By Accident: A Memoir of Letting Go

During the 1960s and 70s, Joanne Greene grew up in Boston and dove headfirst into San Francisco radio and television. However, her need for control was sometimes destructive, and she suffered a traumatic accident that taught her true power came in the still moments. By Accident is a story about discovering that control is a seductive illusion and how letting go of the need for it can reveal great strength and lead us to even firmer ground.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 20 June 2023
Publisher: She Writes Press

Joanne Greene's upbringing in Boston during the 1960s and 70s marked a significant era for women in the United States, witnessing the emergence of newfound opportunities. With an insatiable curiosity, Joanne embraced every door that opened before her, immersing herself in the vibrant world of San Francisco radio and television. Her journey as a young woman was marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence, hosting and producing award-winning feminist and timely features and talk shows that resonated with audiences for decades.

However, beneath the surface of Joanne's high-achieving life lay a sometimes-destructive need for control. She valued her worth based on her ability to be in charge, maintain order, and achieve productivity. It was a belief system that she had internalized, and it drove her forward in her professional endeavors.

Yet, everything changed when Joanne faced a traumatic accident that shattered her world. In the wake of this devastating event, she embarked on a profound journey of self-discovery. Through the process of healing and rebuilding, Joanne gradually realized that true power resided not in the constant pursuit of control but in the still moments, the moments when she loosened her grip and allowed herself to crack.

In the fragility of her newfound vulnerability, Joanne discovered a profound beauty and a sense of possibility that she had never experienced before. She realized that control was a seductive illusion, a false sense of security that masked deeper insecurities and fears. By letting go of the need for control, Joanne found a newfound strength and resilience that she had never known before.

Through her personal journey, Joanne shares the lessons she learned about the power of letting go and embracing vulnerability. By embracing fragility, she discovered that it was a catalyst for growth and transformation. She learned to trust in the process of life, to surrender to the unknown, and to find joy in the simple moments of existence.

In her book, By Accident, Joanne invites readers to embark on their own journey of self-discovery. She encourages them to release the grip of control and embrace the fragility of life, knowing that it is in these moments of vulnerability that we find our true strength and resilience. By letting go of the need for control, we can uncover a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment that transcends the boundaries of what we thought was possible.

Joanne's story is a testament to the power of resilience and the transformative power of letting go. It reminds us that control is a fleeting illusion and that true power lies in the ability to surrender, trust, and embrace the unknown. By embracing fragility, we can discover a world of beauty and possibility that awaits us, and create a life that is rich with meaning and purpose.

Dimension: 215 x 139 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781647424442