In this episode of Resilience Unravelled, Dr Russell Thackeray talks to Debbie R. Weiss. She discusses her experiences as a family caregiver for her father, son and husband, and her journey of self-discovery, including her struggles with burnout and weight loss. Debbie shares how she was burnt out for 25-30 years, feeling angry and resentful, until she turned 50 and took a weekend trip to Bermuda, where she realised she had lost herself. She then made a conscious effort to change her life and focus on her own desires and aspirations. She also explores topics such as mortality, motivation, the importance of self-care and finding new purpose in life.

Main topics

The impact of the loss of her father had on her life.
The challenge of her husband's mental illness and why she stayed with him.
Why Debbie attributes her sense of duty and advocacy to her upbringing, which made her feel insecure and judged.
How she found purpose in taking care of her father and husband, which allowed her to find her voice and advocate for them.
The concept of mortality and motivation
Why turning 50 prompted Debbie to embark on a journey of self-discovery.
The pressure of losing a significant amount of weight within a short time frame and why it can lead to feelings of failure.
Why you need to shift mindset and realise that weight loss is a lifestyle change rather than a temporary fix.
The importance of self-care, including setting boundaries and saying no, to become more present and tolerant.

Find out more at:

Website: DebbieRWeiss.com for more information, books, and resources.
Memoir "On Second Thought, Maybe I Can" - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Second-Thought-Maybe-Can/dp/1950476693
Podcast: Maybe I Can - https://www.debbierweiss.com/blog

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Debbie R Weiss – Maybe I Can

Resilience Unravelled