“It is what it is.” How many times have you heard that phrase?
Many years ago, I had a leader under my supervision that used that phrase any time something would go wrong at work. It used to drive me crazy when he would respond in that manner.
Power To Create
In my mind, I took it as a way of making excuses or giving up on reaching the goal that the company had set for us. I couldn’t accept that because I was in charge of the results. Also, I was a person that did everything in my power to create the results that the company was looking for.
“Where there is a will, there is a way.” We see that in a whole variety of examples.
- There is the person who is determined to make a name for them-selves by winning a medal in a certain competition. Some people call this determination.
- Children find a way to get the toy they want or the ice cream they are longing for. Some people call this manipulation.
- Even when it comes to making a purchase, people can find a way to make that happen when it’s something they want bad enough. Some people call this resourcefulness.
Any way you cut it, when someone wants something with their deepest desires, they somehow make it happen.
Desires Without Attachments
What happens when we go from wanting something so badly that it hurts if we think that we aren’t getting it…. to saying to ourselves, “It is what it is”?
Quite extreme ends of the spectrum regarding our desires, wouldn’t you say?
I think one of the hardest lessons I have learned (and am still learning) is to desire something to the core of my soul and yet do it without attachment of the how it will happen and making it look a certain way when achieving my desires.
“The power for creating a better future is contained in the present moment: You create a good future by creating a good present.”
Eckhart Tolle
Notice The Miracles
Miracles do happen. Sometimes the miracle is accepting what is, without being flippant about it and realizing this is actually what is for the highest good of all.
And sometimes the miracle can be what we may have least expected to happen, a phone call; a card in the mail; an invitation to an important event. Learning to recognize these and demonstrating sincere gratitude for these moments or actions can bring more our way.
Stop Being A Jellyfish
I was given a message once, “Stop being a jellyfish!” I was at a loss at what that might mean. I looked it up. Jellyfish hunt passively using their tentacles as drift nets.
Translating that into what it would mean in my situation, I could see that I was accepting certain parts of my life calling it as my way of surrendering to what is…instead of using my Power to Create and take action to receive that of which I desired.
What about you? Where in your life can you use these tips whether it be using your power to create; stop being a jellyfish; noticing the miracles; or desiring without attachments? Please share, I do care.
It would be a pleasure to share a Skype visit with you to discuss any questions you might have.
Another thought-provoking post Elda. I think practicing desire without attachment can one of the most challenging things we’re asked to do.
I’ve been reading a lot of Rumi lately, and I find this quote of his particularly helpful:
““Put your thoughts to sleep,
do not let them cast a shadow
over the moon of your heart.
Let go of thinking.”
Deborah Weber recently posted…Sparkly Magic
What a lovely quote Deborah! Thank you. I will use it for one of the memes I create for my business FB page.
The wisdom you shared resonates with me so much, Elda!
Often times I hear women especially say “it wasn’t meant to be” when really they have reverted back into a survival pattern of flight or freeze. When we really have a deep intuitive call / desire for something that has been nurtured by our divine feminine energy, then I believe we get to allow our divine masculine energy to rise up and break through our fears and take actions that will manifest what we yearn for. IF we have done all that and the result is not exactly what we imagined, then we get to surrender, not resign ourselves, to the outcome and look for and accept all the blessings in the outcome. Thanks so much for your excellent thought-provoking post, Elda!
Mary Welch recently posted…Serendipitous Moments!
You response was so eloquently stated, Mary! There’s nothing more for me to add. 🙂 Thank you!
Your post is very timely in my life, Elda. I find myself in a weird place of not exactly knowing what my deepest desires are anymore. Things are shifting. I know I have the power to create what I desire, but first I must get clear on what that is. I feel a bit like a jellyfish in murky ocean waters right now…and maybe that’s okay for the time being. I trust that this is a temporary part of the process. Thanks for your inspiring post!
Kristina Fortune recently posted…5 Sneaky Excuses That Keep Us From Blogging
Thank you for sharing where you at right now, Kristina.
There is a book I read a few years ago, that helped me when I was in that same place. It has completely changed the way I look at goals now. “The Desire Map” – Danielle LaPorte
The focus is on what my Core Desired Feelings are instead of a certain ‘goal’ like most people think. I highly recommend it. It’s a game changer on receiving what truly makes us happy.
Too funny! That book is sitting on my kitchen table right now, but I have to return it to the library in 3 days. I only got part way through it, so I think I’ll buy my own copy to do the exercises at my own pace. Thanks for confirming that this is something I should invest time in. (This totally counts as one of those Notice the Miracles moments!) 😉
Kristina Fortune recently posted…5 Sneaky Excuses That Keep Us From Blogging
YAY!!! Happy to hear this. It’s especially awesome how you recognized the ‘miracle’ in this serendipitous moment!
What a challenge it is being in the moment while recognizing and appreciating goals with eyes toward the future. Great tips on being cognizant of the present, Elda. Thanks for the reminder and timely post as I struggle through a bit of a rediscovery period in my life.
Nanette Levin recently posted…Words should be a delightful treat in small business marketing
Thank you for your comment, Nanette. Glad this post can be helpful for you at this time. Wishing you the best!
Very thought provoking….I feel as though I have been ‘adrift’ these past few months myself. Since the passing of my two dogs, I’ve felt rather lost and just don’t seem to have a ‘desire’ to move forward with anything. I know I’m still grieving, but I do feel that I’m making progress. It is just really difficult to take that ‘first step’ and move forward with my life and especially my goals.
Sending you much love and condolences for your loss, Debbie.
Actually, you are taking the first step of recognizing what YOUR needs are and the self-care that you may be needing at this time. Each of us are different as individuals so there is no perfect time frame for when it’s time to move forward.
Follow your heart.
This note comes to you with compassion….
What interesting thoughts you present and intriguing questions you ask, Elda! There is a huge crevasse between forcing your will and ending up disappointed and passive acceptance. I suppose we all tend to navigate to one end of the spectrum. For me, it’s somewhat of a spiritual practice. I strive for excellence, than embrace the Universe to do the rest. I believe, we must have faith in the grand plan. If my desired outcome doesn’t show up, I trust the right thing is on the way. Thank you for another great post!
Michelle recently posted…Stillness
‘Passive Acceptance’. What a great way to put it. Yes, I went from someone who was constantly trying to make things happen to a person with ‘passive acceptance’ using the excuse that ‘that must be in grand plan of things’.
Learning that balance you speak of is exactly where my focus has been. Thanks so much for your input, Michelle.