The Big Leap: How I Left Corporate to Build My Dream Life Abroad

DaNajah O'Neal horseback riding in Costa Rica

For years, I dreamed about having my own podcast that would inspire others to believe in their potential and take bold leaps toward the life they truly desire.

I’ve listened to more than ten thousand hours of podcasts over the last five years, and every single time I imagined what it would feel like to have my own.

Now, that dream has become real through The Manifest Beyond Limits Podcast.

In this post, I want to share the story behind Episode One and how I went from working as an accountant in North Carolina to becoming a manifestation coach living my dream life in Costa Rica.

Who I Am and How It All Started

DaNajah O'Neal working as an accountant in corporate America

My name is DaNajah, and I’m a manifestation coach, motivational speaker, and the founder of Manifest Beyond Limits.

Before this chapter of my life began, I spent five years working as an accountant.

I had done everything that society told me would make me successful. I went to college, earned my degree, landed a stable job, and started climbing the ladder.

But about a month into working full-time, I realized that wasn’t the life I wanted to live for the next forty-five years.

I couldn’t picture myself doing the same thing year after year and waiting until retirement to truly live. I didn’t know exactly what I wanted, but I knew it wasn’t that.

The Search for More

Personal growth has always been a huge part of my life. I’ve loved reading since I was young, and the first self-help book I ever picked up was The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey.

At the time, I didn’t realize that my love for self-development was connected to my purpose. I just saw it as a hobby, something that made me feel inspired. Like so many people, I followed the traditional path that promised safety and success.

But deep down, I always knew I was meant for something more.

My Entrepreneurial Roots

Entrepreneurship has always surrounded me. My dad, my cousin, and several family friends all owned businesses, so I grew up seeing what was possible. I just thought I would become an entrepreneur later in life after spending years in corporate.

At twenty-one, I found myself already questioning everything. I started trying different side businesses to see what fit. I launched a dog mom t-shirt brand, a cleaning company, and eventually a bookkeeping business. I thought that if I was going to leave corporate, I should at least use my degree.

Each business taught me something valuable but never felt quite right. I realized that I was chasing other people’s definitions of success instead of creating my own.

The Turning Point

After a lot of reflection, I finally asked myself what I truly wanted.

The answer was clear.

The thing that had always lit me up was mindset and manifestation. I loved learning about it, teaching it, and seeing how it could change lives.

One day, while meditating, I saw a vision of myself stepping off a ledge. It startled me at first, but after I sat with it, I understood what it meant. The vision was about trust. That ledge represented taking a leap of faith into a life that was aligned with my soul.

The Leap to Costa Rica

Not long after, I created my manifestation page on Instagram. It began as a faceless page where I shared quotes and inspiration, but over time I realized that I was hiding. I was afraid of being seen and judged.

So I decided to step fully into my power. I booked a photoshoot, started showing my face, and began sharing my story. Then I asked myself a question that changed everything: Where else am I playing small?

The answer came quickly. I wasn’t just meant to coach. I was meant to live my message.

For three years, I had envisioned myself sitting on a beach on my birthday, completely free, working for myself, and feeling deeply fulfilled. So I made a promise to myself that I wouldn’t let another birthday pass without living that dream.

Two months later, I resigned from my job and booked a one-way ticket to Costa Rica.

To many people, that decision looked reckless. I was leaving behind stability for something completely unknown. But deep inside, I knew my intuition was guiding me.

Of course, fear showed up. It always does. But I chose to focus on faith instead. I asked myself, What’s the worst that could happen? and then flipped it to What’s the best that could happen?

For me, the greatest fear wasn’t failure. It was looking back one day and realizing I had never given myself the chance to live fully.

The Birth of Manifest Beyond Limits

That leap of faith became the foundation of my brand, Manifest Beyond Limits.

My mission is to help others release fear and doubt so they can step into their limitless potential. I want people to experience the same freedom, faith, and trust that changed my life.

You don’t have to have every detail figured out. You only need to trust the unfolding of your journey and know that something greater is always guiding you.

What “Beyond Limits” Means

DaNajah O'Neal taking a selfie in front of nature in Costa Rica

When I say Beyond Limits, I’m not talking about chasing one version of success. I’m talking about defining what success means for you.

For some people, that might mean a peaceful home on a farm. For others, it could mean luxury travel, financial freedom, or creating a thriving business.

Manifestation isn’t about living someone else’s dream. It’s about creating a life that feels authentic, aligned, and joyful for you.

Final Reflections

The past few months have stretched me in ways I never imagined. There have been highs and lows, but through it all, I’ve learned that the life you desire will always require a leap of faith.

The leap will feel uncertain, but that’s where the magic happens.

Don’t let fear decide your future. You are capable of more than you think.

If you’re ready to create a life that feels aligned and abundant, this is your sign to take that first step.

Listen to the Podcast

🎧 Tune in to the full episode: Episode 1: The Big Leap — How I Left Corporate to Build My Dream Life Abroad
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