In this episode, Emma shares her experience going on her first date after divorce as part of her 52 Dates project. She discusses the dating advice her community shared, how she navigated old patterns, what main character energy looks like in dating, and announces her new Sparkle Circle membership.

Topics Covered:

- Emma's first romantic date post-divorce experience

- Valuable dating advice from the community

- Recognizing and navigating old patterns and insecurities

- Applying main character energy to dating

- The healing process through real-world experiences

- Introduction of the Sparkle Circle membership program

Pre-Date Experience (0:00-3:00)

- The date was with someone Emma worked with last year, not online dating

- Physical nervousness (shaking hands) but also excitement about getting ready

- The experience of setting up dating profiles vs. the reality

During & After the Date (3:00-5:00)

- It was a day date with lower pressure

- Emma showed up more authentically than she would have in the past

- Feeling of accomplishment and giddiness afterward

Dating Advice Used (5:00-8:00)

- "Go with the flow – this is data collection on myself"

- "Focus on whether I like him, not just if he likes me"

- The value of community support during new experiences

Noticing Old Patterns (8:00-10:00)

- People-pleasing tendencies still emerge in dating situations

- The lingering thought of "why would anyone want to go out with me?"

- The gap between rational understanding and emotional reality

Main Character Energy in Dating (10:00-13:30)

- The difference between main character energy and main character syndrome

- The aesthetic idea vs. the reality of what it looks like in practice

- Small moments of choosing yourself rather than grand displays

The Healing Process (13:30-16:00)

- Building confidence through action rather than just thinking

- Navigating the desire to be wanted while fearing that's all someone might value

- The impact of past relationship traumas on current dating experiences

Journal Prompts (16:00-18:00)

1. What dating narratives or "rules" did you absorb growing up?

2. What would it look like to approach dating as self-discovery rather than partner-finding?

3. What feels different about how you show up in relationships now?

4. Imagine a date with yourself - what quirks and features do you love?

Glimmers (18:00-20:00)

1. Spring weather in Virginia

2. Watching shadows move on the grass

3. Finding chapstick when you thought you didn't have one

4. Daily chalk drawings of glimmers

5. Discovering new music

The Sparkle Circle Announcement (20:00-end)

- New $6/month membership experience

- Sunday Deep Dive Podcast Episodes

- "Main Character Moments" Live Sessions (Thursdays at 2pm ET)

- Co-working Sessions for Creative Accountability (Mondays at 3:30pm ET and Sundays)

- Behind-the-scenes journal reflections and more intimate content

Resources Mentioned

- Join The Sparkle Circle!

- My book is out in less than a month! Preorder here!

- Instagram: @thedilemmasofemma

"Healing still counts if you're doing it sad. Growth still counts if you're doing it scared. The choices still count even when you don't want to make them."

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