"It Is What It Is"

I had some pictures taken this week. I needed some high resolution shots because of marketing material being produced. After we had worked through several different poses and a few wardrobe changes, we moved to a computer and looked at the results. The photographer was a master at his work and he helped me select a few poses he thought were the most striking as if that is an appropriate description of any picture where I am the subject. After we had agreed on what we both considered to be the best, he said he could do some editing work. It is amazing what can be fixed on a computer. The "airbrush" is fully capable of fixing all of your blemishes. The problem is that the result will be something other than you. In fact, you probably could be convicted of false advertising. As we discussed lines and wrinkles and spots and bumps, I finally said "It is what it is. Let's just go with it."

Accepting reality is an ever present challenge. I am not talking about things we are fully capable of changing. I am referring to things we do not have the power to change. How do you manage things you cannot change? Managing things you have no power to change may be one of the most significant challenges we face in life. Aging is one of those changes. I was facing that challenge with my photographs. You can airbrush, stretch, tuck, and hide. In the end, you are getting older and your body is leading the way. Accepting you for who you are is essential to confidently engaging this life. Doing it with grace and style must become your goal.

Accepting the reality that you have no ability to control the choices others make is another of those challenges. Living life in the midst of choices made by others, being impacted yet not being able to change them, requires disciplined response. What we can't change we have to learn to effectively and positively manage if we are going to experience the blessing and the positive affect of community.

Coming to grips with the limitations of your humanity is another of those "necessary" interferences in life. Failure, mistakes, miscues, confusion, and weakness are all realities we have to face. To the degree we do not have a healthy relationship with our reality as human beings, guilt, disappointment, and denial become our unnecessary companions.

There really is nothing pessimistic about being a realist. I do believe, however, it is important to stay positive as a realist. Life is what it is today. Don't run from it. Embrace and engage it. It works better that way. Do well, my friends.