Press

Endorsements

“Kristin Ritzau is telling an important and familiar story: almost every woman I know, myself certainly included, would live better if she approached life as a beautiful mess, instead of a must-be, must-do, must-succeed endeavor.  We know that’s a losing battle, but often we don’t know any other way.  Kristin’s blend of practicality and storytelling is a great place to start.”  — Shauna Niequist, author of Cold Tangerines and Bittersweet

“Because Kristin Ritzau tells the truth, readers are being blessed. Beautiful Mess gives us what we’re parched for: permission to be who we really are. Ritzau’s words are ones I was hungry to hear, and continue to chew on.”  –Margot Starbuck, author of Unsqueezed

“Read this book! It is a life-changing look at the unavoidable forces that create unrealistic expectations and perfectionism, and at an even more powerful path towards freedom and the joy-in-life you’ve been longing for!” – John Trent, Ph.D, president of Strong Families and author of The Blessing

“Kristin Ritzau has written a book to help perfectionists address the root issues driving their perfectionism. But the path to freedom can be a tricky one, because perfectionists like to do everything perfectly – even recovery! By drawing from the practices of ancient and modern-day spiritual formation strategists, Ritzau ingeniously gets us to break through our time-worn self-talk and creatively discover our rhythms of true health. Even though I don’t call myself a perfectionist, I have to admit to being an over-achiever, which I now realize has a lot in common with perfectionism. This book nailed me where it hurt – in a good way!” — Shelley Leith, author of Character Makeover and Head-to-Soul Makeover, developer of 40 Days of Purpose Campaign and other 40-Day campaigns of Saddleback Church

“About a hundred and fifty years ago, Harriet Tubman proclaimed loudly, “Ain’t I a woman?” Well, I ain’t a woman, but I still found Kristin Ritzau’s female-oriented A Beautiful Mess to be a wise and helpful book of advice for struggling perfectionists. In richly empathetic prose, Ritzau leads her readers through her own story. Along the way, she compellingly presents the paradoxical nature of human life as “a beautiful mess.” Her message reminds me of Paul’s line in Galatians 5:1: “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.” In a culture that often tells us that we will never measure up, A Beautiful Mess reminds us that God’s grace should set us free.” — Gregory Spencer,  Ph.D., Professor of Communication Studies at Westmont College and author of Awakening the Quieter Virtues (IVP)

“Kristin’s blend of vulnerability and humor invite us to take a fresh look at our own struggles with perfectionism.  Her gracious telling of her story and practical suggestions offer valuable insight for those seeking less performance and more authenticity in their lives.  I wish my friends and I had this book when in our twenties!  It’s a great conversation starter.” — Cissy Brady-Rogers, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and adjunct professor of graduate psychology at Azusa Pacific University

“The retreat was a weekend that I will never forget. I don’t say this lightly when reiterating the fact that what I learned and experienced will be held deep in my soul for the rest of my life! Thank you for creating something that was so profoundly deep and restful, all at the same time.” — Lisa Pileggi, Marriage and Family Therapist

Appearances

Big Valley Grace Church; Modesto, Calif.

2011 – Book tour visiting various locations in California, Colorado, Washington, Oregon, Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio.  (To inquire about booking a workshop or a visit from Kristin in your neighborhood or church click here)

MOPS – Pasadena

Great Lakes Association of College and University Housing

National Recovery Conference

Christian College Leadership Conference of Southern California

World Vision International

Westmont College

Fuller Theological Seminary

Azusa Pacific University

Articles

Writer for Conversant Life

The Clause – Review of event, Azusa Pacific University’s newspaper

Quoted in an article for E-Quality: The Church, Sexuality and Eating Disorders by Cissy Brady-Rogers