The Next Right Thing

What do you do when you feel like your life hasn't turned out the way you thought it would or the way you wanted it to? How do you keep going in the face of personal or vocational disappointment? My guest today has spent a lot of time not only thinking his way through the answer to that question, but he's lived his way through it and has brought us along through his own stories, questions, humor, compelling art and now, his brand new book, Say Yes. I'm delighted to sit down with Scott Erickson, an artist who is working to give us a new visual vocabulary for the spiritual journey we're all on. Listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: Say Yes by Scott Erickson (out January 25th!) Find Scott online and on Instagram Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download a transcript of this, and every, episode at emilypfreeman.com.

What do we do when our next right thing is to wait for an indefinite amount of time or to hope in the face of what seems to be an impossible situation? Listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: A Hidden Wholeness by Parker Palmer Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download a transcript of this, and every, episode at emilypfreeman.com.

One of the most helpful spiritual practices I've found in the last several years is borrowing the prayers of others when I can't find words for my own. Today I'll share one of my favorites and maybe it will be a favorite of yours too. Listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download a transcript of this, and every, episode at emilypfreeman.com.

At the end of every year, I write down a list of what worked and what didn't work that year. I'll share my list of what worked for me this year as well as a few tips and resources for you if you want to make your own list. Listen in! Want help looking back before moving forward? Download these 10 Questions for Reflection and Discernment. Links + Resources From This Episode: Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Episode 189: How to Use The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Receive my monthly letter by signing up here Gino Wickman's Entrepreneurial Operating System Traction by Gino Wickman Michael Hyatt's Full Focus Planner Lara Casey's Power Sheets (Cultivate What Matters) Episode 185: Why Makers Struggle to Get Things Done Episode 163: Reflection as Activism Episode 167: Spiritual Direction for Beginners Episode 178: How to Find a Spiritual Director Grab a copy of my book The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download a transcript of this, and every, episode at emilypfreeman.com.

A blessing for you and yours on this week of Christmas. You may recognize these words from last year's version of The Quiet Collection and I hope they extend a welcome to you on this Christmas, when we mark the day God moved in and everything changed. Now, God is making all things new, in you and in me. Amen. Listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download a transcript of this, and every, episode at emilypfreeman.com.

There are as many ways to approach the end of the year as there are people. Still, it's easy to be fooled into thinking there's just one right way to finish — Finish strong! they say. For anyone who feels like they might not be able to finish strong this year, your next right thing might be to just finish regular. Listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: Honest Advent by Scott Erickson 10 Questions For Reflection and Decision-Making The Quiet Collection (closes Wednesday, December 15!) Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download a transcript of this, and every, episode at emilypfreeman.com.

A minimalist asks, "What am I holding on to?" A soul minimalist asks, "What has a hold on me?" Let's ease some of the decision fatigue that can come along this time of year with another Soul Minimalist's Guide, this one specifically for Christmas. Listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: Episode 01: Become a Soul Minimalist Episode 181: A Soul Minimalist's Guide to Summer Episode 193: A Soul Minimalist's Guide to Autumn The Quiet Collection (all new for 2021!) The More of Less by Joshua Becker Preparing for Jesus by Walter Wangerin Jr. Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download a transcript of this and every episode at emilypfreeman.com.

Chances are at some point during the next four weeks, you'll find yourself feeling extra frazzled, lonely, or distracted despite your best intentions. Here's the simplest way to quiet your mind during one of the busiest months of the year: the 2021 edition of The Quiet Collection is here and ready for you! I'll tell you all about it. Listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: The Quiet Collection for Christmas (all new for 2021!) The Lazy Genius aka Kendra Adachi The Greatest Gift by Ann Voskamp Watch for the Light: Readings for Advent and Christmas Shadow and Light by Tsh Oxenreider Come Lord Jesus Honest Advent by Scott Erickson Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download a transcript of this, and every, episode at emilypfreeman.com.

What if the greatest theologians the world has ever known are those whom the world wouldn't consider theologians at all? I'm glad to welcome theologian and author of Abuelita Faith, Kat Armas, who tells the stories of unnamed and overlooked theologians in society and in the Bible--mothers, grandmothers, sisters, and daughters--whose survival, strength, resistance, and dedication to the next deeply right thing teach us the true power of love and faith. Listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: Find Kat's work online and on Instagram Abuelita Faith by Kat Armas Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download a transcript of this, and every, episode at emilypfreeman.com

Our lives are endlessly complicated and our decisions are almost always laced with layers of nuance which is why it's always a challenge (one I love!) to create episodes about decision-making. Is it possible to share principles, perspective, and simple frameworks that are helpful no matter who you are or what decision you have to make? I say it is, or at least I try. Today I've curated the top 10 episodes to listen to if you're carrying a particular decision right now and could use some practical help to make it; a decision-making starter kit if you will. Listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: Episode 167: Spiritual Direction for Beginners Episode 32: Stop Collective Gurus Episode 70: The Best Time to Make a Decision Episode 109: Wait Until the Morning Episode 113: Decide to Decide Episode 136: Decision-Making for Slow Processors Episode 172: Make These 2 Lists Now Episode 196: Why Your Pro/Con List Isn't Working Episode 162: Is It Time to Move On? Episode 168: Is It Time to Dream Again? Episode 174: Is It Time to Quit My Job? Episode 121: How to Discern and Decide Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download a transcript of this episode at emilypfreeman.com.

Today's conversation is between me and you—because today we celebrate 200 episodes of The Next Right Thing! What a gift it has been to be a small part of 200 of your Tuesdays. For the first time, I'm hosting an Ask Me Anything where you asked questions and I say words about my dream guests, my limited parenting advice, what the P stands for, and if I've ever thought about quitting. Listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: Episode 187: State of the Podcast 2021 Episode 115: Before You Decide, Halt Episode 189: How to Use The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Episode 172: Make These Two Lists Now hope*writers online writing community Episode 106: Let's Talk About Disney's Frozen 2! Episode 185: Why Makers Struggle to Get Things Done Episode 71: Let Time Be Your Friend Episode 103: Look for the Children What Now? by Ann Patchett Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download a transcript of this and every episode at emilypfreeman.com.

May this simple reading of Psalm 27 be a reflection you can return to as you discern your next right thing in love. This reading is from the Common English Version of the Bible. Listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: Psalm 27 Other episodes like this one: Psalm 139, Read Psalm 23, Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download a transcript of this episode at emilypfreeman.com.

Today I'm joined by a writer who deeply understands what it means to live life on autopilot, chugging through the day "on fear and caffeine." As it turns out, that life is a train to nowhere and Shauna Niequist decided to get off. I'm happy to sit down with her to talk about writing, connection, and her next right thing. Listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: Learn more about Shauna on her website and Instagram Present Over Perfect by Shauna Niequist I Guess I Haven't Learned That Yet by Shauna Niequist Laura Tremaine and Shauna Niequist talk about journaling Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download a transcript for this, and every, episode at emilypfreeman.com.

A lot of us are looking for our truest words these days. We're taking the hymns and choruses of our childhood faith, the verses we have memorized, our adolescent optimism, our adult commitments, our 2020 cynicism and our 2021 exhaustion and we're holding them all up to the light. We have thrown some things out. We are holding on for dear life. In the sifting, there's sure to be some mix-ups. If you can relate, this episode is for you. And for me. Listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: Walking in Wonder by John O'Donohue Find Annie F. Downs online here and on Instagram here On the Brink of Everything by Parker Palmer To Bless the Space Between Us by John O'Donohue Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download a transcript of this and every episode at emilypfreeman.com

It's the list we all know to make when we're stuck in the decision-making process. There are helpful things about the pro/con list but we all know they don't work all by themselves. This type of list could be a good starting point, but what do you do next? I dedicated The Next Right Thing to anyone who's ever made a pro/con list in the middle of the night. If that's you, listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: Gilmore Girls: Season 3, Episode 17 (Netflix) Let Your Life Speak by Parker J. Palmer Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman

What do we do when we wish we were different but struggle to make a change? What do we do when a thing we're good at (that is sometimes good) is also a thing that is sometimes trouble? Every strength has a shadow side and sometimes gifts come with burdens to bear. If you wonder what to do when your best gets the best of you, listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: Friends University's Master of Arts in Christian Spiritual Formation and Leadership Learn more about the StrengthsFinder assessment The Return of the Prodigal Son by Henri Nouwen Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download a transcript of this and every episode at www.emilypfreeman.com

She believed that life was a series of unlimited choices, until she discovered at age 35 that her body was wracked with cancer. In the years that have followed, Kate Bowler has wrestled honestly with the reality she has been handed and the terrible advice she's received along the way, like that everything happens for a reason. Hers is a voice I never want to stop listening to and in her new book, No Cure for Being Human, she is honest, vulnerable, and delightfully human, saying the words we all know but are sometimes afraid to say: that life is beautiful and terrible, full of hope and despair and everything in between. I'm delighted to sit down with Kate to talk about that and the truths we need to hear. Listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: No Cure for Being Human by Kate Bowler Learn more about Kate's work here Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download a transcript of this and every episode at emilypfreeman.com/podcast.

If you need to get in that autumn state of mind, today's episode is for you. Maybe the season has caught you by surprise or you're feeling a little off but don't know why. It's time to clear the summer mind-clutter and move into fall like a soul minimalist. Listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: Episode 181: A Soul Minimalist's Guide to Summer Simplify by Joshua Becker Becoming Minimalist Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download a transcript of this episode at www.emilypfreeman.com.

It's a short trip from helpless to hopeless, just a shuffling of a few letters and you're there. If you've been struggling to hold on to hope over the last few weeks (or years), then today's episode is for you. Listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: La Foce Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download a transcript of this and every episode at emilypfreeman.com.

We don't learn just from experience. Transformation happens when we reflect upon our experience. Of all the lists we keep, the most important isn't a to-do list but a list of what we're learning. Because you're not just doing things, you're becoming someone. Who? And what are you learning along the way? Listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: Pantsuit Politics end-of-month Instagram posts: July and August Annie B. Jone's August Instagram post Because I Love You by Kaitlin Walden In the Name of Jesus by Henri Nouwen When the Soul Listens by Jan Johnson Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download a transcript of this episode

May this simple reading of Psalm 139 be a reflection you can return to as you discern your next right thing in love. Listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download transcript

I've been meaning to do an episode like this for months now and the time has come. Whether you already have The Next Right Thing Guided Journal or if you didn't even know it existed, this episode will tell you everything you need to know about how to use it for your life, all in one place. You don't have to wait until the end of the year to reflect on your life and this journal makes it easy to start today. I'll share tips and instruction as well as how I use this resource in my own life. Plus, I'll tell you what I wish was different about the journal. You can begin or jump back into this reflective practice and discern the life that wants to be lived in you today. Listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download a transcript of this episode

Invisible things are real and it all matters. As we move through this month, if you're feeling swept along, hurried up, or even passed on by, this episode is for you. It's time to recalibrate a bit, to pay attention to what's happening on the inside so we can do our next right thing in love. Listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: Here and Now by Henri Nouwen Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download a transcript

This month marks the 4 year anniversary of The Next Right Thing! Today I'll share the state of the podcast using a simple framework I follow for reflecting on everything - what's been life-giving and life-draining, what I'm grateful for, what questions I'm holding and what arrows I'm following. In addition to sharing some of your favorite episodes, I'll also pull out some key pivots over the last four years of hosting this podcast. I'll do that because I know that you come from a variety of backgrounds, professions, interests, and hopes, I also know that you are probably making something of your own right now and you wonder if you're doing it right, if it's working, if it's worth it, and if it's time to make a change. Listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: Episode 01: Become a Soul Minimalist Episode 60: Start Before You're Ready Episode 35: Be Kind (with Candace Cameron Bure) Episode 130: Do What Sounds Fun A Blessing for the New Year Episode 88: Come Away for Awhile Episode 120: What To Do When The World Shuts Down Episode 161: Change Your Mind Episode 11: Wear Better Pants Episode 65: Take Off Your Crown Episode 73: Design Your Rhythm of Work - Theme Days Episode 167: Spiritual Direction for Beginners Episode 103: Look For The Children: Mister Rogers and Decision Making Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download Transcript

We've been wearing our burdens like thick, heavy furs. Summertime stepped up beside us, whispering kindly, May I take your coat? I hope you've let her. No matter what this season has looked like for you, there's no wrong. Here's a short reflection to help you look back before moving forward. Listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download Transcript

If you are in a season of decision fatigue because your work, church, schooling, parenting, or just life circumstances, in general, require you to work in a way that disrupts your natural rhythms, this episode is for you. Listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: Hannah Coulter by Wendell Berry Maker's Schedule, Manager's Schedule by Paul Graham On Being with Krista Tippett with guest Arlie Hochschild Psalm 23 (New Century Version) Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download a transcript of this episode at emilypfreeman.com.

In honor of 20 years of marriage, I've invited John to join me today. We'll talk about life together through various transitions, griefs, fears, and personality quirks. We'll also share about how we met and what the Enneagram has taught us in marriage. Listen in! Links + Resources From This Episode: Receive $100 off your first month with Talkspace with code NEXTRIGHTTHING Learn more about John's work here Episode 183: Real Talk About Overfunctioning Hannah Coulter by Wendell Berry Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Read a transcript of this episode at emilypfreeman.com.

How can you know when responsibility and being a caring grown up turns into overfunctioning? Is this exhaustion and overwhelm just a season or has it become a pattern? Today I'm sharing honestly what this looks like for me. As always, our next right thing starts with naming what is really going on. Listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: Get your first month free on select KiwiCo Crates Episode 88: Come Away For Awhile Episode 89: Come Back With Peace Onsite on Instagram Episode 179: Stop Overworking with Megan Hyatt Miller In the Name of Jesus by Henri Nouwen Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download a transcript of this (and every!) episode at emilypfreeman.com

For all the talk about decision fatigue, chronic hesitation, and the important practice of doing the next right thing, it could be easy to overlook some areas in life where overthinking isn't something to avoid, but something to indulge. It's time to make one fun decision. Listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: Explore your creativity with premium membership at SKillshare The Best Clogs (and Other Shoes I Love) Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download a transcript of this episode at emilypfreeman.com/182

Author Joshua Becker says that "Minimalism is the intentional promotion of the things we most value and the removal of anything that distracts us from it." We could say the same thing about soul minimalism, except instead of focusing on our external life, a soul minimalist does this for her internal life. What do I value most for my inner life this summer and what can I remove that will distract me from it? I've got 5 steps to consider for a simplified summer. Listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: Get 10% off your first 3 months with Ritual The More of Less by Joshua Becker Episode 01: Become a Soul Minimalist Episode 90: Start With This Simple Rhythm A Hidden Wholeness by Parker Palmer Get One Last Thing each Saturday morning The Jesus Way by Eugene Peterson Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Find a transcript of this episode and every other one at emilypfreeman.com.

If you've been doing the sacred work of watching, listening, and paying good attention, we're grateful for your hard work. You don't have to be in the spotlight to make a difference, I know that full well. But what if now is the time to tell us what you see, hear, and notice? What if now is the time to use your voice and let us hear how it sounds? Listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: Get $100 off your first month with Talkspace (Code: NextRightThing) A Million Little Ways The doors to Hope*Writers are open this week. Learn more here. Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Visit emilypfreeman.com/podcast for a transcript of this episode.

Years ago, Megan Hyatt Miller found herself at a crossroads where she felt like she had to choose between being present with her family and present at her work. It felt like an impossible choice until she created a third way. And that's where we'll start off. Listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: Enjoy 30% off KiwiCo with code NextRightThing Learn more about Megan Hyatt Miller Win at Work, Succeed at Life by Michael Hyatt and Megan Hyatt Miller Explore the Full Focus Planner here Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman DOWNLOAD TRANSCRIPT

Are you curious about meeting a spiritual director but don't know how to find one? A spiritual director is a person who holds prayerful space for someone else to help them discern what God is up to in and around them. If you want to know more about what spiritual direction is, check out Episode 167: Spiritual Direction for Beginners. Then listen to this one, where I'll share questions to ask, where to look, and what to look for in a spiritual director. Links + Resources From This Episode: Explore premium membership at Skillshare with a free trial Episode 167: Spiritual Direction for Beginners Spiritual Directors, International Grafted Life Ministries Soul Formation Psalm 46 (The Message) Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman DOWNLOAD TRANSCRIPT

We all have the capacity to live our lives in such a way that we forget to remember who we are, we hurry through our minutes looking for the next important thing, we are overly attentive to what people think of us, and we are addicted to our own press. So what is the next right thing for those of us who are so aware of other people's opinions that we have a hard time knowing our own, making wise decisions, or doing our next right thing in love? Listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: Get 10% off your first three months of Ritual Vitamins A Failure of Nerve by Edwin Friedman Episode 175: How to Find a Mentor with Natasha Sistrunk Robinson Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman DOWNLOAD TRANSCRIPT

For generations, people have wandered through the wilderness and the valley of the shadow; they have navigated life in the midst of difficulty, loss, and seemingly impossible circumstances. If you are walking through your own wilderness right now, you are not alone even if you feel alone. Listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: Enjoy $100 off your first month with code NEXTRIGHTTHING at TalkSpace The Dusty Ones by AJ Swoboda Learning to Walk in the Dark by Barbara Brown Taylor Friends University's Christian Spiritual Formation and Leadership program Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download Transcript

How do you know if you're in the right place with the right people at the right time? And how can we find mentors to help us discern our next right thing? Natasha Sistrunk Robinson is a leader we all need in our lives and her voice inspires me to be the leader I'm meant to be. May she do the same for you. Listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: Get 30% off your first month of KiwiCo with code NEXTRIGHTTHING Learn more about Natasha Sistrunk Robinson's work here Leadership Links, Inc. Mentor for Life: Finding Purpose through Intentional Discipleship by Natasha Sistrunk Robinson A Sojourner's Truth by Natasha Sistrunk Robinson Our Stories in The Wilderness - Keynote at The Apprentice Gathering Find Natasha on Instagram here Discover where Annie is taking the That Sounds Fun Podcast on tour this summer Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download Transcript

When it comes to the decisions we make in our lifetime, questions about our job and vocation top the list as the ones that can cause the most decision fatigue. For 15 minutes, let's consider the question beneath the question and see if we can uncover more information that could help you discern your next right thing. Listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: Explore a free trial of premium membership at Skillshare Essentialism by Greg McKeown Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download Transcript

If you want to incorporate journaling into your daily rhythm but don't know where to begin, here's how to use just one word to get started. Listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: Enjoy 10% off your first three months of Ritual Episode 49: Collaborate Episode 172: Make These Two Lists Now You still have time to complete The Next Right Thing survey Managing Oneself by Peter Drucker Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download Transcript

When you have a decision to make, the first place to start is not with a pro/con list. Instead, start with a Q+A list: questions and arrows. I'll use an example from my own life so you can see how this simple next-right-thing practice can help you discern your way through complicated, nuanced decisions. Listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: Share your opinions about The Next Right Thing Help, Thanks, Wow by Anne Lamott Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download Transcript

We've had a year of hearing about closings, shutdowns, and cancelations. We've become somewhat expert at navigating those last minute change of plans. But now that a new season is upon us and hope is creeping toward the door, maybe you're wondering why you still lack motivation and can't seem to get anything done? We've learned what to do when the world shuts down, but how are we supposed to move forward as it opens up again? Listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: Enjoy 30% off with a new KiwiCo subscription using code NEXTRIGHTTHING Episode 120: What to do When The World Shuts Down Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download Transcript

As restrictions lift and the season changes, you might be facing more decisions now than you have all year. Instead of trying hard to move through decision fatigue, what if trying softer is your next right thing? I'm talking with author, counselor, and kind human Aundi Kolber. Listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: Get a free premium trial of Skillshare just for being a listener Try Softer by Aundi Kolber Learn more about Aundi on her website or on Instagram Grab Aundi's self-compassion resource Episode 25: Come Home to Yourself Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download Transcript

From dinner time to bedtime, evening can often feel like a mad dash to end the day. Instead of closing the day with intention, we have more of a hurry up and rest mindset. Rather than giving you guideposts to design your entire evening, I'll offer a framework to help you personalize a 10 minute evening routine to help you transition from the day into the evening that you can do anywhere, in any season, no matter where you are, who you're with, or what's gone wrong. Listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: Discover insights about your hormones with Modern Fertility (and get $20 off) Episode 76: Create a Simple Morning Routine Episode 90: Start with this Simple Rhythm Episode 141: Redo Your Morning Routine Hello Mornings by Kat Lee The Universal Path to Life-Giving Routine by Kendra Adachi Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download Transcript

Of all the things we lost in the last 12 months, one that has taken the longest for me to name is a sense of possibility. Maybe 2020 was the year the dreamers stopped dreaming. So much felt impossible for so long (and some things still do) — but a question is rising up in me and I wonder if it would be helpful for you too: is it time to begin to dream again? Here are three things to consider. Listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: Match with a licensed therapist on Talkspace and get $100 off your first month with code NEXTRIGHTTHING Leeana Tankersley's Instagram We're Going There with Bianca Jaurez Olthoff James VanDerBeek's Instagram Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download Transcript

What is spiritual direction and how is it different from counseling, discipling, mentorship, teaching, coaching, soul care, or friendship? We'll answer this and more in today's episode, including how spiritual direction can be a helpful practice in discerning our next right thing. Listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: Redefine learning with 30% off your first month of KiwiCo with code NEXTRIGHTTHING Spiritual Direction by Gary Moon and David Benner Soul Care in African-American Practice by Barbara L. Peacock Let Your Life Speak by Parker Palmer Sacred Companions by David Benner Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download Transcript

What is our next right thing when we're confronted with disappointment? What do we do when someone else's next right thing leads to our own broken heart? What if their win is our loss? What if their freedom leads to our grief? We're asking some difficult questions and not demanding answers but remaining open for the arrows. Listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: Explore your creativity and a trial premium membership at Skillshare Episode 76: Create A Simple Morning Routine Episode 90: Start with this Simple Rhythm Episode 141: Redoing Your Morning Routine Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download Transcript

One way to make more confident decisions for your future is to reflect on decisions you've made in the past. I do this on a seasonal basis, but the goal is not to obey the calendar. The goal is to pay attention to your life. Here are three ways to practice seasonal reflection even if you are in the middle of a season. Listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: Get $20 off at Modern Fertility Christ Plays in Ten Thousand Places by Eugene Peterson Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download Transcript

When it comes to finding your purpose and knowing your why, many of us have mixed feelings. On the one hand, it's inspirational and motivating. But there is another hand, and that's the one filled with anxiety and questioning: how do we know if we're on the right track? What if we don't have a clear sense of purpose? Author and comedian Michael Jr. helps us discern our next right thing without making things complicated. Listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: Try Talkspace for $100 off your first month with code NEXTRIGHTTHING Learn more about author and comedian Michael Jr. Funny How Life Works by Michael Jr. (available March 2) Know Your Why video on YouTube Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download Transcript

When we witness dissonance in the world around us, when we see people make terrible choices on live TV or in the parking lot of a Starbucks or in the sanctuary of our churches or in the halls of a federal building and then we still have to decide what to make for dinner that night, it's disorienting at best, traumatizing at worst. Many of us want to know: What can I do? What is my next right thing in this? It's an important question and it's not rhetorical. Listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: Get 15% off The Between Places Prayer Journal with code NEXTRIGHTTHING The Writing Life by Annie Dillard The Life of Reason by George Santayana One by Deidra Riggs Women I am listening to these days: Deidra Riggs, Dr. Lucretia Barry, Lisa Sharon Harper, Latasha Morrison, and Mattie James Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download Transcript

It's one thing to change your mind when you're sure of your decision. But how can you know if it's time to move on when circumstance, desire, and opinions are mixed? Here are 8 questions to ask yourself to find some clarity. Listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: Next Right Thing listeners can enjoy a free trial of Skillshare premium membership Episode 161: Change Your Mind The Holy Longing by Ronald Rolheiser Real Church by Dr. Larry Crabb Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download Transcript

You are allowed to change your mind. In fact, this might be the most courageous, spiritually forming thing you could do. If we want to participate in true transformation, we may have to be willing to let go of what we're good at, to move away from what we once knew for sure (or thought we knew for sure), and take a step into the mysterious shadow of unknowing. You might be surprised what you find there. Listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: Get 15% off The Between Places Prayer Journal with code NEXTRIGHTTHING In the Name of Jesus by Henri Nouwen Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download Transcript