Due to our obsession with the CHINESE SPY BALLOON, you may have missed the report last week that uncovered the secret to our happiness. 

Apparently, Harvard researchers started this study back in 1938…they’ve been gathering insights for the last 85 years and the results are finally in…So, what makes us happy in life?

• Is it career achievement? Nope. 

• Money? No. 

• Exercise and a healthy diet? No. 

 The most consistent finding they learned was that positive relationships keep us happier, healthier and help us to live longer! Notice, the caveat: positive relationships. Who do you call in a moment of crisis? Who strengthens your sense of who you are? Who can you talk to about what’s going on in your life? Who makes you laugh? Those are your people! If you have those relationships, do something to invest in that relationship today: a call, a HUG. And, if you don’t have positive relationships, I encourage you to find them: they’re out there! I promise. Also, speaking of relationships, I just wrapped an interview with Al Roker (The Today Show) and his wife Deborah Roberts (ABC News) and they have the most incredible conversation about how they’ve made their relationship of almost 30 years last, even though they’re complete opposites. While you wait for that episode to be released, I encourage you to check out my conversation with Chrissy Metz (from “THIS IS US”) and her partner, Bradley Collins. Chrissy’s story of getting her big break with only 81 cents in her bank account, at the age of 36, will brighten your day, as will her new kids book called “When I talk To God, I talk about You.”Happy Valentines Day, my friends!!Find your positive relationships and invest in those today…and every day.

FARIS FAVORITES

1. Last year I needed a quick way to love on my kiddos because let's be honest - I panicked at 10pm the night before Valentines Day!  So my friend Terri gave me a quick and easy idea to shower words to my family.  Grab scraps of paper and tape or sticky notes and write things you love about your kids and / or significant other.  Think of as many things as you can and stick them on their mirror, door, above their bed, in their car - anywhere you can.  If they are gone for the day - this is a great way to surprise and delight them when they come home today!  One year later, my daughter STILL has these sticky notes on her bathroom mirror. Try it and tag me on instagram - @paulafaris!

2.  In my podcast this week, I mentioned Chrissy Metz's new kids book..."When I Talk To God, I Talk About You".  Don't miss the accompanying lullaby album to the book, found HERE.  Also, Chrissy's team wants to give away three books to YOU!  You know the drill; respond to my Instagram DM's within 24 hours and INCLUDE YOUR MAILING ADDRESS and I'll ship out to the first one's I hear from (first time winners, only!).

2. My book, You Don't Have To Carry It All, releases THREE WEEKS FROM TODAY!  Pre-order today and stay tuned to hear about where you can meet me on my book tour!

Here's what you missed this week in The CARRY™ ALL, the weekly newsletter BY working moms, for working moms (and the Media company birthed out of my own Called Out story!)

1. 15 Black-Owned Mom brands to shop 💪🏾2. List of childcare resources for you - divided by state🎉3. Valentine's Day gift ideas for your tweens and teens 🤍

The Paula Faris 'Faith and Calling' Podcast

EPISODE 91 with Chrissy Metz - This week Paula sits down with the star of the smash hit TV show, “This Is Us” – Chrissy Metz – and her beloved boyfriend, songwriter Bradley Collins, for a blissful conversation about love in ALL its many forms. Driven by a calling on her heart that she just couldn't shake, Chrissy retraces the rough and winding road that led her to the breakthrough role of Kate Pearson (at age 36 with only 81 cents to her name!). Chrissy and Bradley also open up about the deeply relatable early-pandemic genesis of their adorable relationship. Find out how the couple stays grounded and what led them to their recent collaboration – a heartwarming picture book, “When I Talk to God, I Talk About You,” all about the loving bond between parent and child. Whether you’re looking to love what you do, hoping to find love or simply seeking to pour more love out into the world, let this episode encourage you – this is possible!

Listen Now>>

EPISODE 90 with Craig Groschel - There’s a really good chance there’s something about your life you *want* to change but you’re not sure *how* to change it. This week, Paula’s favorite person - her husband, John - joins her for this game changing conversation with one of HIS favorite people - NYT bestselling author, Life.Church senior pastor and sought-after leadership expert, Craig Groschel. Craig breaks down the journey he went on that took him from lazy to leader and why he says you don’t have to be born with discipline to become disciplined. Craig offers up practical principles from his upcoming book, “The Power to Change: Mastering the Habits That Matter Most”, to help both you and those you lead or love to aspire to change. And don’t miss his three questions to ask yourself when facing any situation and why rhythms, not balance, hold the key to living the life you want. LISTEN NOW>>