We’re almost through January and what’s consuming me at the moment is this: 

• Tonight, my mom is spending her first night at assisted living.

• I can’t wait for this #DryJanuary challenge to be over.

• Oh, and I have a book launching in 35 days. 

Life can be a lot to juggle, at times…I’m taking some sage advice from a friend and letting the plastic balls drop while doing my best to keep the glass ones in the air. I’m going to drop something every single day. And that’s okay. 

I’ll have more to share about mom, soon. But, in the meantime, I was thrilled to bring my podcast back last week, where I had a riveting, hilarious conversation with beloved speaker and author, Jon Acuff, about overthinking, getting after your goals and life with teenagers. 

If you’re an overthinker, you can rest assured. Because according to Jon, about 99.5% of the population OVERTHINKS. And, we believe all kinds of lies about ourselves, which he calls “broken soundtracks”. 

Here’s a quick, three-step approach to getting out of your head and out of your own way…

Maybe your broken soundtrack is that you’re not smart enough…or that you’ll never kick your addiction…or maybe you don’t deserve love. Whatever it is, ask yourself these three questions about that lie you keep believing: 

1. Is it TRUE?

2. Is it HELPFUL?

3. Is it KIND?

My guess is that you won’t get past #1. 

Cheering you on!

FARIS FAVORITES

1. 

So many of you reached out to me after I posted THIS Instagram video, where I explain the sad but sweet story about why a random stranger anonymously bought my son’s birthday cake 

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he did it to honor his own son (Cash), who passed away several years ago. The dad has been doing this every year on Cash’s birthday. He goes to the local bakery and picks a random birthday cake, turning his grief over losing a child into an act of generosity. It just blows my mind.Well, the dad reached out to me on Instagram and wanted to thank ALL OF YOU for wishing his son, Cash, a happy birthday. He’d have been 14. His dad told me he’s read all the comments multiple times, and all he wants is “for people to know who he is and remember him.” But the sweetest part of this story is this… I have had COUNTLESS parents reach out to me since I posted that story, who’ve also lost a child. And, they’re now going to do the same thing to honor their children on their birthday 

— t

hey’re going to buy a birthday cake, anonymously, for someone. It just makes me cry even thinking about it. Cash’s dad put something beautiful in motion. 

2. Whether you have sisters or a sisterhood you can count on, Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt (Arnold’s daughter and Chris Pratt’s wife) has written the SWEETEST book, inspired by her sister, plus her two little girls. It’s called “Good Night, Sister” and TWO of you will win it! DM me your *mailing* address within 24 hours and I’ll select the winners. (First-time winners, only, please) Also, Katherine is my guest THIS WEEK on the podcast! Keep scrolling to listen!

3. The trailer for my new book is out and you can watch it HERE. It’s my honor to tell this story, of why and how we should give working moms the support they need and deserve. Honestly, it’s probably the most important story I’ve ever told…

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. 

Our FAVORITE hack for the dreaded iMessage voice memo

2. A code for 10% off Naptime Kitchen's The Home Reset (which we totally love

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3. A letter to the mama preparing for her first maternity leave

The Paula Faris 'Faith and Calling' Podcast

Episode 89 with Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt — Best-selling author, daughter, sister, wife, mother, step-mom and all-around lovely human, Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt, joins me for a conversation about the importance of these close-knit relationships, growing a family with her beloved husband, actor Chris Pratt, and the real-life sisterly bond that inspired her new children’s book, “Good Night, Sister”. Listen Now>>

Episode 88 with Jon Acuff — If you're an overthinker - and SO many of us are - the negative self-talk can make this "fresh start" season utterly overwhelming.

 Sought-after speaker and best-selling author, Jon Acuff, joined me for a timely and transforming conversation that will leave you believing in yourself again as you learn the keys to changing your thinking and getting after your goals. Listen Now>>