Lately, in an attempt to soothe feelings of disappointment, I’ve been saying “it is what it is” to myself.

You know, expectations cause such trouble!  In my case, I had not just a simple expectation, but an entire string of expectations.  And, as is their nature, my expectations were a set up. I set myself up. How much less wrenching it would have been if I had had curiosity about the situation, rather than dreaming up a whole story (a novel!) about how the situation would unfold.

But I digress. We’ve discussed expectations plenty in the past. Enough of that for now. Back to “it is what it is.”

What I find when I say “it is what it is” is space. I find open-hearted, present-time space. I find space that makes room for wonder, for appreciation, and for gratitude. I find respite from my nattering, recriminatory mind. I find ease. I find a balm for my sad disappointment. “It is what it is.”