Confession: I bought Ice Cream For Breakfast, without really knowing what it was about. All I know was that it was appearing all over Twitter (you can find me here). Everyone seemed to love it and was a bit of a self-help book, but with a more low-key, fun kinda vibe.
What can I say? I’m easily influenced when it comes to shopping…
There’s no lying this book is a self-help book, but it doesn’t feel like a traditional self-help book. There are no giant chapters devoted to how the author discovered the meaning of life. There’s no promise of living happily ever after. Instead, it’s a book, which acts like an old friend. An old friend that shares a bottle of wine with you, then confirms: you are being a grade A tit, but that’s ok.
The premise of the book is all the lessons learned whilst Laura Jane Williams was working as a nanny, taking a step back from the writing career that had caused her to burn out. Is any of the advice ground-breaking? Not really. Is it needed? Absolutely.
Although the book is filled with great advice throughout, these are the two pieces that have stuck with me:
- Treat every day as an occasion – As much as I harp on about loving having a routine, they can become… well, a bit routine. Shocking, I know. Instead of just having that big trip to look forward to, you should try to treat ‘normal’ days as an occasion. This week me and Craig are going to be having a Wednesday Workout, whilst Friday is going to be Mexican & Sangria night. It may be small and a bit silly, but it helps bring the fun back to an otherwise standard day.
- Be the hero in your own story – Laura notes that whenever kids tell you a story, they are definitely at the centre, or at the very least the instigator. They did it, achieved it and you are going to know about it. As we get older, I guess we kind of loose this. Call it politeness, imposter syndrome or being a team player – either way, it can be easy to downplay your role. You may say your team achieved excelled all the targets set when really it was mainly you because Darren actually is a lazy sod and did sweet FA. Obviously be nice, be kind, but don’t forget to be the hero in your own story.
If you are looking for a life-affirming, perspective-changing book, it may not be the book for you. If you are looking for funny, simple reminders that being an adult can be just as fun as you imagined when you were small, then take my word; you won’t be able to put this book down.
P.s If you were looking for a perspective-changing book, these are my recommendations.