Sometimes we try too hard to make our families, bodies, homes, dreams, friendships, work, and even faith “just right”—and it’s so frustrating when they aren’t. We feel STUCK. Some may give up. Others of us may get into the rut of "overdo and overwhelm". Discover how God longs to free us from our unrealistic expectations.
According to author Joan C. Webb, 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.
Unrealistic Expectations Perfectionism doesn't always line up canned goods in alphabetical order on the kitchen shelf, wash a car in freezing weather, shine shoes when they don't need it, or refuse to leave the house if one hair is out of place. It's more subtle than that. 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.
Joan invites other women who get worn-out from “trying too hard” to join her on 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!
In the The Relief of Imperfection, you'll read many real-life stories that show how it is okay with God for you to cease trying to appear "just right" and have all the right answers all the time. Here's how to stop pretending and start enjoying authentic, intimate relationships with others, yourself and God.
Start an intentional relief-producing journey of inner transformation and hope.
Life doesn’t have to be perfect to be wonderful!
Peace-Robbing Misconception: That people, projects, circumstances and accomplishments have the ability to be "just right" all the time. When I believe this--in any way--then life, others, myself, my service and my work becomes a continual disappointment. Relief-Producing Truth: That people, organizations, circumstances, and actions do not have the ability to be constantly "just right" or flawless here on earth. ONLY GOD IS PERFECT! Life doesn't have to be perfect to be wonderful! Isn't that a relief?!?
Ask a friend to join you in reading The Relief of Imperfection or engage your Bible Study, neighborhood group or mom's club in this relief-producing journey.
Read chapters titled:
“Playing God: No Longer My Best Role” (about relinquishing control)
“Numb and Number—When Trying Too Hard Dulls Your Soul”, (about trying too hard to be "just right" spiritually)
“The Invisible Woman Comes Out of Hiding--Flaws and All”, (about the relief of imperfect minds, bodies and emotions)
“Joy! I Don’t Have to Fix It All—Including YOU!” (about the relief of imperfect relationships and families and how you can escape the painful cycle of people-pleasing and codependency.)