It's a Wonderful (Imperfect) Life: Devotional Readings for Women Who Strive Too Hard to Make It Just Right

I still remember seeing a tweet with the title of Joan C. Webb's most recent book It's A Wonderful (Imperfect) Life. The title rang out like a shot to me and I was quite certain there had to be a typo in the tweet, as the words "wonderful" and "imperfect" seemed totally unrelated not to mention oddly paired. A quick online search proved me wrong. By that time my interest had been piqued both as a counselor and a struggling perfectionist. Prior to reading the book I would have labeled myself as a "former perfectionist". Since reading it, I've change my mind, and come to the sobering yet hopeful conclusion that the road to recovery from perfectionism is LONG. That is where Joan's book becomes such a valuable tool. It is a devotional book with what I would describe as 163 opportunities to find relief physically, emotionally, and spiritually from the striving that comes with trying so hard to make everything right--one of the traits of perfectionism. Reading the book is a bit like taking a journey towards wholeness, with several stops included along the way: *Preparing for Relief: Freedom, Here I Come *The Relief of Imperfect Relationships and Families: It's Not My Job! *The Relief of Imperfect Emotions, Minds, and Bodies: Exquisitely Intertwined *The Relief of Imperfect Life-Work and Service: Regaining Life *The Relief of Imperfect Churches and Culture: No Formula Solutions *The Relief of Imperfect Dreams, Plans, and Decisions: The Joy of the Imperfect Yes! *The Relief of Imperfect Faith, Prayer and Spirituality: Striving Too Hard Dulls Your Soul *The Promise of Relief: Breathing Room for Your Soul Each day's reading contains a Scripture, application from the author's own personal experiences with perfectionism and burnout, a prayer, and an opportunity for making it personal. Over the years I've read many devotional books and have found them enjoyable although the daily readings are often a "hit and miss" experience for me. Some days I totally relate and other days I read as part of the overall routine not relating at all. My experience in reading It's a Wonderful (Imperfect) Life was unique. First of all, I found it to be very "personal." Not a total surprise to me yet much more so than I had anticipated. In addition to being personal I found each writing to be applicable to my life. Each reading felt like sitting down with a friend. Joan's writing style provides a mixture of transparency and humor that makes her words both believable and receivable. Every time I picked up the book it was like making a connection and enjoying a time of fellowship together. Each day, as I walked away from my quiet time, I found myself reflecting on changes that I needed to make. I also possessed a renewed sense of hope that change is possible with God's help. That made the book powerful and practical. In some ways it was a life-line to me. I highly recommend It's a Wonderful (Imperfect) Life to all women who are seeking a balanced life free of th

I gave Joan's book 'It's a Wonderful (Imperfect) Life' as a birthday gift to a friend while we were on retreat... Our whole group enjoyed sharing the devotions together for a special blessing each morning!

I read every book Joan Webb writes! I don't know any woman who doesn't need reminders to stop the frenzy in our heads and relax with our imperfections so we can enjoy our real lives. The author's writing manages to be both breezy and fun; while also being deep and profound. These chapters are short and easy to read in the middle of a hectic day. (Or better yet, before your hectic day starts.) Thank you Joan for understanding and relating to my life, and taking time to encourage me to stress less and enjoy my days more.

If I had the money, I would buy a copy of "It's a Wonderful (Imperfect) Life: Devotional Readings for Women Who Strive Too Hard to Make It Just Right" by Joan C. Webb for every woman that I know. We all try so hard to do it all and get so down on ourselves when we discover that simply isn't possible. Webb offers reassuring words based on scripture and rooted in her own experience to tell us that it is all OK. It is alright to let go of some of the pressure that we put on ourselves. The 163 one-page devotions are divided into sections focusing on relationships, emotions, bodies, life-work, service, churches, culture, dreams and spirituality. If one particular area is troubling you, you can focus on just that section, or you can read it cover to cover as I did. Each page has something worthwhile to offer. For example, Devotion #1, "Smiling Here," Webb invites us to recall a time we made a blunder and to laugh about it! As she reminds us, "I goofed. No big deal! It doesn't make me less valuable." In Devotion #30, "You Mad at Me?" Webb challenges us to stop taking on other's moods. Women tend to feel that we are the reason someone else is upset or to feel that we must cure it. "The next time a loved one is in a bad mood and you feel the urge to `take it on,' step back emotionally and ask God for wisdom." Devotion #151, "Management Contract with God," reminds us to turn over control of our lives to God. "Working for our ultimate good, He counsels us how to heal past damage, overcome self-defeating habits and experience contentment as we trust him for the future." "It's a Wonderful (Imperfect) Life" has much to offer for any Christian woman trying to do it all. I think it would take a lifetime to learn all these lessons, and even Webb admits she is still working on them, but the ability to pick up this book, take a deep breath, and stop and reflect and let go for a little bit is a great gift!

Joan has such a wonderful way of relating with women, and our constant struggle with "striving too hard to make it just right". I appreciated Joan's openness throughout the book. I loved the real- life stories and the Scriptural references throughout. The "Make It Personal" question/activity she has at the end of each devotion really got me to "follow through" with my thoughts. I liked how the devotions are grouped into categories; that made it easier for me to jump right into the area that I needed a little relief in! I found such relief in reading that "life doesn't have to be perfect to be wonderful!"