On Second Thought Maybe I Can - Debbie Weiss EP 419

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What happens when you spend your whole life taking care of others—and forget who you are? In this deeply moving conversation, Brian Smith talks with Debbie Weiss, a woman who’s worn many hats: caregiver, business owner, author, and now, a voice of possibility and hope. Debbie shares her incredible journey of caring for her father, her neurodivergent son, and her husband through terminal illness and mental health struggles.

She opens up about anticipatory grief, the complexity of feeling both relief and guilt, and how writing her memoir On Second Thought, Maybe I Can during her husband’s final days became an emotional lifeline. 💡

If you’ve ever felt stuck, invisible, or unsure how to move forward—this episode is for you.

🧭 What We Cover in This Episode:

• Why caregiving often starts before the loss occurs (anticipatory grief)
• The weight of caregiving as a daughter, spouse, and parent
• How Debbie found herself at 50—and reclaimed her life
• The emotional power of writing through grief ✍️
• How to shift from victim mindset to possibility mindset
• Why self-care isn’t selfish—especially for caregivers 💗
• Creating “A Sprinkle of Hearts”—and what hearts symbolize to Debbie
• Dating after loss: why there’s no right timeline

💬 Favorite Quotes:

“Living is stepping out of your comfort zone—even when you're afraid.” – Debbie Weiss
“Self-care is not selfish. It's essential for survival.”
“I thought I was being buried. But I was being planted.” – Brian Smith

🔗 Connect With Debbie Weiss:

🌐 Website: https://www.debbierweiss.com
🛍️ Shop: https://www.asprinkleofhearts.

Visit the Grief 2 Growth store for FREE items as well as other tools to help you along your journey:

• Guided Meditations
• My book GEMS of Healing (signed copy)
• My Oracle deck to help you connect with your loved ones
• Mini-courses
• Mini-guides
  
  

Check it out at https://grief2growth.com/store

Do near-death experiences inspire you? Are you moved by the research showing we are more than our bodies?

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of near-death studies, IANDS has launched the Chrysalis Campaign. Join at the Supporting level or higher, or make a donation of $100 or more, you’ll receive a commemorative mug.

🌍 Visit IANDS.org and click “Give” to support this vital work.
 

What really happens when we die? And how can understanding near-death experiences transform the way we live?

Join nearly 1,000 attendees August 27–31, 2025 at the Hilton Oak Brook Hills near Chicago for four days of soul-stirring keynotes, healing practices, and conversations that expand your understanding of life, death, and everything in between.

Register now at Conference.IANDS.org
 

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