Good enough bloggin'

What keeps you from doing blog entries, Joan? I wrote out-of-seemingly-nowhere this morning while journaling.

Logical question really, since it's been 5 weeks and 3 days since I've blogged--on either blog: http://www.reliefofimperfection.blogspot.com or http://joancwebb.blogspot.com. Yikes! What is that about??

Well, probably it has to do with several things. But. . . in my journal earlier today, I spontaneously wrote: Hmmm. I'm afraid it will be 'lame'--not good enough. Well, that's a kick, huh? Good enough is okay, JC.

That is a hoot, since I'm the one who writes, speaks, coaches and lives to encourage others--and myself--to embrace the "relief of imperfection", thus reducing procrastination. . . and so on and so on. You know how it is. Well, do you?

Anyway here goes. Even before I get all this social networking, blogging, internet marketing, online communication figured out (which I am working on and one of the other reasons I've not blogged!) I'll go ahead and blog--imperfectly.

First, I'll start with a little follow-up on my last blog (on March 10, 2009!). I had a great time at the Christian Book Expo in Dallas on March 20-22, even though the attendance was lower than expected. It was incredibly well-done. Professional. Great workshops. Absolutely superb nightly worship services. Good interaction with all that were there. Wonderful Christian Book Awards dinner. Here's a few pix that help me remember the good times:
I autographed copies of my book, The Relief of Imperfection: For Women Who Try Too Hard to Make It Just Right, and 99% of the women who stopped by said, "Oh, that's me. Honestly." And then they shared some of their stories with me. I loved it! One woman I met wore a sweater that "perfectly" matched the book cover. We had our photo taken together. As she walked away, I said, "Watch my blog. Your picture will probably show up on it." And then it took me weeks to upload her lovely photo. :-( I wished I remembered her name.

Chris Simms from Regal Books managed the booth and it was great to get to know him a little. Saw pix of his lovely family, heard stories about life on the road introducing and selling "books" and learned from his wise suggestions.

Loved spending time with author Vicki Kuyper. She's a friend and colleague who is full of fun and authenticity--and a really good writer! And she happens to be from Arizona, too. I attended her workshop where she shared about her philosophy that "God is a Slippery Fish." Vicki has written over 40 books. Her latest two are from New Hope Publishers: Breaking the Surface and Wonderlust.

I also attended a workshop by Shaunti and Jeff Feldhahn, authors of the incredibly popular books, For Men Only and For Women Only. Fun to listen to their stories and fascinating research about the differences between males and females.

Well, that wasn't so bad for my first "good enough" blog in 5 1/2 weeks! If I were chatting with a life coaching client I'd say, "Congrats! Now keep going. You can do it!"

Relief of Imperfection Opportunity-Arizona

It's Friday! Hope you have a great weekend.

I wanted to let all my Arizona friends know about this upcoming Relief of Imperfection opportunity coming on Saturday, October 4 in San Manuel, AZ southeast of Chandler. It's a One-Day Retreat sponsored by Tri-Community Churches. It's FREE--and you're invited. It's at the First Baptist Church San Manuel. Call Jan at 520-490-1998 for info and to register.

Enjoy meaningful alone time, fun interactive chats, poignant story-telling, and biblical insights, as well as give-aways throughout the relief-producing day on October 4 at First Baptist Church San Manuel, AZ at the corner of First Avenue and Nickols in San Manuel. For info and registration about this free retreat, call Jan at 520-490-1998.

The retreat is a reader's digest version of my new book, The Relief of Imperfection. Trying-too-hard-to-make-it-all-just-right (yes, it’s a type of perfectionism!) has many faces, includes all personality styles, and cuts across cultural lines. It has to do with unreasonable expectations--how we belittle ourselves and others for having human (we translate that word as weak) thoughts and emotions, inconsistent faith or less-than-excellent plans, accomplishments, families, bodies or dreams. Yet we who sometimes get worn-out "trying too hard” can learn the exciting adventure of learning to relax and realize that everything doesn't need to be so difficult and that some things can actually be easy, fun and smile-able. What a relief!

I've love to see you there.

Relief of Imperfection Book Launch

The Relief of Imperfection Book Launch on Saturday, January 19 was a "Relief-filled" CELEBRATION! Lots of friends, family, colleagues! Surprises! Hugs! Congratulations! Balloons! Food! Gratitude! Love! Sharing! Surprise birthday greetings!

Here's a photo of my husband Richard and me, Joan C. Webb, at the Relief of Imperfection Book Launch. More later.

Happy New Year!

2008 is here! Wish I could sit and chat with you and listen to your plans and dreams for the coming year. (For me, listening to another's honest thoughts and aspirations is like gazing at an inspiring landscape such as Niagara Falls. My husband just snapped this photo when he visited there recently.)

A few weeks ago when I heard the following true story, I thought of you (you I haven't met yet and all you I already know--and love.) I hope you take these words into 2008 with you, to inspire and encourage you.

"I have the results of your stress test," said Dr. Page.* "You have major blockage in several arteries and need immediate intervention."

"Whoa. That's not the kind of news I wanted to hear," replied Michael*, a middle-aged family man with a challenging career. "Can you fix my heart?"

"Sure," answered Dr. Page. "Talk to my nurse and let's schedule your surgery for as soon as possible." After the doctor explained about the surgery and follow-up care, Michael drove home to share the news with his wife and family.

Later the doctor visited Michael in the hospital room where he was recuperating. "Are my arteries open now and the blood pumping through again?" Michael asked the doctor.

"Open and pumping the blood, all you'll ever need," assured Dr. Page.

Michael's wife, Sarah*, leaned toward the doctor and asked, "But what will his quality of life be like now?"

"I fixed his heart, but the quality of his life is up to him," remarked the doctor.

This story really touches my heart (and I don't have clogged arteries!) Once again it confirms to me that I am personally responsible for my own decisions, beliefs, actions, and growth. It's an awesome and do-able privilege, since I'm the only one I can change. (I know I can't change other people, and often I can't change my imperfect circumstances, either. But I can change my thinking and behavior--and make choices that may alter my situation.)

That's why I thought of you. You, too, have the privilege of making personal decisions and following through with determined action. It takes courage, commitment and faith. And you have all three. Grab them and go. :-) What decision calls for your courageous action? What choice seems impossible to make? What next step is God urging you to take? Perhaps 2008 is your year for change.

Remember this good news: God has fixed your spiritual heart, the quality of your life is up to you. In 2008, may you find rest, joy, gratitude and peace as you continue to make wise and healthy choices to ensure the quality of your life.

Trading exhausting expectations for imperfect joy,

Joan

* Names in this story have been changed.]

Winner of Book Announced

Christmas is a time for giving and receiving.

We have a winner of the promised Christmas Day drawing! I'm happy to announce that Linda Christ has won an autographed free copy of The Relief of Imperfection: For Women Who Try Too Hard to Make It Just Right. Congratulations, Linda.

On December 14, 2007 I sent out an email blast to 100 people announcing the upcoming release of my new book, The Relief of Imperfection. In that email blast, I invited folks to sign up for a free book by going to http://www.reliefofimperfection.com/ and sending me an email. Several did just that.

On Christmas Day, I chose a winner from the entries. Linda Christ of Chandler, Arizona won a copy of "Relief." I hope you enjoy reading your new book, Linda.

Watch for more opportunities to win your own free copy of The Relief of Imperfection. Visit the blog often at http://www.reliefofimperfection.blogspot.com/ or the website at http://www.reliefofimperfection.com/. Or perhaps another email blast will show up in your inbox. Check for "Win a Free Book" opportunities. Enter as many times as you'd like.