If you’ve ever wondered when—or if—you’ll be ready to start something entirely new, let me assure you: there is no deadline for passion. I’ve learned this not only through my own experience, but most profoundly through the example set by my mother late in her life.
Eleven years ago, I was inspired to write my first book, a children’s Christmas story based on Icelandic folklore. Since that time, I’ve written more children’s books, two cookbooks, a motivational book, and found my passion in women’s fiction. A few years ago, I found myself entrusted with an unexpected project: finishing the young adult trilogy my mother began in her early nineties. My mother, Íeda Jónasdóttir Herman, was an immigrant from Iceland, an adventurer, and a storyteller at heart. At 92, she published the first book in her trilogy, blending Icelandic mythology and science fiction. When she passed away in 2019, she left behind her unfinished drafts and a legacy of boundless curiosity. Taking up her work was daunting, but it became one of the most meaningful journeys of my life.
I share this not because our story is unique, but because it’s proof that new beginnings can happen at any age. Completing my mother’s trilogy challenged me to step outside my comfort zone, learn new skills, and discover the satisfaction that comes from honoring a creative vision—both hers and my own. At nearly sixty, I’ve found myself more inspired than ever to write, explore, and embrace projects I once thought were beyond my reach.
The final two books in her trilogy, Inner Space Aliens and War of the Griddons, are now complete and will be published on what would have been her 101st birthday: May 21, 2026. This milestone feels like a fitting tribute to her legacy and the power of pursuing passion at any age.
If you need a spark of inspiration, I invite you to watch this wonderful segment about my mother’s life—a motivational glimpse into the mindset of a 94-year-old immigrant to the US whose spirit and resilience continue to inspire: https://www.ruv.is/sjonvarp/spila/aldrei-of-seint/27049/81umch?fbclid=IwY2xjawQFxthleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETJwekpzUGI3amtZQkxiY1ZVc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHp0rXDn5f02Gy39Nxuwjj_nlJl1H7Y33KXCNfIbqUJ4M-mEda4nzwNzztLbA_aem_DMm2-XtDUKiT3Ix6WarJjQ
Here’s what I hope you’ll take away: Active aging is about more than just keeping busy. It’s about staying curious, open, and willing to try, even when the path feels unfamiliar. Your next passion project might be hiding in a half-finished manuscript, a childhood hobby, or simply a spark of curiosity you haven’t yet explored.
If you need inspiration, look to the stories around you—those of friends, family, or even your own. My mother’s creative courage, and my own leap into the unknown, have shown me the power of saying “why not now?”
So, what’s calling to you? Is there an idea you’ve set aside, or a skill you’ve always wanted to try? Maybe it’s time to dust it off and give yourself permission to begin. There is no expiration date on creativity or fulfillment.
Whether you’re embarking on a new project, returning to an old passion, or simply considering what might come next, remember: the best chapters are often the ones we never expected to write. I encourage you to take that first step—you might just surprise yourself.
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