Normally I really strive to write and offer an Article here at my blog, about something related to dating, online dating, midlife, after 40, over 45, 50 and 60 plus, boomer dating, recently the fun (haven’t the comments been fun?!) topic of Cougar Dating.
Whereas today, I am preparing. Actually, yesterday AND today.
I am giving two 105 min workshops on Saturday (September 19, 2009) in Las Vegas for the 12th Annual National JACL (Japanese American) Singles Conference. They are the oldest Asian American org of its kind in the US. I feel really honored to be invited to participate and present in Las Vegas.
So I am PREPARING. I am doing a LOT of preparing.
It’s funny, being an expert, I have a ton of knowledge, fun anecdotes, illustrations, recommendations, experience, case studies/examples. However, it’s all in bits and pieces. Initially. I remember discovering free form poetry or stream of consciousness prose writing. Those STYLES fit how my brain stores and thinks of things. You see, as a temperament, I am a SOCIALIZER. We are both in our personality and our brains, Social Butterflies. We flit. We fly. And boy we sure DO know how to have fun as well as connect, support, coach, coddle, cajole, nudge, nudge one more time, and build the relationship. As a number of you who have known me for over a year via the internet and business building know. Once we have that coaching/team relationship, I am committed along with you to do everything I can to ensure you succeed. Over time. Might not be this quarter. But we’re not giving up. Because that’s life. We keep going.
Well, here I have all of this STUFF in my brain about dating. And doing and leading seminars and workshops is a great great exercise for me. Because I am a really good, fun, and engaging speaker. And it is always a challenge for me to organize my thoughts and all of that information into a STRUCTURE. I never really grasped it beyond the opening 4 major points and maybe 2 subpoints deep HOW TO OUTLINE. I think we covered in it 5th grade with Mr. Simpson. It wasn’t really a great time in my life, just before my parents divorce. And certain topics I just did NOT absorb well and really LEARN. I think all of my poor teachers along the way have thought I wrote well… but April, organize your thoughts better
Well, one of my tricks, I think I picked this up from Kevin, or heard something from him, as well as Fred Gleeck, about drafting your Table of Contents first. And I couldn’t start there. I have had to collect specific books on any topic whatsoever and I study their TOC – table of contents. By doing so, it helps me to SEE (ah yes, visual learner) what a Full Table of Contents looks like. It goes several subpoints deep. Or can. And I’m like, oh wow. I get it.
So, that is how I have been preparing. Practicing structuring my thoughts for them on Saturday.
And in terms of preparing for love. Many singles make the mistake of thinking that it would be fun and cool just to TOSS up an Online Dating Profile this afternoon. What the hey! Let’s! Sort of attitude. Whereas to online well, to succeed and date well requires preparation – gather your thoughts. Gather photos. Think. Assess.
So does love take preparation. Often there is some emotional exfoliating to do first. Some of the concretes for how to let go and move on from prior relationships we had.
And we need to focus our mind, imagine what is it that we REALLY want? Not what others may want in their relationships. And what would an average day look like? Would you two go food shopping at Safeway together? And can you see doing the laundry – real life stuff – as a romantic interaction?
Preparation in love, romance, and business help to succeed in life.
Happy Dating and Relationships,
April Braswell
Las Vegas Midlife Dating Expert
Lisa McLellan says
September 16, 2009 at 1:08 PMI know you will be simply smashing at the workshops! I had never heard of the JACL – cool! Even though I am not single, I’m always learning something new on your blog. Thanks! Hope you have fun.
Lisa McLellan
Babysitting Services – Babysitters and Nannies
John Ho says
September 16, 2009 at 1:35 PMApril,
All the Success in the “Talk of the Centurty!”
You will do well and create the additional visibility & authority you want. You deserve them both!
John Ho
Terry Tom says
September 16, 2009 at 1:58 PMApril,
When we prepare ourselves for online dating, we learn alot about ourselves in the process.
…I am a visual learner too.
Terry
Martin says
September 16, 2009 at 2:11 PMI love your phrase “emotional exfoliating”!
🙂
Jose Escalante says
September 16, 2009 at 3:22 PMGreat article April I found it very useful for my project. Thanks
Jose Escalante
Rob says
September 16, 2009 at 4:08 PMI wish you very Happy and Productive Workshops. I know you will excel…
Seize the Day,
Rob
Lynn Lane says
September 16, 2009 at 5:24 PMApril,
Thanks for the nudge and the nudge again.
I’m sure the workshop will be fantastic. You have the ability to put people to ease with your empathy.
Lynn Lane
http://www.Warriorofsuccess.com
Greg says
September 16, 2009 at 5:58 PMYou’ll do great!
Darryl Pace says
September 16, 2009 at 7:46 PMPreparation is key to success. Good luck with your presentation, and have fun!
Health, Fitness for Working People — Darryl Pace
April Braswell says
September 16, 2009 at 7:53 PMHi Mr. Fitness.
Darryl, thank you so much for the kind words and encouragement. I SO appreciate them!
Hugs to you and Mrs. Pace,
April
April Braswell says
September 16, 2009 at 7:53 PMHi Robert.
thank you. thank you so much.
April
April Braswell says
September 16, 2009 at 7:54 PMHi Herr Northrup! from you that means a LOT! thank you for stopping by whilst in the EU! – April
April Braswell says
September 16, 2009 at 7:55 PMHi Babysittin’ Mama! thank you for stopping by and for the great encouragement! ♥ April
April Braswell says
September 16, 2009 at 7:56 PMHi Mr. Numerology! Greetings to the Land Down Under!
Thanks for stopping by and for your continual encouragement and belief in me!
April
Robert Martin says
September 16, 2009 at 7:38 PMI would say good luck, but you do not need that you have great skills. Have fun.
Robert Martin
Steve Chambers says
September 16, 2009 at 11:13 PMApril:
I struggle with wrapping astructure around all the knowledge in my head as well. It’s often easier to respond to questions than to get spit it out. What your doing is a great exercise and will pay you back in spades. I know you’ll do great at your seminars.
Good luck!
Steve Chambers, B2B Sale Trainer
April Braswell says
September 17, 2009 at 12:30 AMHi Steve! thanks for stopping by.
and this from an engineer and Navy man!
thanks for your encouraging words
April
Kate McKeon says
September 17, 2009 at 3:27 AMExcellent article April. Have a blast with the presentations!
Pushing companies from good to great, Kate
Katie says
September 17, 2009 at 2:33 AMVery good structure to your planning. That gives me something to think about for the classes I teach.
Really enjoyed the cougar dating topics even if I’m not quite there yet. 😉
, Katie
Keri Eagan says
September 17, 2009 at 3:43 AM“Social” huh? Who could have guessed? A perfect fit for the work that you do. IMHO you should structure a table of contents around emotional exfoliation. Something a woman should do as part of the break up routine perhaps.
Blessings,
Keri Eagan