The Art of Good Enough

I am a working mom. I am a perfectionist (trying to recover.) Dr. Ivy Ge gets me. she writes about the struggles I and Countless other working mom’s face in a way that makes us feel seen and heard and loved. Her writing style is down to earth and engaging. But she does more than that she also gives us practical solutions to try,

This book is a wonderful gift for the moms who are often trying to the best of our ability to hold it all together . This is one book that will help you feel better about yourself.


The publisher add this book available through NetGalley. This review is my honest opinion.

Ralph Waldo Emerson purports the idea that what lies "within" us, is more important than the whole of what lies without. Dr. Ivy Ge's working and well researched philosophy corresponds with Emersonian thinking. She provides short helpful strategies which parents and grandparents can use to increase their confidence in perfecting a balancing act of either working or continuing to reach other goals, while raising children. Dr. Ge uses a vast amount of psychosocial research to support her argument.
Ivy was attending college with a 6 month old son who had asthma requiring her special attention, when she was supposed to be getting sleep to survive her daily roles. This led to Ivy quickly becoming confused and drained. Ultimately, she developed a new inner code and mindset, which allowed her to function on a daily basis. She is a successful pharmaceutical professional today because she self- monitored and took an active role in researching the best methods she could get her hands on to survive the sacrificial role of motherhood especially.
One key strategy under mind & body control ( she divides the book into 3 sections; mind, body, and other relevant strategies and behavioral practices. ) is a helpful breathing exercise which is used by the Navy Seals when they feel anxious in the face of fear! Readers can turn to her section on breathing techniques in the first section of this clever book.
Dr. Ge explains the method you can use to regain control of the moment in 2 parts, centering yourself first, then starting the highly helpful breathing technique of completing 4 cleansing breaths and exhaling with a "whoosh"!
Working and stay-at-home moms both can benefit from this comprehensive and compassionate book. Just remember, like Dr. Ge explains using an empathetic tone, you need to believe in yourself first; you need to believe that you are "good enough", though we as humans are not infallible. We are decidedly our own versions of as Dr. Ge explains "perfectly imperfect", which is an oxymoron that befits the healthy rationale we need to adopt, as parents taking active roles in our busy lives.

I enjoyed this self-help book. The author has a way of putting things into perspective. The breathing exercises and journaling exercises for anxiety were helpful.

There was a section on the four commandments of beauty that I did not find helpful. Dr. Ivy Ge suggested putting mayonnaise on your hair to make it healthier.

The pros outweighed the cons in this book, therefore I would recommend it to a friend.

I received this galley from NetGalley.

What is your definition of a good mom? Motherhood is a juggle whether you are working or not. The quote “Perfection is like Infiniti; it’s a great concept but impossible to reach.” I could relate to this part of the book as I’m a recovering perfectionist. I enjoyed this book as you get out of it what you choose. Some of it is stuff we already know but reading it again is a great reminder for us.

I got a digital review copy of this book via NetGalley. Though I am not a working mom but a working dad, this book gave me a completely different perspective on the challenges & struggles that working mom’s go through. Now I can better understand, appreciate & help working mom’s that i know, in their journeys. Thanks a ton for writing this book.

The Art of Good Enough presents practical tactics for avoiding the guilt that often sets in when you prioritise self-care and avoid the lure of 'perfection' whilst also being a mother. It offers helpful and implementable strategies for reducing that pressure, pursuing your passions, pursuing your dreams and not feeling like you have to put yourself last. I think there is something for every mother in here and will be recommending it to friends and family.

Such an awesome, empowering book for women! I really enjoyed the advice and wisdom Dr. Ivy Ge provided. I would recommend this book to any woman. It has something for everyone!

This books really helped me to let go of what I think a “perfect mother” is and my feelings that I had to be one. It has helped me in my transformation to a more laid back person who embraces simple joys rather than trying too hard to force perfect moments.

A fabulous read for other parents who are struggling and need to embrace the slow sweet moments with their families.

Thankful for the tips and suggestions here. Its such a good reminder that we don't need to deliver "perfection" on everything. A good perspective for moms that have a lot going on!