Ep.48 Beyond Survival Mode: How to Stop Playing Small and Start Living Big with Debbie Weiss

What happens when you've spent decades caring for others—and suddenly, there's space to ask, "What about me?" This week on Insights From the Couch, we sat down with author, entrepreneur, and inspirational speaker Debbie R. Weiss. Her story is a powerful reminder that no matter how entrenched we are in caregiving roles or how much we’ve sacrificed, it’s never too late to reclaim our lives and chase new dreams.

From Caregiver to Creator

Debbie’s journey into caregiving began young—at just 17, after her father suffered a stroke. For over 30 years, she coordinated his care while also raising two sons (one with autism), running a business, and eventually supporting her husband through mental illness and terminal cancer. Her life was defined by service—but somewhere in all of that, she lost herself. Like many women in midlife, Debbie woke up at 50 and realized something had to change. “I was crashing and burning,” she told us. “And unless I started paying attention to myself, I wasn’t going to be good for anyone else.”

The Turning Point: Shifting from Victim to Author of Her Own Life

Debbie’s story isn’t about magical turning points or dramatic transformations. It’s about slow, intentional change—a shift in mindset. She began by simply committing to show up at a Weight Watchers meeting once a week. That’s it. No food tracking. No exercise mandates. Just one small, consistent act.

That single decision became the foundation for a massive transformation—not just in weight, but in identity. “Mindset was the magic,” Debbie says. “Not some perfect plan. Not willpower. Just deciding to take responsibility and stay curious.”

Over time, she lost 90 pounds, maintained it, and discovered an unexpected passion for writing. She went on to publish two books: a memoir titled On Second Thought, Maybe I Can, and a self-help guide The Sprinkle Effect, which offers practical, inspiring steps to build a more colorful life—one sprinkle at a time.

Lessons for Midlife Women Ready to Reclaim Their Lives

Here are just a few of the gems from our conversation with Debbie:

• You don’t need a clear dream to get started.  Start with curiosity. Try new things. You don’t need to know where it leads—just that you’re willing to explore.

• Victim mentality is a thief of joy.  It’s easy to compare, to feel unlucky, to dwell on what’s gone wrong. But your power lies in what you choose next.

• Start tiny.  One weekly meeting. Five minutes of journaling. A walk around the block. These micro-choices are votes for the person you want to become.

• Your story isn’t over.  Debbie published her first book after 50 and is already planning her third. She started a podcast. She speaks to audiences nationwide. And it all began with one quiet decision: to stop putting herself last.

Final Words of Wisdom

Debbie reminds us that we don’t have to wait until life calms down to start dreaming. If you’re navigating grief, caregiving, or just a chaotic season—your spark is still there. Even 10 minutes a day toward something just for you can change your whole trajectory. As Debbie says, “You’re not busy 24 hours a day. And if you are—it’s time to ask why.”

Want more inspiration like this? Check out The Sprinkle Effect and On Second Thought, Maybe I Can by Debbie R. Weiss.