034 • Hold, Please: The Pen, The Pause, and The Messy Middle with Deb Cooperman

Sometimes there’s a season (or seasons) in life and biz where the old thing is over, the new thing kinda isn’t here yet, and you’re just marinating in the middle. No map, no deadlines. Just you, your thoughts, and maybe a pen (or lotsa voice notes)?My point is: Sometimes life hits pause for you, and you may stay there longer than you expected. That’s the space where today's convo takes place.Deb Cooperman and I first met back in my past life working in the arts marketing world, and I’ve admired her work (and her fab way with words) ever since. She’s a writer, facilitator, and recovering marketing pro who has a gift for helping people reconnect with their voices through writing.In this episode, we talk about the messy middle: that uncertain stretch where the plan goes out the window, life shifts in big ways, and you’re figuring out what comes next.Deb shares how journaling has been a lifeline for self-trust, processing, and reconnecting with her creativity after stepping away from her work during a major life transition. We dig into the pressure to “bounce back,” the power of slowing down, and the value of sitting with the discomfort of not knowing.We get into:why writing can unlock things talking can’tgiving yourself permission to not have all the answersembracing uncertainty without rushing to fix itredefining work and success in a new seasonshowing up honestly, even when it’s messyDeb is an old friend, and this convo was extra-special to record. We’re really just acknowledging something we all go through at some point: not having the answers, not knowing what’s next, and learning to be okay with that. It’s a reminder that uncertainty is part of life, and giving ourselves permission to simply be in that uncomfortable space is sometimes the best thing we can do.EPISODE NOTE: Since we talked, Deb says she's gotten a little clearer on where she's headed with her work. She says it might look a little different, but the heart of it is the same as it has been: still about helping women reconnect with their voices through writing. "It's never really been about teaching craft, but it's becoming clearer that the women I work with are using words to reclaim what the world asked us to hide in the name of being agreeable, good, selfless, and just generally focused on making others happy." Her original plan to get back to offering workshops by year’s end will be pushed back a bit more, but you can find plenty of writing support on her blog, and you can find out when she's back up and running by signing up for her newsletter on her website, or following her (sporadic) storytelling on Instagram.Links mentioned in this episode:👩‍💻 Book your 1:1 Empower Hour session with me: https://alyciayerves.com/empowerhour👥 Join my free Facebook group for entrepreneurs: https://www.facebook.com/groups/helpdeskalyciayerves🎵 Deb’s “Manifesto” playlist that makes her feel like she can do anything: Listen here📚 Tori Dunlap (podcaster & author of Financial Feminist): herfirst100k.com🌿 Kerstin Martin (founder & educator at Calm Business): calmbusiness.comConnect with Deb Cooperman:🌐 debcooperman.com📸 @thedebcooperman on InstagramListener Q&A: Got a question you’d love me to answer on a future episode? You can drop it here (anonymously or with your name, up to you): 👉 alyciayerves.com/podcastquestion✨ Loved this episode? Please subscribe, rate, and review Mind Your Own Biz — your support means the world! 🎙💖Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by guests on Mind Your Own Biz are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or the podcast. The content shared in this episode is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional, medical, legal, or financial advice. Always do your own research and consult with a qualified professional when needed.