Dating, Relationships, and Disability

Much of the key to success in general and especially in dating and relationships is your mental approach, mainly what you believe is possible for yourself and your life. This is particularly true if you live with a disability or other significant differences that makes connecting with others more challenging. Today we’re talking about how to keep your brain focused on your dating possibilities. In...

Your Past Doesn’t Define Your Future in Dating It's easy to fall into the trap of believing that past experiences dictate future outcomes, especially in the realm of dating. If you've faced disappointment, rejection, or heartbreak, you might think that the same patterns will repeat themselves. However, it's crucial to remember that your past doesn't create your future. Every new encounter is an op...

When I talk about “doing the work” in dating and relationships, what comes to mind? Swiping? Being on a lot of dating apps? Trying to date as many people as you can? I’m actually not referring to any of that when I talk about the work of dating. For me, the work of dating is more about what’s happening to you socially and emotionally. Dating, putting yourself out there, taking risks can all do a n...

Confession time. I have not dated in 17 years. However, I specialize in helping people to date successfully. It’s a bit of a conundrum, isn’t it? But I obviously don’t date because at one time, I successfully dated (after many years of trials) and met my person to whom I’ve been happily married to for 15 years now.  I say this because when I think back to my dating days and meeting my husband...

Intertwining disability pride and vulnerability is an enriching journey that brings forth a unique perspective on love, belonging, and joy. Brene Brown, a renowned researcher on vulnerability, emphasizes that it is the source of hope and authenticity in her book, The Power of Vulnerability and in her fabulous Ted Talk. Brown maintains that vulnerability allows you to experience the full range of h...

Disability Pride and Being the Partner You Want to Be While I am a mental health counselor, I am very drawn to the practice of life coaching because it focuses so much on thought and behavior change. I believe any time we can use the power within us to change our circumstances or create more the life we want, that’s very empowering. One of the recommended practices in coaching is to spend regular...

In today's world, where social media plays a huge role in how we communicate, you may often encounter hurtful comments directed at you or others. These comments can be particularly painful when they attack aspects of your identity, such as your disability. I recently got a taste of negative, hurtful comments when I ran an advertising campaign for some free resources my company, Radiant Abilities,...

Disability Pride and Thoughts That Promote It Disability pride is the celebration and acceptance of one’s identity as a person with a disability. It encompasses recognizing the value and worth inherent in being disabled and understanding that disabilities are a natural part of human diversity. This pride is not about denying the challenges that come with disabilities but rather about embracing the...

Happy July and Disability Pride Month. Now, I like to think this podcast celebrates Disability Pride year round. However, throughout the month, we’ll highlight strategies and techniques for building pride and connecting it with dating. Today we’re talking about the Choose Self Love technique as a transformative approach designed to help individuals recognize and embrace their intrinsic worthiness...

I often talk about my Power to Attract method when it comes to helping people build their confidence in dating. It involves focusing on your positive attributes, which we all have, that draws others to us. Another way of looking at this is a process in Discovering Your Worthiness. When we can connect and own our sense of worthiness, we begin a transformative journey that naturally increases our da...

  Visualizing the person you want to meet as a potential partner is a crucial step in the process of dating, as well as finding a loving and happy relationship. This practice helps clarify your desires and priorities, ensuring you have a clear understanding of what you are looking for. I think many people underestimate the value of your own clarity in searching for a partner. By forming a men...

One of my life goals is to “move the needle” on people with disabilities being more viewed as dating and intimate partners. Inclusive dating is a significant part of making that happen. Inclusive dating is all about welcoming and respecting diversity, making sure all people feel accepted and valued. This approach emphasizes the importance of equality and inclusivity in romantic relationships, ensu...

Maintaining healthy and positive belief systems about oneself and relationships is crucial for mental health, especially in the context of dating. Belief systems shape our perceptions, actions, and interactions. When these beliefs are positive, they promote self-worth, resilience, and constructive behavior, which are essential for navigating the complexities of romantic relationships. Conversely,...

Believing that you are worthy of finding love and happiness begins with the realization that your current thoughts and beliefs are simply reflections of what you have accepted as true in the past. If you want to change these beliefs, you must first acknowledge that they exist and then make a conscious decision to change your mind about them. This process starts with recognizing the beliefs you've...

Make dating more possible for you! Join our webinar on Dating Simplified in Three Easy Steps and discover how to make your dating journey easier and more successful with just three simple steps. Register for the webinar here . Maintaining rock-solid confidence while dating with a disability requires inner strength and resilience, especially in the face of negative comments, rejection, and others n...

Maintaining self-esteem while dating with a disability is both empowering and challenging. Affirming oneself is crucial in this journey of probably taking the biggest risk with your heart of putting yourself out there to be vulnerable, show up exactly as you are, disability and all, and face rejection. Last week I did an broad perspective episode on how dating can be a mental health issue as we ki...

I unfortunately lost my voice so today you're enjoying a replay of a popular episode on "Feeling Attractive." It's a good cue for the remainder of the episodes in May about preserving your mental health when dating. "I don't feel attractive." If you haven’t said that at some point in your life, I think you’re in a very small and fortunate group. Most of us have grappled with this feeling, which is...

Dating and choosing healthy relationships significantly impact mental health due to their profound influence on emotions, self-esteem, and overall well-being. First, the process of dating itself can evoke a wide range of emotions, from excitement and anticipation to anxiety and vulnerability. These emotional fluctuations can exacerbate existing mental health conditions such as anxiety disorders or...

Making meaningful connections is a fundamental aspect of human existence, vital for emotional well-being and personal growth. The strategy of making meaningful connections goes beyond mere socializing; it involves actively engaging in relationships that enrich our lives and contribute positively to our sense of belonging. Breaking the cycle of loneliness and isolation requires learning new skills...

As mentioned in the last episode, here's the TV interview I did on dating with a disability. Dating can be a complex journey for anyone, but for people with disabilities, it often comes with additional challenges. One significant hurdle is societal attitudes and misconceptions surrounding disability, which can lead to isolation and a lack of dating opportunities. Many individuals with disabilities...

April is observed as Sexual Assault Awareness Month, serving as a poignant reminder of the prevalence and impact of sexual violence in our society. It's a time to raise awareness, educate communities, and advocate for prevention measures. One crucial aspect often overlooked is the intersectionality of sexual assault, particularly concerning people with disabilities. Shockingly, individuals with di...

In a society where stereotypes often overshadow their potential for romantic connections, people with disabilities face the challenge of being seen as worthy partners. However, your journey isn't limited by these preconceptions but rather defined by unique insights and experiences that can reshape perceptions and foster meaningful relationships beyond mere friendship. Part of the mission I’m on is...

You know my parents were matched on a blind date and they had a love affair with one another that lasted for 65 years of marriage. Of course I’m profoundly grateful that my parents had friends that thought they would make a good couple and set them up. There’s a lot of power in matching people with potential partners. It can change lives and lead to very fulfilling relationships. Many people, both...

Dating can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience for individuals with disabilities, yet it often comes with unique challenges and apprehensions. These challenges can be so overwhelming at times that you can get stuck in “I don’t know what to do.” Today with all the choices in dating platforms and more and more people using them, I get why you would feel like “I just don’t know what to do.” But...

Dating can be intimidating for anyone, but if you're living with a disability, it might feel like an impossible hurdle to overcome. One of my core beliefs about dating is that dating, for anyone, can be a puzzle to be figured out - in your own way. You may just need guidance and support in doing so. One of the areas this is very true is how to meet new people. While many people find their partners...