From Fear to Fluency: My Year of Bold Adventures

Overestimating a Month, Underestimating a Year: My Journey with Spanish, Sound, and Self-Discovery

There’s a famous quote that resonates deeply with me: “Most people overestimate what they can accomplish in a year—and underestimate what they can achieve in a decade.” This past year has been the perfect example of that truth.

Las Salinas Grandes, Argentina

The Plan

When I first moved to Argentina last year, I gave myself three months—three months!—to become fluent in Spanish. I laugh now at the audacity of that expectation. Fluency in three months? Not for someone starting from almost zero. But what’s remarkable is how, despite falling very short of my initial goal, the journey brought me to places I couldn’t have imagined.

In a year, I didn’t become fluent, but I laid the foundation. I can hold conversations. I can order food easily and find out the cost of things. I can enjoy Theatre in Spanish (especially Buenos Aires Micro-Teatro - 15 minute plays!).  I even went to Colombia and learned to teach yoga, meditation and sound in Spanish—well enough to guide a class, though not perfectly. I built the confidence to stumble through miscommunications with humor and grace. And that groundwork feels powerful, like the roots of a tree that will continue to grow.

Flying Tree Yoga, Medellin, Colombia

The Unexpected Wins

While my Spanish fluency is still a work in progress, the past year gifted me achievements I never planned for:

1. Exploring New Places:
   From the vineyards of Mendoza to the dramatic landscapes of Salta and Jujuy in northern Argentina, from Bariloche’s snowcapped peaks to the vibrant streets of Medellín, Colombia, I’ve traveled solo to places that challenged and inspired me. I hiked mountains despite my fear of heights, conquering steep trails that tested both my body and mind.

2. Facing My Fears:
   Traveling solo as a woman can be intimidating—especially to a place like Colombia, which I initially feared. But every step I took was a step away from fear and toward trust—in myself, in the world, and in the power of showing up even when I wasn’t sure of the outcome.

3. Deepening Connections:
   Along the way, I formed friendships that bridged cultures and languages. These relationships taught me that connection transcends perfect grammar or pronunciation. It’s about showing up authentically, being vulnerable, and learning from each other.

4. Learning AI and Sound Healing Integration:
   This year wasn’t just about Spanish and travel—it was also about growth in my work. I dove into AI, learning to integrate it into my sound healing practice and educational offerings. This new skill opened doors I didn’t even know existed, blending creativity with technology to offer more value to my students and clients.

Looking Ahead: A Decade of Possibilities

As I prepare to return to South America—returning once again to Medellín, Colombia—I’m not carrying the unrealistic pressure to become fluent in a few months. Instead, I’m carrying the excitement of knowing that every step I take builds on the last. I can envision a future where I’m leading sound teacher trainings entirely in Spanish. Whether it takes five years or a decade, I’m okay with that because the foundation is already there.

This shift in perspective—from focusing on immediate results to valuing the journey—has changed how I approach everything. It’s taught me to celebrate progress, not perfection, and to trust the process, knowing that time rewards consistent effort.

Street Art in Medellin, Colombia

Your Own Journey: Start Now

If there’s one thing this year has shown me, it’s that it’s never too late to start something new. Whether it’s learning a language, traveling solo, or exploring a new path like sound healing, the key is to take the first step.

If you’ve ever thought about using sound as a personal tool for wellness—or even training to share it with others—know that it’s a journey worth taking. It’s not about mastering it overnight but about building a relationship with sound, with yourself, and with the people you’re meant to help.

And if you’re looking for a guide who understands how to balance structure with experiential learning, stay tuned. I offer certification courses and personal wellness sessions designed to meet you where you are and help you grow into what you’re capable of becoming.

Here’s to starting the journey, trusting the process, and surprising yourself with how far you can go.

With Fierce Love and a Note of Playfulness,
Shannon Rose Scott

Shannon Rose Scott, offering Sound Healing at Flying Tree Yoga, in Medellin, Colombia.