Being Enough

by Chieko N. Okazaki

Book by Chieko N. Okazaki

Genres: Religion, Lds, Nonfiction, Church, Self Help, Spirituality, Inspirational

225 pages, Unknown Binding

First published October 1, 2002

About the author

Chieko N. Okazaki was the first non-Caucasian to serve on a general board of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and was a counselor in the general Relief Society presidency from 1990 to 1997. She is the author of several bestselling books and tapes. She and her husband, the late Ed Okazaki, have two sons.

Reviews

[Lisi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was inspired by this book. It helped me to feel the love that God has for each of his daughters- I think as women we tend to compare ourselves to each other a lot - too much. We feel like we aren't strong enough, helpful enough, brave enough, spiritual enough etc., and in various ways we just don't measure up. Sister Okazaki uses the scriptures and her own inspiring experiences to remind me that we often compare our weaknesses to other's strengths, and that at the end of the day, God's opinion is the only one that counts.

[Nicola · Rating 4 out of 5]

really enjoyed this book and all the emotions and reflections it stirred up inside me. reminded me who i am and what i am worth. made me realise i shouldn't be so hard on myself about all the things i am not. all-in-all a very reflective and thought provoking book that really left me feeling uplifted and positive. every woman should read this!!!

[Ashley Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chieko Okazaki is a treasure. No notes.

[Bondab55 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved loved loved this book. It helped me realize a lot of things about myself and helped me to gain some self esteem for once in my life. If any of my friends wants to borrow it let me know, I dont think you would be able to find it anywhere but at deseret book. The only bad thing is my copy of the book is really marked up from all of the notes I took, lol. But I would highly recommend this book!

[Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

The chapter on Sparrow Prayers was something I very much needed to read. Great and encouraging words.

[Anneli Hardy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing read by Cheiko. I read this one at the perfect time, soon after the birth of my second child. It was good to remember that I was enough just as I was. So many comforting and encouraging messages.

[Britni · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is very sweet. It reads like a talk or fireside, so it is an easy read. She was really ahead of her time with certain topics she discussed. It was inspirational and focused mostly on the love of Jesus Christ and becoming like Him and our heavenly parents. There was some very practical advise as well.

[Sandie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book that centers around being ok with yourself and your situation in life. I sometimes am bothered by the rhetoric in Sheri Dew books...they just don't resonate with me. I don't have to feel less than just because I am not married. Chieko on the other hand did not single out all the single ladies! LOL. She just talks about people and puts everyone on the same level...divorce, widowed, single, childless...we are all the same. Her perspective is that we are all daughters of God and that Heavenly Father loves each of us...not in spite of our circumstances...but because we are His children...His beloved Daughters! We are divine and therefore heirs to His kingdom. I did not leave this read feeling like I wasn't doing enough to change my circumstances, but rather felt unfettered love.

Favorite Book Quotes:
"Anatole France, the novelist and philosopher said: "Some succeed because they are destined to; most succeed because they are determined to."
"… story about the harried bishop's wife who had invited dinner guests home from church and had had a pretty frazzled day between planning a menu that could cook while they were gone, getting her children ready for church, sitting to the meetings, getting everyone home, making the final dinner preparations, greeting her guests, and getting food on the table when her bishop husband finally got there. The husband asked their four year old daughter to ask the blessing. The four-year-old was feeling fractious and whined, "I don't know what to say. What should I say?" The father knew she was showing off for the company, but he just said mildly,"Just say what you've heard Mommy say." So the four year old bowed her head and said, "Oh, Lord, why did I ever invite all these people for dinner?"
"Marian Wright Edelman, who is a wonderful and impressive advocate for children in the United States, has a little prayer that we could all use to remind us not to take ourselves too seriously. She says: "Lord, I want to be free of the pressure to do great things in the world by being great and doing small things for Thee."
"As the Apostle Peter testified: "Above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins "(1 Peter 4:8)."
"The Savior does not require your perfection. What he asks you to give him a is" a broken heart and a contrite spirit"(2 Nephi 2:7). He told the Prophet Joseph Smith: "Behold, the Lord requires the heart and a willing mind"(D&C 64:34)."
"I implore you to go on your knees and ask with the simplicity of a child: "Please tell me that you love me. Please let me feel your love." Don't let fears and worries and apologies for your sins and imperfections drown out the still small voice so that it can't answer you. I promise you that you will sing, with Bernard of Clairvaux:"Jesus, the very thought of thee, which sweetness fills my breast"(Hymns, no. 141)."
""Never attribute to evil what can be adequately explained by stupidity." Learning not to be stupid has to be one of the most valuable lessons mortality can bring us."

[Chanel Earl]

This book is beautiful. The essays and lectures are true and interesting and easy to read. I especially appreciate Okazaki's clarity. I never had to wonder what she was talking about.

The reason's I have given it four stars instead of five is because the essay's are kind of forgettable. I think that is a mark of this genre actually. Every time I read a collection of religious essays I have a hard time remembering what they were all about, specifically. Also, her lists of three got old. Every essay had either three points, a list of three reasons or some other grouping of three. I like that pattern, but only for so long.

[jackie norris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book. Should be a must-read for all LDS women. Okazaki is very empowering and real. Some favorite passages:

"There are many ways of being righteous... we don't need to accept any judgments that people may make about us. We don't need to explain, defend, apologize or justify. The Savior knows our hearts and that's good enough for Him."

"Sometimes we tend not to ask questions about options because we feel that we need to think, believe and act the same way as everyone else... I think we need to make more active choices more of the time."

"I'm not much interested in guilt. I'm interested in helping us feel grateful."

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

After having read this, I number it among my favorite books.

There are no wasted words in this book, no repetition, so space fillers. By the time I had read the first couple of chapters, I already felt I had gained a lot from it. And each chapter just keeps giving. This is the kind of book I will read multiple times, to help me remember and internalize the concepts. I've seen that Sister Okazaki also has a new book out, and I'm sure I will eventually read it, but I'm in no hurry to do so--until I've started to apply the lessons from this one.

[Andrea M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book considers the potential each of us has to do good. The author says, "God is the power within us to desire good and to do or accomplish good and He never runs out of energy." So obviously she considers God the source of all our strength. However she also talks about the mortal side of our power. She says, "I think that we don’t have strength unless we have the strength from within of knowing ourselves and liking ourselves." We each have the ability to allow God's power to work in us or to shut it down. We control the valve and it is opened as we love ourselves.

[Katie Burdett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book! It is one that has helped me change my negative thought patterns and focus on the good in my life. It made a huge difference in my life ten years ago and reading it for our nonfiction book club this past month has reminded me of the important principles of being enough. Chieko writes with a warm, approachable voice of a loving mentor and friend. She makes difficult things seem very possible and teaches in a manner that will help you see change is doable. Every woman should read this book! Highly recommend!

Update: read it again and loved it!

[Jennilynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! So uplifting and inspirational. I ended up reading some sections more than once before I continued on with the book. We read it for our RS book club. One of the sisters husbands enjoyed it as well and some of Sis. Okazaki's quotes ended up in his Stake Conference talk. I will definitely read this book again!

[Tracey Tait · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this as part of a bookclub book but could have done with spending more time on it. It was very thought provoking and there were parts I wanted to slow down on. Luckily there was enough room in the margins to make lots of notes which will make it easier to go back over at a later time. Well written, easy to read, lots to think about.

[Kayce · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really think that every woman should read this book. It made me want to be better while still feeling great about where I am right now. No guilt. Chieko Okazaki is down to earth and realistic. She talks about real world things in ways that make sense. I'm sad I didn't know more about her sooner.

[Dannika · Rating 3 out of 5]

I finished this book, at least I think I did, yeah, I'm pretty sure. Pregnant brain is striking early this time! but I liked it. It was a good reminder that we don't have to be perfect and that we need to be kinder to ourselves.


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[Randi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book literally saved me when I was on my mission. I read it my first transfer and it carried me through that horrible time. It is basically about how to stop being so hard on yourself and finding happiness in all the little, cool things in life. It made me very happy. Read it.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Being Enough" my Chieko Okazaki is like sitting down with a dear friend and having that friend remind you of your true worth. The insights feel so familiar and comfortable, yet they are presented so simply and beautifully that they feel new and fresh. I highly recommend this book!

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book... Hers always are. In a world that tells us to DO IT ALL, I learned to STOP, LOOK and LISTEN. This was one of those helpful hints of DOING IT RIGHT for me.

[Kim Zollinger]

Loved this book! I just finished it this past week. It is very spiritual, powerful in message and will turn your sad days into happy ones!

[Deborah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Everyone lives the gospel differently and to compare yourself to others will only lead to darkness. Enough ant hills can move a mountain.

[Mayela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Found it to be very inspiring.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sister Okazaki has good stories. If you like Relief Society this is the feel-good book for you.

[M S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Been awhile since I have read it. Just going to have to read it again, because she is great!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each chapter seemed to have just what I needed at the time I read it. Great book to help you feel better about life and yourself.

[Collette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really appreciate Chieko Okazaki's kind voice as she helps the ladies of the church to accept ourselves. Filled with wisdom without the lecture.

[Linda Abilez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every woman should read this book. Excellent!

[Bethany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this amazing woman. She makes everything make sense.

[Danni · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. I have been running behind all week and it made me feel better abour what I did do.