This post was contributed by Suzanne L. Trout, Director of Catering and Convention Services, Reunion Resort, Reunion, FL. She had told me this story about how she manages the stresses she is under now. Read on…

“To be quite honest, iiwii (“it is what it is) is what it is is not something I would have every conceded to in my prior work and home life. I’m a firm believer that people can control and change situations if they put enough effort towards it, but just this past year found myself overwhelmed with the volume of change here at work as well as in my personal life (I had an 18 month and was expecting my second child – now 22 months and 4 months!).

We had a new management company who was implementing major changes (people were relieved of their duties without explanation in most situations, or notice for that matter) resort-wide without soliciting input from those of us who have lived here the past 4 years. We had members YELLING at us for changes we had no control over  and we had employees acting like they were in pre-school forcing us to play the Boss role. In addition, there were no raises, no reviews, and there was an immediate change in insurance policies (not something a 8 month pregnant person wants to hear or deal with at the time).  Budget were slashed - having to sell our vehicles to make ends meet (carpooling with Dad in the meantime – how about that… 40 years old and now carpooling with Dad J) and trying to be happy with the anticipated birth of my second miracle child.

“Life” became too much and I had to “give.” Enter iiwii (the expression literally means, “it is what it is). Out of sheer frustration, exhaustion, and genuine Devine intervention, I believe,…. iiwii entered our lives. It became ok to say it because there were so many of us feeling like we were about to snap, which was very new for most. We really didnt know how else to handle the volume of feelings and stress!

We’ve had a lot of fun with it. Maybe it will help someone else who finds themselves struggling with being that super person in charge of home life as well as in the outside work force. As much as I want to do it all (and I still believe I will again one day), right now “iiwii” (it is what it is).