On Second Thought… Maybe I Can Care for Myself Too with Debbie Weiss - Episode 147
Have you ever felt invisible, exhausted, or unsure where you fit into your own life after years of caregiving?
If you’ve been putting everyone else first for so long that you’ve forgotten what brings you joy, this episode is a must-listen.
In this powerful episode of the Caregiver Relief Podcast, host Diane Carbo sits down with Debbie Weiss, author of On Second Thought, Maybe I Can. Together, they dive deep into the reality of losing your identity to caregiving and, more importantly, how to reclaim it—no matter your age or circumstances.
🎙️ In This Episode
Debbie Weiss isn't just an author; she’s lived the caregiving journey for over four decades. From caring for her father after a stroke at age 17, to raising a son with autism, and later caring for her husband during a terminal illness, Debbie knows the weight of responsibility.
Yet, at age 50, she realized she had "lost her laugh." This realization sparked a transformation that led her to write books, start a podcast, and finally prioritize herself.
"I didn't realize that... I had lost my laugh. I didn't really know who I was... I only had hopes and dreams for my kids. Not for myself." — Debbie Weiss
🌟 Key Takeaways
Here is what you’ll discover when you tune in:
- The "Maybe I Can" Mindset: Learn how to stop the knee-jerk reaction of saying "I can't" to new opportunities. Debbie explains how pausing to think, "On second thought, maybe I can," opens doors to a new life.
- Writing Through Grief: Debbie shares the incredible story of how she started writing her first book while her husband was battling terminal blood cancer, proving that the "perfect time" to start something for yourself is now.
- The Power of Boundaries: Why setting boundaries isn't selfish—it's actually a way to train others to respect your time (and how a Jazzercise class saved Debbie's sanity!).
- The Sprinkle Effect: You don't need a massive life overhaul. Discover how "sprinkling" small moments of joy, curiosity, or perspective into your day can move you from Point A to Point B.
- Reinventing Yourself at Any Age: Diane and Debbie discuss how they both reinvented their lives in their 50s, 60s, and 70s. It is never too late to find a new purpose.
💡 Why You Should Listen
This conversation isn't just about the struggles of caregiving; it's about the possibilities that still exist for you.
Diane and Debbie discuss the "cycle of guilt" and how to break it. As Debbie notes, when you take care of yourself, you stop showing up as the "angry, frustrated" caregiver and start showing up as your best self.
Whether you need permission to take a 10-minute walk, start a hobby, or just breathe, this episode gives you the tools to say, "Maybe I can care for myself, too."
📱 Connect on Social Media
Stay connected with us and our guest for daily inspiration, clips, and community support:
Please click here to join the Maybe I Can free FB Community
📚 Resources Mentioned
- Guest Website: debbierweiss.com (Don't forget the 'R'!)
- Debbie's Books: On Second Thought, Maybe I Can and The Sprinkle Effect.
- Podcast: Maybe I Can Podcast.
💬 We’d love to hear from you! After listening, what is one "sprinkle" of joy you can add to your day today? Let us know in the comments below.
Caring for a loved one can be overwhelming — but you're not alone. If you have questions, big or small, our expert team is here to help.
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