Embracing the “It Is What It Is” Lifestyle
"God will never permit anything to happen to us that is not for our greater good” (Saint Padre Pio).
It Is What It Is
I’ll never forget a former boss of mine. He was funny and charming, and he wore his emotions on his sleeve. He came from an Italian family, yet he embraced the Hispanic company culture by dancing his signature salsa moves at our events. One day, while angry, he threw a small trash can across the room. However, he was apologetic, honest, and straightforward.
Most of all, I’ll never forget his favorite phrase: “It is what it is.” I had never heard it before, and it bothered me when he said it. It seemed like a defeated statement: Here you are, a strong, well-liked business leader, and you’re just going to give up?
God Wills It
I never asked my boss why he used his favorite line so much, but over the years, I began to realize that this state of mind can be rooted in our Catholic faith. The idea of accepting a situation is to surrender—but it is a hopeful surrender.
I had to get over the thoughts of “I’m being punished” or “I’m not deserving” to break through my doubts and frustrations, particularly in the workplace. But once I cracked the code—that God wills everything in my life for a reason—I’ve become more at peace.
Now, I embrace the “it is what it is” concept, and I pray that others can come to a deeper understanding and acceptance as well.
I know I am not guaranteed a pain-free job or circumstances. In fact, I frequently remind my family and friends that we will go through suffering. But these gems from Scripture and saints give me solace and keep me going when I face challenges:
We must accept God’s will: “It is up to us to do all in our power to know God’s will. We must go along the way God wills it, not forcing the door; when God wills it, how God wills it” (St. Gianna Molla).
We should plan, then let go: “The human heart plans the way, but the LORD directs the steps” (Proverbs 16:9).
We will grow in suffering: “Suffering is a great grace; through suffering the soul becomes like the Savior; in suffering love becomes crystallized; the greater the suffering, the purer the love” (St. Faustina Kowalska).
We are disciplined: “For whom the Lord loves, he disciplines; he scourges every son he acknowledges. Endure your trials as ‘discipline’; God treats you as sons. For what ‘son’ is there whom his father does not discipline?” (Hebrews 12:6-7).
We are tested: “In this you rejoice, although now for a little while you may have to suffer through various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold that is perishable even though tested by fire, may prove to be for praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:6-7).
When Something Is Not Right: Time for a Visit
I remember reading the book “Madeline” by Ludwig Belemans to my daughters. In it, Miss Clavel states two times, “Something is not right.”
It’s a feeling, a nudge, a notion that something is not quite right when I feel like God is calling me to change something in my life rather than accepting it.
I’ve taken up the habit of visiting Jesus each week in Adoration to talk to him about these unsettling feelings, and while I may not always receive instantaneous answers, my weekly visits allow me to bring any questions, check in with the headmaster of the Universe, and stand strong for the week’s challenges ahead.
Most of the time, it’s simply having faith that things are where they need to be. If something at work isn’t going according to my plan, or family issues arise, I smile and say, “It is what it is.”
Lilia Grundy is University of Portland’s Pamplin School of Business’ Director of Corporate Partnerships, with over 20 years of corporate experience (including Kraft Foods, NBC Television, and Telemundo). Lilia launched Catholic Women Professionals to inspire other working women to grow their faith. She is married to her high school sweetie Rob - they have beautiful twin girls who love art, music and learning about the saints. Connect with Lilia: LinkedIn • Instagram • Website.