If you want to give your new year a positive boost and some added inspiration, I highly recommend reading a new book titled “On With the Butter! Spread More Living onto Everyday Life,” by Heidi Herman. Her book promotes an upbeat view on living retirement life to the fullest.
With a title like “On With the Butter!” one might think this is a cookbook, but instead the title for this non-fiction, motivational book derives from an Icelandic phrase that loosely translated means carry on, keep doing what you’re doing, forge ahead, and keep moving. It’s an attitude toward life that Herman says she learned from her mother, who had a remarkable enthusiasm for life and sense of adventure.
“This book was inspired by my mother, who lived her life to the fullest,” Herman said in a news release. “After my mom’s recovery from a stroke in 2016 at the age of 92, my mom began promoting the message of living life with vitality no matter what your age … She taught me by example to embrace life and live in the moment.”
In 15 short, easy-reading chapters, “On With the Butter!” (published by Hekla Publishing) inspires us with ideas for how to “just keep moving” with a spirit of adventure and discovery, even as we age. She uses examples from her mother’s life to illustrate her points. For instance, in one chapter Herman describes how her mother used to enjoy “taking the scenic route” when traveling so she could explore towns, historical spots and parks that she might not otherwise discover. Each chapter ends with a “Challenge Checklist” of ideas to help you implement what was discussed.
“On With the Butter!” embraces an approach toward retirement that is different from the stereotypical view that retirement is a time to slow down, rest and become more sedentary. To the contrary, Herman recommends recognizing that our time is growing shorter and we must take full advantage of each day and live life with exuberance.
“As we get older, it’s easy to become consumed with our health and taking care of ourselves,” Herman writes in the introduction. “We may change our diet, take prescriptions to treat medical conditions, and focus more on physical fitness. But while we’re working so hard to increase our life span, what are we doing to appreciate and make the most of that time?”
I was given a complimentary copy of “On With The Butter!” and asked to review it, but I can tell you the book has changed my own outlook toward retirement. It has helped me set more challenging goals for myself and to be bolder about stepping out and trying new things. I am grateful for the chance to read it and to tell you, my readers, about it.
Herman is an accomplished author whose books have been inspired by her Icelandic heritage. In addition to “On With the Butter!” she has written fiction stories about Icelandic folklore and traditions, cookbooks, and her first novel, “Her Viking Heart.” You may learn more about her at www.heidihermanauthor.com.
To obtain a copy of “On With the Butter!” visit Hekla Publishing’s website.
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