My new motto has become "It is what it is." I think this simple phrase most accurately represents most of what happens in the world these days. I think many people if pressed to think about it would describe the phrase as a bit of disaffected talk, that implies some bit of not caring or being helpless, but I feel like it is much more than that.

According to the Urban Dictionary, the phrase means:

A) A phrase that seems to simply state the obvious but actually implies helplessness.

B) A phrase that seems to simply state the obvious but actually means "it will be what it is," as in "it ain't gonna change, so deal with it or don't." See also tough shit, oh well, cry me a river and tfb.

C) A cliche, popular within the circles of coaches, business execs, and those of us who just want to say "It's happened. 'I'm going to forget about it. I'm going to move on. There is nothing that can be done about it."

I didn't realize just how big of a deal this phrase was until I started writing this entry, but upon further research I found out it was actually voted as the #1 cliche of the year for 2004 by USA Today, driven by its overuse in sports.

This is fitting really, because the first person who I recall using it on a regular basis and the reason I became cognizant of it, was hearing Dale Earnhardt Jr. say it. Seemingly every time he wrecks out of a race or is unable to live up to the impossible expectations NASCAR fans have put on him, he lets a sigh and an good ole "It is what it is" fly.

To me though, I think of the phrase as a great midpoint to the rollercoaster ride that is life. I tend to be someone who gets caught up in big ideas and big emotions and wears his heart on his sleeve, and thus the whole "it is what it is" mantra is a perfect way to balance me out. If I have a shitty day and 20 people get laid off at work, so be it...it is what it is, you know. If I have a great day and get $1,000 bonus, that's great, but still...it is what it is. I'm likely to come back down to earth soon anyway.

I don't want to say that it keeps me from feeling these highs and lows. If that was the case I would really have nothing to live for. But I feel like as long as I hold onto it, I'll always be grounded and not forget that no matter what happens life is always gonna keep throwing you curveballs so you gotta take them as they come and be prepared to swing away.

Life. It is what it is.