I wish you could be here with me…because the view as I write this one is a view that I can barely even describe. My family has been in Greece for over a week, vacationing and visiting the headquarters of The A21 Campaign, founded almost 15 years ago by Christine Caine (speaker, human rights activist and working momma). A21 combats human trafficking which affects over 40 million people globally, nearly 30 million of those being women. 

How did it all start? Chris is Greek and saw signs of missing girls in a Greek airport — she felt called to do something about it, even though she knew nothing about human trafficking. 

When I had her on my podcast (Episode 18) last year to talk about how she started A21, she admitted that at the beginning, she felt so unqualified that she didn’t know what to do, where to go and started feeling overwhelmed. But, she knew she had to do something. The calling she felt was so strong.So, she did the NEXT RIGHT THING. That’s it. We often overcomplicate it and run through all the scenarios, only to talk ourselves out of it. Been there, done that!The last time I wrote you, we talked about how many of you are taking career breaks or pauses — the number of you doing this is unreal!! I encouraged you with this: What’s the BEST thing that can happen if you go for it?If you’re still stuck — no judgment. Again, been there, done that! Focus on this: DO THE NEXT RIGHT THING — one step at a time. Baby steps, just like Bill Murray in one of my favorite movies of all time, “What About Bob”. Also, I have really big news I can not wait to tell you about. You’ll hear about it, possibly as soon as the next letter — and you’ll be the first to know!Until next time, friends! 

FARIS FAVORITES

1. Campfire in a can — because it’s July, a thousand degrees and the thing we want more of is…heat. LOL. So, what do you do when you want S’mores or ambiance but don’t want to sweat off your tail with another campfire? City Bonfires is what you’ve been looking for! My family loves it for S’mores. And, it would have been just the trick 10 years ago when we lived in a tiny NYC apartment. Plus, it’s made in the USA by two dads whose jobs were affected by the pandemic. Photo via City Bonfires

2. Fish pedicures — I shared this with you on my Instagram this week. Essentially, it’s little fish eating the dead skin off your feet. #WorstJobEver Not sure I can call this a “Favorite,” but it might be my favorite “weirdest” thing I’ve ever tried.

3. Your next favorite documentary. Move over Tiger King — let’s talk about FAIR PLAY. If you haven't watched it yet, it's totally worth leaving the dishes in the sink and plopping down on the couch for. The documentary, inspired by Eve Rodsky’s New York Times best-selling book Fair Play is aiming for a more balanced future, where partners truly partner at home and the invisible load that women pick up at home becomes visible. Watch the trailer here. Photo via www.fairplaylife.com/documentary

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. How to share the parent load...(yes, please!!)2. Why businesses are being hurt by the lack of childcare3. How one mom is transforming traveling with young children (I still have PTSD when I see parents struggling with getting car seats and strollers through TSA Security).

The Paula Faris 'Faith & Calling' Podcast

Yes, I’m taking a summer break from the podcast…but, I’m sharing with you some of my favorite episodes, to date!

Nothing you do is ever wasted…ask Tyler Perry. Yes, that Tyler Perry, the entertainment mogul. Back in Episode 55, Tyler tells us everything he had to overcome — including abuse and poverty. But, how everything he learned along the way, including stints as a debt collector and used car salesman, helped him become the man he is today. 

She might be one of the most powerful speakers on the planet, but that’s nothing Priscilla Shirer ever saw for her life. In this conversation, Priscilla tells me she actually wanted to be a news anchor and how she had to go beyond fear to pursue an unexpected call in her life.