On My Swedish Island: Discovering the Secrets of Scandinavian Well-being

ISBN 1-58542-414-5, Tarcher Penguin, 2005, 301 pages, hardcover. Image by Karin Albinson, karinalbinsson.com.

An exploration of the integral relationship between nature and personal development and how this manifests itself in the Scandinavian lifestyle – from outdoor life and relaxation to design, cuisine, gardening, and herbalism.

On my Swedish Island is a rich collection of ideas about how we can improve our quality of life with a fresh philosophy that is Nordic-inspired, but can be used in any climate.

Part memoir and part self-help book, On My Swedish Island combines the story of the author’s transformation from urban jetsetter to wife and mother living on a small Swedish island with practical suggestions for living a simpler, more fulfilling existence.

Projects that followed
During 2007-2011 The world's first e-magazine for wellbeing with Nordic inspiration.  The e-magazine was established in response to the interest in On My Swedish Island: Discovering the Secrets of Scandinavian Well-being (Tarcher Penguin, 2005). It was widely referenced as an archive of articles 2011-2022 but has now no longer available online. Please contact me for further information.

Reader Reviews
“I loved reading On My Swedish Island – it made me see my home country with fresh eyes! This book is for anyone interested in learning about Scandinavian lifestyle and how that can be ‘exported’ to other cultures.”
- Gun Denhart, Founder Hanna Andersson, Children’s Clothing Company, Oregon.

“I thoroughly enjoyed reading your Scandinavian healing discoveries. Wellness starts with a feeling of connection. Being part of the natural beauty of Scandinavia continues to fulfill my soul and heart. Something I can’t give up. Thank you for writing a book, letting people know there is an alternative wellness in the very North of this globe.”
- Kerstin Florian, Kerstin Florian International California.

“For anyone who ever questioned whether or not they are on the right track in life, On My Swedish Island is empowering and revitalizing. It invites us to explore a Nordic way of life that many of us might long for, but dare not fully embrace. Julie Catterson Lindahl’s account of her brave and transforming move to a Swedish country life from a hectic urban career is truly inspiring and she provides us with ways to incorporate her experience and impressive knowledge of a Scandinavian concept of well-being into our own lives.”
- Renée Lundholm, President, The Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce, New York.

“This entertaining book provides a window into the deepest values of the true Swedish soul. It is a guide for those who want to understand why Swedes sometimes behave a little odd, like taking early morning dips in the chilly ocean or walking barefoot in the wet, green grass, and enjoying it!! Reading the book made me smile over the small things we experienced growing up that still gives us the wonderful feeling of well-being, wherever we are in the world. Thank you Julie!”
- Christina Öfverholm Moliteus, Past President, SWEA International.

“Often it takes a newcomer’s fresh perspective to remind us of the innocent beauty and transforming power of nature. Julie Catterson Lindahl’s poignant tale of her life on a small Swedish island is an eye-opener even to a native.”
- Lena Kaplan, Founder and Owner White on White, New York.

“Julie Catterson Lindahl’s gentle suggestions for wellness start with self, extend to family, immediate environment and the world. Such an expanded definition of good health leads to personal and cultural renewal, and is at the heart of the emerging multidisciplinary approach to healthcare.”
- Barbara Goldschmidt, L.M.T. Swedish Institute College of Health Sciences, New York.

“Julie Catterson Lindahl’s book, On My Swedish Island: Discovering the Secrets of Scandinavian Well-Being is really about much more than the title suggests. This book is a wonderful companion for living simply, elegantly, and fully in a world that values speed and consumption more than breathing, tasting, and delighting in the beauty that surrounds us if we’d only take the time to look.”
- Sarah Susanka, Architect, Author of “The Not So Big House” series, Home by Design and “The Not So Big Life”.

“A book for the inherently curious who seek to be surprised by unexpected discoveries. This book is an exemplary practical and inspirational guide for those who wish to experience the good life of Scandinavia.”
- Pär Granlund, Conceptualizer of the Ice Hotel, Sweden, and Founder of the Swedish Sauna Academy.