A lot has happened since we last connected. The flu went through our house (I mean, already?!). Halloween is over and done with. And, we’ve all lost hours of our lives to endless political ads. 

Can the mid-terms get here so we can get on with our TV viewing? 

But, what I’m really excited to talk about right now is…YOU. YOUR responses to the conversation I had with my husband, John, about stepping up in the big moments, dealing with nerves and channeling your secret weapon —they’ve been so inspiring! John has played and coached sports at high levels, so he understands the importance of being mentally prepared for those moments. (Here he is back in college, circa 1997, playing college basketball. He was a certified hottie.)

John’s secret weapon has long been VISUALIZATION (note: it’s MUCH different than imagining) and it’s why he’s the most unflappable person I’ve ever met. So what is visualization? It’s visualizing how the scenario will unfold — breaking down everything that will happen. You’re visualizing a *positive* outcome and you’re really really specific about what the entire exchange looks, feels, tastes, smells and sounds like. Practicing visualization can change the game for us! I only wish I’d learned this from him years ago because it would have been the solution for the anxiety and panic attacks that crippled me for a season. If you’ve dealt with anxiety, panic and nerves, I hope you know you’re not alone — and that these things can come out of nowhere. 

Do you know what else is going to come out of nowhere? The holidays. 54 days until Christmas, 23 'til Thanksgiving. And, in case you love pickles, National Pickle Day is just around the corner on November 14th. I love weird and random holidays. 

Stay weird and kind, my friends. And, please, please, please stay informed leading up to the mid-term elections! I encourage you to check out Ground News which rates media bias per platform. And, the most important next step: let’s respect one another regardless of politics. 

Enjoy the rest of this newsletter, friends. Especially the part about the Velveeta cheese. 

FARIS FAVORITES

1. What I'm Eating: My friend Jen Hatmaker has just released her debut cookbook, Feed These People, full of food for “normal people” as she likes to say. One of her favorites is Green Chili Chorizo Queso. And, yes, there’s Velveeta in it. Her team has created a free downloadable of this recipe JUST FOR MY PEOPLE. I want to hear all about this dish! And, tell me your GO TO recipe for the holidays. Send it here! 

2. What I’m Reading: Emily Ley, founder of the wildly popular The Simplified Planner, is releasing her first devotional, ‘Sure As The Sunrise: 100 Morning Meditations on God’s Mercy and Delight.’  Her team wants to give away a few copies to YOU! DM me your mailing address on Instagram, if interested, within 24 hours. And, if you’ve won something from this newsletter in the last 90 days, please let someone else have a turn :)  Because I’m a mom. And, I want you all to share and play nice. ❤️ Photo via amazon.com

3. What You're Reading: Kristin and Krista (two of our friends and readers of this newsletter) told me they recommend Loving People Who Are Hard To Love by Joyce Meyer and Annie F. Downs’ Chase the Fun. Thanks for the recommendations, ladies! If you have a favorite book you want to share, submit it here! Photos via amazon.com

4. What I’m Watching: Hubby and I just finished watching The Patient, a psychological thriller starring Steve Carell. Now, I love me some Steve Carell in The 40-Year-Old-Virgin and Anchorman. But, this isn’t his typical comedic role. ONCE AGAIN, THIS IS NOT A COMEDY. Steve plays a psychotherapist who’s recently lost his wife and finds himself held prisoner by a serial killer, who happens to be one of his patients. No nudity or sex. But, there are both language and intense scenes. Photo via Variety.com

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. Getting back in the game after a career break.2. A letter to the Mom setting boundaries.3. The importance of community as your kids grow.

The Paula Faris 'Faith & Calling' Podcast

Episode 81 with Emily Ley — When looking to take a leap in life, the best advice often boils down to these three words: trust your gut. Often that’s easier said than done, but this week’s guest is living proof that believing in yourself — every step of the way — changes EVERYTHING. Today she’s the creator of the wildly popular The Simplified Planner®, bestselling author, and mama of three — but just a handful of years ago Emily Ley was a newlywed with a love for luxe stationery (which was not in the budget) and a budding Etsy account. Hear Emily’s encouragement for chasing the thing that lights you up, why she’s a stickler for morning routines and the inspirational new project that was born out of a season of feeling forgotten.

Listen Now!

Episode 80 with John Krueger — In this episode, my hubby, John joins me to talk about big moments, big nerves and your secret weapon. For years, "Coach K" has coached college, high school and youth basketball. He also leads a commercial real estate brokerage team. Through many seasons on the court and in the business world he's learned and led others to understand the importance of being mentally prepared and how it can change everything for you. John breaks down all the buzzwords behind mental preparation so you can learn how to accept your nerves, what to do with all those negative thoughts and why there's a difference between imagination and visualization (and which one actually helps). 

Listen Now