A Trifecta of Wins

Life is like a set of dominos.  We make a decision, which affects the events of tomorrow, which in turn affect future events.  Who would have known that by beginning to learn a second language two years ago would make such a huge impact on my life today.

November 2021 I decided to learn Portuguese because I felt there was a very strong possibility I would like to retire there.  I began with an online program called Talk The Streets, which you can preview snippets by searching for Liz Sharma on Youtube.  Six months later I finished that course and earned the coveted "Sou Pro" coffee mug.

Wanting to become more fluent, I began weekly sessions with online tutors and discovered an online language certificate program with Murray State University.  The program would take me a year to complete and at times it was like drinking from a firehose, but I earned my certificate in November 2023.

By pure coincidence I was asked to assist another photographer who was working with a young Brazilian model.  Of course, I jumped at the opportunity so I could practice what little Portuguese I knew.  The model and I clicked and a few months later we worked together for a poolside photo session.  Miriely is a runway model and competed in the Miss Brazil-USA 2023, finishing in second place.  After the competition, she asked me to photograph her in her dress, Miss Brazil sash and tiara.  The photo session was fantastic and we walked away with too many beautiful photos to count.

Unknown to me at the time, Miriely spoke with some folks who work with her as a runway model and also runs a Brazilian/American fashion magazine.  She suggested the magazine contact me and ask me to work with them.  Out of the blue I received a message on Instgram inviting me to a studio in Charleston to photograph more models to showcase their clothing in the next issue of the New Time Closet magazine.

I was invited to be a photographer at a runway show tonight and I spoke briefly with the magazine's CEO and owner (entirely in Portuguese, btw) and I have now found someplace to advertise my boudoir photography business.  On top of that, I spoke with another two Brazilians and asked them to work with me as hair/make-up artists for my boudoir clients.  

I know I would not be where I am today without stepping out of my comfort zone and learning how to speak Portuguese.  Even though I do not think I will be able to retire full-time in the country, I still plan to spend extended periods of time over there, perhaps 90 days at a time.  And I still speak five times a week with Portuguese/Brazilian friends and tutors each week to improve my skills.  I am nowhere near fluent, but I am hoping one day I will be able to baffle a native Lisbonite as to what nationality I am.  

How does all this apply to you?  Take my story as encouragement and motivation to step out of your comfort zone and attempt something you still have doubts about your success.  Do not give up.  Take each challenge one at a time and soon you will achieve whatever it is you dream about.