Hey LME fellows! We can't reach fluency without actually speaking -- but the irony is, speaking can be painful. We make tons of mistakes, feel embarrassed, hate ourselves (and the damn language!), and wonder why there's no magic pill to make us fluent overnight. That frustration leads to disappointment, lost motivation, and sometimes we just give up... only to find ourselves a year or two later thinking, “If only I knew English, I could’ve landed that job or that scholarship...” And so, the cycle repeats. So -- where are you in this cycle? I pulled myself out of it three years ago when I forced myself to record LTA videos (one of the DDM VIP activities). It was uncomfortable, but I just spoke, waited for feedback, and kept going. Am I speaking as effortlessly as I want? Not yet. But I've made good progress, and that feeling -- knowing you're improving -- is like a rush of endorphins. It's like being a superhero with a rare skill: speaking a foreign language. So, use every opportunity to speak, no matter your level. Join AMA sessions, online classes, community meetups, record your readings -- just trust your Coach and keep going.

Holambra is a small town with Dutch roots, calm streets, and colors everywhere you look. It’s one of those places where time seems to slow down and nature quietly takes over. Walking through fields of wild flowers there feels unreal... simple, peaceful, and full of life. I was talking about this trip recently with my dear friend @Gulistan Asan , and remembering it made me want to share these moments again. Some places don’t need much explanation ... you just feel them. Ps: These pics are from 2021, so Manuela looks much younger. Ps2: @Gulistan Asan what do you think about the field of roses? haha