217 - Why I'm Ending Dating Made Easier

You know how sometimes life can begin nudging you in a certain direction. At first you say, “Ut uh, I am NOT going there. I’m not doing that.”  But life persists. There are signs, indicators that maybe life is pointing you in the right direction. This is what has happened to me over the last few months. I have decided to close Radiant Abilities at the end of the year. This means the Dating Made Easier program will be ending, as well as my training platform for professionals, Supporting Dating and Relationships. What brought about this decision? Quite simply, my vision for Radiant Abilities and its programs haven’t grown the way I thought they would. I truly thought people would be more interested in support for successful dating and developing healthy relationships than they were. The research we did before developing the programs seemed to indicate that people with disabilities were looking for coaching, guidance and community support for their dating journey.  It just didn’t pan out that way. For my own sake and to maximize my strengths, I need to move on. What won’t change, though, is I’ll still be in the space of dating and relationships for people with disabilities. And I’m pleased to share that this podcast will continue. New Endeavors I’m beginning a new company. Details, along with its name, are still marinating. Here’s what I can share about the new company.  It will be more focused on providing in person and virtual training to disability service organizations on teaching the skills for dating and relationships. I’ll be presenting at more conferences in an effort to further the national conversation about decreasing isolation for people with disabilities by supporting relationship development. A new curriculum will be coming out for professionals in guiding people through the five stages of dating success. I’ll be developing Continuing Education Units, particularly for other mental health professionals. I’m even toying with writing a new book for which I already have the title. And I’ll be doing individual coaching for dating, which will include four low cost slots a month for those who qualify. While it’s bittersweet to say goodbye to the company I have built over the last 15 years, I’m reminded of my favorite Oprah quote: “When I look into the future, it's so bright it burns my eyes." Thank you for listening, for journeying with me as we debunk the mistaken beliefs that keep sexual ableism alive and demand that we be seen as the worthy partners we are. You have blessed my life. I’ll be providing updates on the new company and the new projects I undertake. Click here to join the email list for updates. Join me in grabbing the shades for that bright future. 😎