It is what it is. Trust the process. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. God works in mysterious ways.
It's likely you're familiar with these cliches, but maybe less so with what they have in common.
They're considered thought-terminating, and although seemingly harmless, in some settings are used to shut-down critical thinking, explains Dr Catriona Davis-McCabe, president of the Australian Psychological Society.
"Thought-terminating cliches are a statement that's commonly used to shut people down.
"It could be shutting down a discussion or a debate, and it's something that can be used by organisations or groups … and in families and relationships."
Not always harmful
The term thought-terminating cliche was coined by Robert Jay Lifton in the 1960s as when "the most far-reaching and complex of human problems are compressed into brief, highly reductive, definitive-sounding phrases, easily memorised and easily expressed".
He said they become "the start and finish of any ideological analysis".
Sounds heavy, but they can be used lightheartedly too, says Dr Davis-McCabe.
When we need to be careful is if the cliche could make someone feel invalidated or ignored.
Dr Davis McCabe says phrases like "it's not a big deal" or "stop being so sensitive" can shut people down.
"They may think something is their fault, or it stops them from exploring [that feeling]."
They can also be used by people who are trying to deflect criticism, says Suzanne Newcombe.
She is a senior lecturer in religious studies at the Open University (UK) who says if feelings or experiences are "brushed aside with this kind of cliched deflection", it becomes gaslighting.
And while phrases like "everything happens for a reason" might help some of us move on and focus on more constructive things, Dr Newcombe says cliches can prevent us looking at how we can actively change situations and "make our lives and others' lives better".
A cultish language
Thought-terminating cliches become particularly harmful when used in a context that has high social control, like cults and some religious and spiritual communities, says Dr Newcombe.
"This can create an environment of strong social control that shuts down questions and legitimate complaints," she says, creating a culture of turning a blind eye to real harms.
"If it seems like everyone else thinks the same, it becomes harder to voice objections and be subject to social exclusion."
Dr Newcombe says people can be attracted to spiritual, religious and self-help groups because they want to change themselves to be "better" or "more enlightened", or even to make more money.
"In these contexts, people are often more willing to accept these cliches and not trust their own judgement."
For example, someone may be told "it's his/her karma" to dismiss complaints or unequal treatment.
At work and in business
Thought-terminating cliches used in a workplace can be reflective of a toxic culture, says Dr Davis-McCabe.
Statements like "it's just the way things are done here", "don't rock the boat" and "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" are ways employees are told to "toe the line" and not challenge decisions or processes, she says.
Eva Collins is a former life coach based in the US who uses Instagram to speak up about the unethical practices in online coaching.
She says thought-terminating cliches are used prolifically in the industry.
Phrases such as "you attract what you are" or "your vibe attracts your tribe" left Ms Collins feeling like she brought a lot of things upon herself, such as business failures.
Mantras like "you have to spend money to make money", "the more people pay, the more they pay attention", and "the transformation is in the transaction" are also popular, says Ms Collins.
She says they excuse charging higher rates, even if the person has no training or qualifications.
Dr Davis-McCabe says if a workplace makes you feel like you just have to accept something that should be questioned, that could be cause for concern.
Reflecting on your own use of cliches
It's important we check ourselves when using thought-terminating cliches, to make sure we're not causing harm to ourselves or others, says Dr Davis-McCabe.
"We have to ask ourselves: Is this something we are using all the time? Is this valid? Where does it come from? Sometimes it's come from [our upbringing]."
"Understand those things so we can decide if it's OK to use or, actually, I need to stop."
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