It is what it is

Acceptance doesn't mean resignation; it means understanding that something is what it is and that there's got to be a way through it."

Michael J Fox

She is stunning.

Curly brown hair coils perfectly on her shoulders, her makeup meticulous.  Tall and lean, she walks with an air of confidence; yet she doesn’t know how beautiful she is because she is partially blind. 

Born with a genetic vision disorder, Cathy’s eyes started failing her at age 21.  Now at age 53, she speaks rather matter of factly about her disease.  “Yeah, I quit driving about 22 years ago when I was involved in a car accident that I knew it was due to my vision.  It was tough, but it is what it is.”

Funny- I’ve been telling myself those same words a lot lately.  (It is what it is.)

Things didn’t go as I expected at today’s work meeting.  (It is what it is.) 

My teenagers don’t really want to hang out with me anymore.   (It is what it is.)

Greg travels a lot for work.  (It is what it is.)

It's damn cold out.  (It is what it is).

The pork chops I made taste like shoe leather.  (It is what it is)

The alpha dog always steels the bone despite the grumblings of his brother.  (It is what it is.)

And guess what?  When we let go of expectations- life becomes easier!

It's pretty much like saying "fuck it," because whether we like it or not, control is an illusion.

As I discuss my current knee surgery with Cathy and how I haven’t run in a while, she laughs.

“Yeah- I used to like to run, but now I have to run on a track or treadmill, because I fall a lot.  Once I even ran into a hurdle at the middle school because I couldn’t see it!  How funny I must have looked to the outside world!”

And I am humbled. 

George Orwell said “happiness can only exist in acceptance.”  

My friend Cathy has figured this out. When we stop struggling, we float. 

What a beautiful light my new friend is.  It may be dark- but she can see.