The Animal Inside Me: Embracing Change with Courage
“Be bold as a leopard, light as an eagle, swift as a deer, and strong as a lion, to do the will of your Father in heaven. ‘Bold as a leopard’ means even when people laugh. ‘Light as an eagle’ means with your eyes. ‘Swift as a deer’ means do it now. ‘Strong as a lion’ means with all your heart and all your fight.”
These words have resonated deeply with me over the past few weeks as I prepare for a significant life change: I’m moving back to New York City. The prospect is both thrilling and terrifying, bringing forth a whirlwind of emotions as I pack up my apartment and say my goodbyes. The city I once vowed never to return to is calling me back, and this time, I’m determined to face it with the fierce spirit of these animals in mind.
Two years ago, my experience in NYC left me feeling defeated. I was overwhelmed by the crowds and the relentless pace of life, convinced that I wasn’t strong enough or deserving of success. I would often retreat to the safety of my tiny room, telling friends I’d return only when I had it all figured out, when I was making six figures. Fast forward to now, and I find myself heading back to the city—jobless but ready to pursue my ultimate goal: helping women achieve financial independence.
This journey will demand everything from me—boldness, clarity, agility, and strength. The law encourages me to tap into my inner animal instincts and embody these traits. This is not just about surviving the hustle of city life; it’s about thriving in it, using every ounce of courage I possess to fight for my dreams and the dreams of others.
The third Jewish law beautifully encapsulates this: life is hard once you get out of bed, but you have all the powers in the world. It’s a call to action—a reminder that I must harness these qualities to combat self-doubt and hesitation. Every time that little voice inside me says, “You’re going to fail,” I will lean into the strength of the lion, the swiftness of the deer, the lightness of the eagle, and the boldness of the leopard. I refuse to let fear dictate my actions.
This week, as I embark on this new chapter, I’m committed to taking control of my journey. I will face the challenges head-on, and I encourage you to do the same. Embrace your inner strength, confront your fears, and take bold steps toward your dreams.
As I reflect on this process, I want to clarify something important. A friend recently reached out, expressing how my journey inspired her to reconsider her own life choices. I was quick to respond—this isn’t about sacrifice. It’s about making informed, courageous decisions that align with our goals. We should never feel pressured to sacrifice our well-being for the sake of others. Instead, let’s aim to be the best versions of ourselves, so we can help those around us thrive as well.
The conversation was a beautiful reminder that we all deserve to nurture ourselves while uplifting others. “I honestly think the #1 most valuable thing is to be able to house, clothe, and feed someone that needs it. And I think you deserve to be that person for yourself,” I told her.
As I prepare to step boldly into my new life, I hope my journey inspires you to find your own inner strength. Remember, we all have the power to choose how we live our lives, and it’s never too late to embrace the change you seek.
I hope this helps.
