Many people say you have to start learning a language when you’re young. Otherwise, it’s too hard or impossible. I’m sure I’ve said the same thing myself, creating a self-limiting belief.

I grew up in a household where both my parents spoke Armenian fluently. As I was so intent on fitting in with my English-speaking peers, I never showed interest in learning Armenian. Curiously though, I went on to study Spanish and work abroad in Latin America.

At some point, within the last year, I started to question the “it’s not possible to learn a language later in life “ narrative. I began to do the math. I’m 57 years old. If I live until roughly 90 (like my grandmother and my mother), that’s another 33 years of life. 

Is it really possible that I won’t be able to learn ANYTHING in 33 years??????

OF COURSE NOT!

Saying this out loud sounded so silly. By recognizing this false narrative, I was able to rethink how I had deprived myself of an opportunity to learn and grow. 

So, I started lessons with my Armenian teacher, Shushi, who’s located in Yerevan. All thanks to Zoom! We connect and she patiently introduces me to all that I don’t know. Even if I learn one new word, that’s one more word than I knew before I started.

Here are my key take-aways after several months:

-the Armenian alphabet is really tough and, even after all this time, there are some letters I STILL can’t remember 🤦🏻‍♀️

-many times I just hear sounds running together and can’t recognize anything 

-I then get so excited when I recognize a word! 😂

-there are so many ways to expose myself to the language (music, reading, practice apps)

-it’s FUN even if it’s hard OR maybe because it’s hard 

-I am a true novice and that’s such a great feeling…exhilarating actually

-I’m not getting a grade so there’s NO stress

-no one is expecting me to perform at a certain level 

-in a very real way, I feel connected to my family, our ancestors and my history

Is there something you’ve talked yourself out of doing? 

If you could quiet the self-limiting voice in your head, what might you be willing to try?