we visited a simple question that strayed very slightly from his job description. He became quizzical and said "well, I guess it just is what it is". Excuse me? Sir, this is the pinnacle of your expertise and all you can offer me is 2+2 does indeed equal 4 but though I don't know how, it does, hope that helped! No thanks, and thanks for not even trying.
Even when telling a friend or family member bad news or the undesirable outcome of something recent, they may shoot back quickly "hey, it is what it is, don't stress". Good thing you're here, I had no idea that I should live my life in such mediocrity until this very second. Why is this supposed to make anyone feel better? Why not, "hey, try harder next time" or even "do some trouble shooting, you can work it out". We should not be taught that our lack-there-of's and half-best efforts "are what they are".
News flash, nothing is what it is. Everything on earth can be something more or less than it is or even something completely unrelated. Everything can be made better or worse given the correct will power, drive and motivation. Anything can be done by anyone. As an 18 year old, a writer and a woman, I am so sick of hearing "it is what it is". What people need to see is that is was what it was and you can make a change to it and make it different. Your life? Prime example of something that was what it was but can be a completely different life if you let it be. Everything is in constant movement in every direction and you can choose to stand in the middle, still, or hop on the ride and spin off to anywhere you want with any outcome.
The most important thing to note when realizing if it isn't just what it is; failure is not what it is. Yes, maybe you failed, or maybe you learned. Maybe you gained experience. Maybe now you know what to do with your next shot. How about that instead of "well, it is what it is"?
I refuse, and I wish everyone would refuse, to live in this vast, colorful, creative world full of millionaires, CEOs and artists and ever take "it is what it is" as a good answer from yourself or anyone else. Maybe you're not where you want to be, but tomorrow you could be, just make it what it isn't and watch what happens.
