New beginnings... For me, it was the inception of a fresh start, particularly the birth of a unique season that heralded my transformative journey.

I had a big dream. A dream to thrive in the media space, and I intentionally committed to this, but all this seemed to go into extinction the moment I tried effortlessly to gain admission into the University. I passed, but just couldn't get the admission. Sad, right?

"You are a girl, and can't be home alone while others have gone to work, Oyin. You have to go to a college of education to keep yourself busy." My world seemed crumbled when I heard those words. College of what? Dreams shattered!

I protested but all fell on deaf ears. 'Can I at least try again? I haven't even spent a year at home, why the rush?' I cried and wished the admission never worked out, alas, I made the first list. I embarked on this new endeavor, but something died. My dreams, my courage, my vision, my esteem, and my hopes; all gone down the drain.

"You should have tried out other schools while in college."

Yeah, I did try but none materialized until I completed 3 years in college. I felt broken and thought I was at the mercy of my peers who had gone farther. 'My dreams were no longer valid,' I thought.

However, a spark ignited within one evening after reading a book by the late Myles Munroe, reigniting my hope for a brighter future. My perspective and perception changed, and a resolve to live a life of impact got instilled within. It was the emergence of a new dawn; a life of purpose and fulfillment.

As Germany Kent aptly said, "Never underestimate the power you have to take your life in a new direction." Armed with this newfound belief, I forged ahead embracing growth, discipline, courage, possibilities, and made the decision to live each day creating impact and making a change to my world.

Was it a walk in the park? Obviously, it wasn't. Just like a pregnant woman goes through the pang of delivery to birth forth a human, I went through pangs to ply my newfound path, purpose. It cost me relationships; I parted with friends who are headed nowhere. I dedicated myself to listening to and reading from great minds who are making waves in their chosen paths.

Were there times I crawled back to my shell intimidated and doubting the possibilities of the impact I'm determined to make in my generation? Of course there were, but each time I did, I became uncomfortable. The shell couldn't harbor me anymore; I had outgrown it, I perceived.

I was particularly elated a few years after I made the decision to live a life earmarked for purpose when people around me started calling me "Mama Purpose." Wow! Does this mean I've been so loud about purpose just like I was determined a few years ago? It was a beautiful moment for me. Beautiful that the once clueless and naive young lady has gone into extinction, and a new her has emerged.

Of course I am still far from my desired future, but I am acutely aware that I am made for more, and this awareness fuels my determination to stay focused on the journey to discovery and impact. 

In the words of Karon Waddell, "You are never too old to start over. Every day is a chance to make changes to create the life we want." Yes, you can create the life you desire regardless of your current biological clock and environment. You can start afresh, leaving the past where it belongs; behind you.

There is no beauty in living in the old, but a greater bliss is embedded in embracing the new. Begin Now!

Victoria Oyindamola Oladepo.