As a reward for reading your email the day before a widespread 4-day weekend US holiday typically filled with food & gratitude, I’ve dropped a link to one of my favorite episodes of my fave YouTube show: How To Drink. You can skip straight to it, but the rest of this message is worth it so read on:

I’ve always had a problem with the bypassing, dismissive statement, “It is what it is.” It annoys me that it’s often used to negate feelings and shut down curiosity before it blooms.

As a recovering Type-A achiever, it used to irk me to not have control over a situation where my actions couldn’t make an impact.

Now when I hear the phrase, it’s more of a mantra reminding me to root into a moment without trying to immediately change it because trying to solution things from a reactionary state inevitably causes more stress and suffering for myself and others.

I’m not saying we should be ok with things that are NOT OK - far from it.

There is work to be done, actions to be taken, and lives to lift up.

It isn’t what it could be in the way of rights and protections for LGTBQ+ humans and non-binary individuals.
It isn’t what we should collectively want it to be for humans who are unsheltered and hungry.
It isn’t what it is for Black and brown folks who have consistently been punished and harmed by American laws and practices.
It isn’t what it needs to be for children who are neglected and abused, or for women who should be trusted with their own bodies.
It isn’t what it should be for people who are differently abled and can’t access what many consider the mainstream.

This is where the work is.

This doesn’t have to be what it is.

As we go into the time when “Thanksgiving” is celebrated, it may be a good time to also reflect on what we all consider what is…and what isn’t.

That’s why I share the link to this episode of How to Drink.

Not because I want you all to have some tasty beverages this holiday season (though that punch looks downright epic), but because of the insights into how our history of mythologies created what is today.

“It is what it is,” at its highest level, can be a reminder to be here now and not to force things. Or, it can be a call to our soul to act collectively to create a different story.

I believe there is abundance in life, and being present and grateful for it in the midst of uncertainty is the greatest gift we can give to ourselves and others.

Everything is truly what it is right now.

It’s up to us to write this next chapter & make a better story.

Xox,

Michelle

P.S. For $4, you can gift a hot holiday meal from Sous Casa. Or, help locally in Richmond through RVA Community Fridges & Feed More.

P.P.S. I’m booked up for the rest of 2024, except for a few single-session strategy spots. Want to think about 2025 together? Let’s chat & see if it’s a fit.

P.P.P.S. New Year, New Brand? Get the checklist and see if it’s time for a refresh, revamp, or a whole new everything.

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You are a great human. I’m thankful for you.

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Michelle Mercurio

Brand catalyst and author of the upcoming book “Be The Plan,” a guide to help you return to yourself, be more you and make meaningful progress in your business and life. She works with transformation-driven solopreneurs to help them fully visualize their purpose, give voice to their brand identity and vault their entrepreneurial hurdles to create authentic marketing, enduring self-trust and an aligned business. She believes fully in the mantra, “Live what you love.” Connect online or IRL in Richmond, VA, though she works with clients all over the globe.

The American Stories We Tell Ourselves

I’ve always had a problem with the bypassing, dismissive statement, “It is what it is.” It annoys me that it’s often used to negate feelings and shut down curiosity before it blooms.

I’m not saying we should be ok with things that are NOT OK - far from it.

As we go into the time when “Thanksgiving” is celebrated, it may be a good time to also reflect on what we all consider what is…and what isn’t.

“It is what it is,” at its highest level, can be a reminder to be here now and not to force things. Or, it can be a call to our soul to act collectively to create a different story.

Lucky 7s