Being Multilingual: My Super Power and My Story
The Heart Behind the Mic: Why We Created Cafecito Conversations
Before we dive into today’s topic, I want to share a bit about the heart of this show. Cafecito Conversations was born as a bridge for women navigating life’s crossroads—that "limbo" season many of us feel as we move through our 40s.
My co-host Lulu and I created this space to help you step out of that uncertainty and into a life of deep intention. By blending strategic, savvy insights with heart-centered, spiritual inspiration, we invite you to sit at our metaphorical table as we bridge cultures, kitchens, and souls. This is a place where we share the actionable tools you need to navigate your next chapter with purpose.
And today, I want to talk about one of the most powerful tools I carry: My language.
Being Multilingual is My Super Power
Primero que nada—first of all—I want to thank everyone who has listened to our first few episodes. I don’t have enough words to express how grateful we are for your support.
As you’ve probably noticed, English is not our first language. We are living examples of people in pursuit of a dream. Even though we might speak with an accent, eat different foods, or practice different traditions, there is so much we share:
A deep love and respect for the American flag.
A tireless drive to work night and day to support our families.
The shared truth that we are all human, navigating this earth together.
How a Multilingual Brain Works
Would you like to know how the brain of a person like me works? Remember that when I am learning something, my brain is automatically translating it across different languages.
My Emotional Default is Spanish. When I’m frustrated or overjoyed, I express myself in Spanish.
My Curiosity is German. When I have something rotating in my mind or when I’m traveling, I tend to think in German.
My Inner Cinema is French. When I am nervous in a room of new faces, all my thoughts turn into a French film.
English is my Communication Tool: It’s the main language in this country and it’s how we nagivate through life in a daily basis in society.
The Courage in the Stutter
Now that you know how my brain works, I want to tell you how my heart feels. When I stutter or get lost for the correct word, I remember the courage it has taken to communicate in a language other than my own. I hope you see that courage, too.
I am never offended when you ask where my accent is from; I am humbled by your curiosity and filled with joy that you see me and hear me. And when I am with my family in public, speaking something other than English, it isn’t a sign of disrespect—it’s an act of love. I am teaching my children fluency because it doesn't close doors; it provides brighter opportunities for their future.
My Wish for You
I encourage you to learn a different language. It will open your eyes to a bigger world. If you already speak a different language, don’t take away that opportunity from your children. They are sponges—resilient and capable of retaining so much more than we imagine.Speaking more than one language will open doors they haven't even dreamed of yet.
