In this powerful episode of Grief 2 Growth, host Brian Smith sits down with the extraordinary Debbie Weiss—caregiver, speaker, and best-selling author—to explore the emotional complexity of caregiving, anticipatory grief, and life after loss. 💔➡️🌈
Debbie’s story is one of deep devotion and ultimate reinvention. She cared for her father for 30 years after a stroke, her neurodivergent son, and her husband through terminal illness and mental health challenges. Through it all, she not only survived—she thrived. 🌻
📚 Discover how writing her memoir On Second Thought, Maybe I Can while her husband was dying became an unexpected lifeline. Learn how she turned from a self-proclaimed “scaredy cat” into a woman who leads with purpose, helping others move from a victim mindset to a possibility mindset.
💬 “Living is stepping out of your comfort zone—even when you're afraid.” – Debbie Weiss
In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
The emotional toll—and quiet strength—of long-term caregiving
What anticipatory grief really feels like 😔
Why it's OK to feel both relief and guilt after loss
How to reclaim your life, your voice, and your sense of self
Tips to take one small step forward when you're stuck in grief 💡
Whether you're caring for a loved one, grieving someone who's still here, or wondering how to move forward after loss—Debbie’s vulnerable, hope-filled journey will touch your heart and inspire your next step. 💖
🔗 Learn more about Debbie:
https://www.debbierweiss.com
https://www.asprinkleofhearts.com
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https://www.youtube.com/@Grief2Growth
👇 Was there something in Debbie’s story that resonated with you? Tell us in the comments—your journey matters.
#caregivergriefjourney #grief2growth #DebbieWeiss #briansmith #anticipatorygrief #griefsupport #resilienceafterloss #selfcareisnotselfish
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00:00 🌱 Introduction – What if grief helps us grow?
01:05 🎙️ Meet Debbie Weiss – Author, caregiver, and transformation guide
03:10 💔 Remembering Gary – Debbie’s late husband and their life together
04:18 🏢 Building a business with your spouse – The challenges and rewards
06:34 👨👧 Becoming a caregiver at 21 – Debbie’s journey with her father
09:17 ⚖️ The emotional weight of caregiving over decades
12:27 💭 “Why me?” – Juggling multiple caregiving roles and feeling overwhelmed
14:21 🔄 Shifting from victim to possibility mindset
19:27 ✈️ Turning point at 50 – A life-changing trip to Bermuda
25:50 ⚙️ Doing the work – Small, lasting changes and self-discovery
28:42 🎤 Public speaking & facing fears – “Maybe I can”
33:06 👨👩👧👦 Comparing caregiving: parent, spouse, and child
36:25 🧠 Mental illness and anticipatory grief
38:02 😔 Guilt during caregiving – When you wish it would end
41:39 🛋️ Grieving your way – Reclaiming physical space after loss
43:53 ❤️ Dating after loss – Everyone’s timeline is different
45:39 ✍️ Writing through grief – Why Debbie wrote her memoir while Gary was dying
51:35 🌟 Finding excitement in dark times – Holding space for joy and pain
52:38 📘 The Success Principles – Becoming a Canfield Certified Trainer
53:59 🛍️ A Sprinkle of Hearts – How a dream store came to life
56:04 ✨ One last message – A sprinkle of hope through tiny steps
58:13 🙏 Closing – Where to connect with Debbie Weiss
