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“- When speaking English, I lose intelligence…” “- I finally like myself in English, my mother tongue, so I prefer not to speak Spanish with you…” “- No puedo expresarme en otros idiomas como en español…” Each of these sentences that I recently heard stopped me in my tracks. The limits of our world are the limits of our language – as Wittgenstein used to say, and I’ve been turning these words over for years. How is it that we intuitively feel we can be different people when speaking in our second, third, or fourth language? Sometimes better ones. 🤔 Did you know that your attitude during language learning affects how freely you as a person will feel using it in the future? In my work, I often intentionally invite clients to discuss difficult topics in their second language. This allows for distance that really helps. In a moment, I’ll invite another group of students to a conversation about emotion management and emotional intelligence. It’s surprising how operating in different languages can help us take control of the steering wheel in the car of our life when emotions are in the passenger role. One of my clients once said: “My past shit took place in Portuguese, so when speaking English, I am only present and future me.” Whatever makes you happy? 🤓 Taking this opportunity – huge applause for those who live in multilingual relationships, organizations, families, as well as those living outside their country of birth. Take care of yourselves in every linguistic version and let one support the other. For me, you’re living several lives in one – and that’s beautiful. ☺️ How do I feel in different languages?

• In Polish – I am most reflective and analytical, often reaching deep, searching for meanings.
• In English – I feel dynamic, open, and action-oriented; it’s the language in which I conduct workshops and speaking comes to me with the greatest ease[4].
• In Spanish – I am more emotional and spontaneous, I love how this language gives me the ability to express feelings in a way that doesn’t come as naturally in other languages.
• In French – I feel like a child learning about the world anew; sometimes uncertain, but grateful for every opportunity to learn.

Passe une bonne journée – in French I’m still learning not to take corrections personally, my Spanish version throws in words, English is ready to help, and Polish reminds me to simply enjoy all of this. Maybe this will motivate those who are taking on learning another language in adulthood? 🤓