Do you ever feel like people get the wrong impression of you?

Last week, one of my closest friends told me, "Oh, I feel like I know everything you've been up to lately," because she has seen my stories on Instagram, which I tend to use to highlight any time I spend in nature or exercising. This isn’t really a ‘strategy’…it’s just what I tend to take pictures of on any given day!

Her comment struck me as particularly weird from someone I thought should know better - she knows some of my most personal struggles - than to think that was all I'd been "up to lately", and yet...

I get that a lot - especially in our newly 'socially distant' world.

This week, after confessing to a group of fellow businesswomen that, much like them, I was struggling more than I had expected to this year with global and personal events affecting my work, I received the feedback that based on my social media presence, I didn't seem to be struggling at all - rather, I was killing it.

I also hear that my social media presence is overwhelmingly positive, which I think is generally a good thing...

...except that it can give people the wrong impression.

I DO want to spread more positivity. I hope that after seeing a post or story from me online, or reading this weekly blog, you feel encouraged. Inspired. Comforted. Empowered. In both your language journey and your life.

But never at the expense of authenticity.

Remember, mis amigos, that social media is generally a highlight reel. It's a collection of curated moments, whether those are positive or negative - it is what other people choose to share with us.

For someone like me, that means choosing to share things that will add value to your experience -

- while at the same time, keeping it 100% real.

So let me share this: My students are amazing, AND I am starting the Fall Language Semester with the smallest number of students I've had since I first launched my 5-month semester program in 2019! Honestly, that means less financial success - but I don't see it as a lack of success.

I am celebrating two things in a major way right now:

1️⃣ One, I get to focus on my smaller group of students and really pour into each one of their language journeys! I am so excited about investing all of my coaching and energy into them over the next five months. I already have so many success stories to share with you and we are on week ONE!

2️⃣ Two, I am celebrating those students who decided to take a much-needed break. Did I mention my students were amazing? Across the board, they are compassionate individuals who serve their communities and families in essential ways, from nurses and doctors, to emergency dispatchers, to social workers, to public servants, to moms, dads, and active grandparents and spouses, just to name a few. 

Your language learning will not always be top priority in order to live your best bilingual life. The way you choose to pursue progress in your second language will change based on your time, income, and energy available to put into it. I have personally taken a break from actively pursuing my third language, French, for about a month now! Life has been crazy, y'all.

When you are aligned with your priorities, you are doing it right.

When you believe that your language journey can fit your lifestyle - because it can, no matter what your lifestyle is - you will be ultimately successful.

Keep it real with yourself. What are your priorities right now? What are your long-term goals? Where do they all fit?

I am so excited to jump back into French on a regular basis, while at the same time knowing that when another emergency arises, I can safely press pause and not let it mean a thing about me or my success in achieving my goals.

May you dedicate your energy, your money and your time exactly where it's needed this week, mi amiga. 

So now you decide: what does your best bilingual life look like this week?

Your language coach,

• If you'd like to put your time into more bilingual conversation practice on this topic, join me in my latest episode of #SpanishSaturday here. I hope it adds value and positivity to your week in an authentic way (while improving your Spanish & English conversational skills!). 

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