Doing it all in my own tongue.

The biggest change. In returning to America. It’s the language. Everyone speaks English. No matter where I go. I can communicate effectively. In English. With strangers. With anyone. That’s convenient, of course. But still, I like the challenge of living in Italy. Where I have to innovate. And make the most of my limited Italian vocabulary. Makes me aware of the advantages of a good education. No matter where one lives. It’s a handicap to have less than a fluent grasp of the native language. I have a new-found respect for people with multiple language skills. Maybe if I were starting life over, that’s where I would put my emphasis. On language. I’d like to speak several languages. Well. It’s too late in life for me to do that. Now it’s more important to take advantage of my limited skills. And to expand my English vocabulary. Because my primary mission in life is to be a thinker. And a lover. And that requires language skills. The ability to communicate. And that takes language. Meaningful words. Of course, the people I communicate with need words, too. They need to understand the words I’m using.  And that doesn’t always happen. But at the very least, I can stir a conversation. With myself. With my inner spirit. Doesn’t matter where I’m living. In America. In Italy. I speak and write and think my own language. –Jim Broede