When Your World Ends, Start Creating: The Debbie Weiss Midlife Reinvention Story That Will Change How You See "The Right Time"

This is Part 2 of the career and life journey with Debbie Weiss "I never want to stop saying what's next."Guest: Debbie Weiss - Bestselling author, speaker, and creator of "The Sprinkle Effect"What happens when you spend 50 years being the responsible one and suddenly realize you've lost yourself completely?Debbie Weiss spent three decades running an insurance agency, caring for a father with special needs for 30 years, raising a son on the autism spectrum, and supporting a husband battling mental illness. She was the person everyone leaned on. The one who always did the right thing. The one who handled everything.But inside? She was miserable and didn't even know it.At 50, a weekend away with friends changed everything. Debbie realized she'd spent half a century living for everyone else and had no idea who she actually was or what she wanted. Watching her parents live with regret, she made a decision: this wasn't going to be her story. Now, at 62, while her friends talk retirement, Debbie is just getting started. She's a bestselling author with viral TikTok videos (3.7 million views!), has appeared on The Kelly Clarkson Show, and is building an entirely new career helping others step out of victim mode and into their authentic lives. Always afraid to speak in front of people she finally pushes through that fear and realizes - maybe that's what she came here in the end. On Creating During CrisisWhy Debbie's therapist told her to take a writing course when her husband was diagnosed with terminal cancerHow writing 3,000 words a week gave her control when everything else was spinningThe truth about finishing her book two weeks after her husband diedOn Fear and SpeakingFrom terrified insurance agent to discovering her superpower on stageWhy 85-90% of what we worry about never happens (and the rest is never as bad as we think)The moment she couldn't wait to give her next speechOn Starting at 62Creating sprinkle gift boxes, gratitude journals, and card decks, all brand new venturesWhy "what's next, what's next, what's next" is her favourite questionHow sprinkles became a metaphor for adding joy to life's journeyConnect with Debbie:Website: ⁠www.debbierweiss.com⁠Instagram: @debbie.r.weissTikTok: @debbierweiss⁠Substack⁠Books: "On Second Thought...Maybe I Can!" and "The Sprinkle Effect: A Guide to Creating a More Colorful and Fulfilling Life"Resources Mentioned:The Kelly Clarkson Show appearanceDebbie's viral TikTok video (3.7M views)Free membership + resources: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MamaWhatsNext.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Free Assessment: ⁠What's Blocking Your Next Career Move?⁠⁠⁠If you have a question or need advice, DM me on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book a 1:1 complimentary ⁠strategy session⁠ with Melanie⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Loved this episode? Then it would be the greatest gift for me if you subscribe, leave a review, and share this with another amazing mama who’s ready for her next chapter. Your support helps more women find the courage to rewrite their stories. This podcast is for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. Any information shared here, or through linked materials, is meant to provide general guidance and is not a substitute for professional advice. Please consult a qualified professional, such as a physician, therapist, or coach, for personalized support, diagnoses, or treatment. Use this information at your own discretion and risk.