It is what it is – Read with Julia

‘Theirs not to make reply/ Theirs not to reason why…’

I inwardly wince when I hear the phrase ‘it is what it is’. Its unquestioning use in schools is the reason I dislike it so intensely. Let me give you an example…

‘It is what it is.’ (Part 6/6)

‘Do what you can,
with what you have,
where you are.’
(Theodore Roosevelt)

‘It is what it is.’ (Part 5/6)

“This work is all about relationships.” (Councillor Diana Toynbee)
@diana4hereford

‘It is what it is.’ (Part 4/6)

From my tiny corner of the world, from my minute circle of influence, from my blurred understanding of the situation, I am using the voice I’ve been given to speak out for the needs of our most vulnerable children.

‘It is what it is.’ (Part 3/6)

When interventions become interruptions…

‘It is what it is.’ (Part 2/6)

From my tiny corner of the world, from my minute circle of influence, from my blurred understanding of the situation, I am using the voice I have been given to speak out for the needs of our most vulnerable children.

‘It is what it is.’ (Part 1/6)

The phrase, ‘it is what it is,’ appears to mean a whole lot of different things to a whole lot of different people.
Is it helpful, or is it toxic?