No, I do not believe "it is what it is" means it's all unconscious. It simply means we are not entitled to a fair shake and the pursuit of happiness. Regarding acceptance, I don't think we disagree. I wrote: "Acceptance does not mean turning the other cheek regarding either a person or the world. It means, in this respect, do not let the situation eat you up inside. I interpret the quote as suggesting practicing acceptance in the moment and moment to moment but not having to accept the unacceptable as permanent."