We created the method we wish we had when we learned a new language
STRIKING A MATCH, EXPECTING THE SPARK
In 2023, we took a leap and moved from Canada to Italy (with our 2 year old no less). We expected to feel BIG as soon as we stepped off the plane. But that’s… not how it happened. Surrounded by a new language and culture it was clear: this was terrifying.
In Canada, Julia was a Spoken Word poet performing for thousands, helping businesses raise millions of dollars, and facilitating countless workshops on creative expression.
Joe was a writer, making ad campaigns for some of the biggest brands in the world all while presenting creative work to CEOs, marketing teams, and big decision makers.
Not only did no one know what we were capable of, but it would be up to us to find the courage to change that.
While we fretted, our toddler was utterly unfazed. She couldn’t speak much Italian either but she didn’t let that stop her from being herself—and enjoying every social situation she unapologetically infiltrated.
She was boundless, and that made her magnetic to others.
Then it clicked…
IGNITING THE FUSE, FINDING FIREWORKS
We needed to rediscover our sense of play.
So after our daughter fell asleep, the two of us got to work. We experimented with exercises we had learned from our years of performing, presenting, directing, facilitating, and coaching.
In our second language, we got messy and let go of all the grammar rules. Practicing in our safe little kitchen, we got out of our heads and allowed ourselves to just BE. It was freeing. And BOOM, we could recognize ourselves again.
To remind ourselves that it’s a practice, we adopted the mantra of being Strong and Wrong: The Unapologetic State of Not Knowing Everything.
Only when we committed to making our mistakes confidently did we stop feeling like lost foreigners who meekly smiled and said “si” all the time.
The wild thing is— those we interacted with felt it too. People started offering us jobs after meeting us for the first time (WILD!). We began to make deep and real friendships. We felt like we belonged.
Today, we show up strong even though we are often technically “wrong”. But like our 2 year old—we don’t let it stop us.