I Didn't Expect To Feel This Much...

Plus, we're all in on the Enneagram right now!

April 16, 2026

Hi friends-

The countdown to graduation is on in our house. Ahhhh!!! Our oldest, Caroline, will be graduating from high school next month and we’re in the midst of senior mania. 

Planning for both graduation and the graduation party, taking senior photos, senior prom and just last night, senior night in track and field. 

If you’ve gone through it already, it’s a lot, right? Some of my friends who are a stage ahead of me asked how I’m doing and I replied, “I’m a mix of sad, happy, and angry”. Their response? “That sounds about right”. 

Anyways, this is something I’ll be talking to my therapist about–how to deal with all these big emotions. 

Here’s Caroline taking her senior photos earlier this week. Not gonna lie, I shed a few tears! 

Is your kid graduating this year?

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In other news, we’re talking about my FAVORITE personal assessment tool all month long on the podcast: THE ENNEAGRAM. 

I’ll be honest: I was skeptical at first. But after seeing how it’s transformed my own self-awareness and relationships, I’m convinced it’s one of the most powerful personality tools out there.

All month, I’ll be in conversation with Ian Morgan Cron. He’s an enneagram expert, author, and also an Episcopalian Priest. (Keep reading for a chance to read his best-selling book about the Enneagram, “The Road Back To You”)

This isn’t just another personality test. The Enneagram reveals the why behind your behavior: your unconscious motivations that drive how you think, act, and show up in your relationships.

We cover the nine types, where this framework actually comes from (it’s older than you might realize), why so many people mistype themselves, and what makes this different from tools like StrengthsFinder or Myers-Briggs.

Our conversations range from:

In case you’re wondering, I am an Enneagram 8, which is known as the Challenger. My motive (the why behind what I do) is to be strong and in control. When I’m unhealthy, I can be confrontational, emotionally guarded and dominating. When I’m growing, I’m trusting others, allowing vulnerability and using my strength to protect instead of control. :)  It explains why I can be aggressively helpful sometimes hahaha. 

If you’re skeptical, curious, or just want to understand yourself better, this is where to start! 

Before I wrap things up, CONGRATS to the winners of the Fairplay Life cards from our last email: Victoria, Michelle, Sharon, and Janice 🎊

Also, a reminder that in the next few weeks I’ll be moving my newsletter to Substack so that we can engage one another more and create community about the things we care about and things we’re talking about. 

Until next time!

-Paula xo

FARIS FAVORITES 🤎

1. We’re Giving Away TEN Copies!

We’re giving away 10 copies of Ian Morgan Cron’s book, “The Road Back To You”, throughout the month—a must-read if you’re curious about the Enneagram and how it shapes the way you think, lead, and relate to others. You know the drill, DM me your mailing address on Instagram.


If you want to go deeper, you can also take Ian’s Enneagram Assessment using the code PAULA for 15% off. Ian often says the most effective way to truly understand your type isn’t just one thing—it’s a combination: read about it, take a trusted assessment, and experience it in a workshop. This is your chance to start that journey.

2. The Show We Can’t Stop Watching 👀

What We’re Watching: The Pitt. We finally broke down and put a TV in our bedroom—and honestly, no regrets. Lately, it’s been all about winding down with a good show, and The Pitt has us hooked. It’s the kind of series that pulls you in quickly. So many friends have been recommending it and we finally took their advice! :)

3. My Go-To For Saving Time (And Money) On Groceries!

Because I’m always looking for ways to save time and money on food, I’ve been loving Thrive Market lately. If you sign up with my link, you’ll get 30% off your first order plus $60 in free gifts—which is such a win. They have all your favorite better-for-you snacks and pantry staples without the inflated grocery store prices, and everything shows up right at your door. Honestly, it just makes life easier—and I’m all for that.

THE PAULA FARIS SHOW 🎙️

The Enneagram: Why You Do What You Do

We’re kicking off a month-long series on the Enneagram, and we’re starting with the basics.

I’ll be honest: I was skeptical at first. But after seeing how it’s transformed my own self-awareness and relationships, I’m convinced it’s one of the most powerful personality tools out there.

I’m sitting down with author and Enneagram expert Ian Morgan Cron to break it all down.

If you’re skeptical, curious, or just want to understand yourself better, this is where to start.

Why Knowing Your Enneagram Isn’t Enough

We’re continuing our month-long Enneagram series with Ian Morgan Cron and getting into what most people miss.

What does “healthy” actually look like? And what does it look like when you’re off, and everyone else can see it before you do?

Every type has a pattern, a tell, a default that feels right…until it starts working against you.

Knowing your number isn’t the work. Seeing your patterns and choosing differently is.

Join the Conversation!

If you’ve made it this far, I invite you to join (or start) the conversation in our comments section. What would you like to share? - Paula

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