Seeking advice for the execution of solo/co-op OSR playing.

My wife has expressed interest in giving ttrpgs another shot. A couple years back we played a duet session where she was the player and I was the GM, but she didn't like it at all. I think she'd be more comfortable if I played alongside her and we did it in a GM-less style.

I have quite a few solo supplements, but I seem to struggle with the actual EXECUTION of playing solo. I understand all the concepts and how they should work, but every time I attempt to play solo I just can't seem to get the ball rolling.

For those who play this way, what is your actual process of playing? I'd like to have a higher comfort level before I play with her so that things go smoothly.