The Next Right Thing

It's time for my seasonal list of what's saving my life this autumn, with kind regards and a healthy hat-tip to Barbara Brown Taylor who asked it first. Listen in. LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE: Ordinary Altars by Sarah Bessey Download The Quiet Collection FIND EMILY ELSEWHERE: Watch this episode on YouTube Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Join The Soul Minimalist Substack Download the free discussion guide for How to Walk into a Room by visiting this page and clicking the button "Discussion Guide" Download the transcript

One of the spiritual practices I turn to often is journaling. It helps me process my thoughts, know what I think, and write what I know. But when I'm in the middle of a difficult time, particularly when I'm navigating through grief, I've discovered I have a more difficult time writing complete sentences. Over the years I've learned a few things that have helped me to not drop the practice of journaling altogether. I'd love to share them in case they are helpful for you too. Listen in. LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE: Grief resources FIND EMILY ELSEWHERE: Watch this episode on YouTube Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Join The Soul Minimalist Substack Download the free discussion guide for How to Walk into a Room by visiting this page and clicking the button "Discussion Guide" Download the transcript

We're a few weeks into a new season which means there's a good chance you might be feeling overwhelmed and overstimulated. In today's episode I'd love to guide you through a simple 5 movement reset to help clear some space on the inside. Listen in. LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE: Simplify by Joshua Becker FIND EMILY ELSEWHERE: Watch this episode on YouTube Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Join The Soul Minimalist Substack Download the free discussion guide for How to Walk into a Room by visiting this page and clicking the button "Discussion Guide" Download the transcript

Surprising to absolutely no one who has been here for five minutes, I submit that the way to begin considering what might be next for you is not by trying to see the future. Instead, it begins with looking to the past. But then what do you do with what you see? I submit you begin to look for arrows. If you are in a season of considering what might be next in your own life and need a bit of a starting point, this episode is for you. Listen in. LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE: How to Find and Follow Arrows workshop Order How to Walk into a Room FIND EMILY ELSEWHERE: Watch this episode on YouTube Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Join The Soul Minimalist Substack Download the free discussion guide for How to Walk into a Room by visiting this page and clicking the button "Discussion Guide" Download the transcript

When it comes to spiritual practice, it helps me to remember that the goal is not to be good at spiritual practice. The goal is union with God, connection with each other, and love. I've been on a long path over the years of unlearning and relearning what spiritual practices are meant for and how to enter into it as a gift rather than a burden. Listen in. LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE: 365: The Spiritual Practice of Looking Up and Down Order How to Walk into a Room Scan the QR code in the back of How to Walk into a Room to claim your free Blessings for Hellos and Goodbyes (plus the downloadable workbook) FIND EMILY ELSEWHERE: Watch this episode on YouTube Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Download The Quiet Collection app Join The Soul Minimalist Substack Order a How to Walk into a Room Download the free discussion guide for How to Walk into a Room by visiting this page and clicking the button "Discussion Guide" Download the transcript

How can we be consistent without falling into rigidity? Listen in. LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE: Learn more about Journal Club FIND EMILY ELSEWHERE: Watch this episode on YouTube Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Download The Quiet Collection app Join The Soul Minimalist Substack Order a How to Walk into a Room Download the free discussion guide for How to Walk into a Room by visiting this page and clicking the button "Discussion Guide" Download the transcripts

After a long time off, welcome all the way back to the podcast. I'm glad to be here and I hope you are, too. We'll begin as we often do around here: by looking back, starting back in February when I discerned my word for this year would be HEAL. On this first episode of fall, I'll share the view from here, what healing means for me in this season, and how to know if healing is on the horizon. Listen in. LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE: Download grief resources Somehow: Thoughts on Love by Anne Lamott Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Download The Quiet Collection app Order a How to Walk into a Room Join The Soul Minimalist Substack FIND EMILY ELSEWHERE: Watch this episode on YouTube Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Download The Quiet Collection app Join The Soul Minimalist Substack Order a How to Walk into a Room Download the free discussion guide for How to Walk into a Room by visiting this page and clicking the button "Discussion Guide" Download the transcript

It's the last week of Psalm Summer 2026, and I'll be reading three versions of Psalm 62. When this series is over, we'll have all the Psalms for you as a collection in The Quiet Collection app. Listen in. LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE: The Quiet Collection app Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book How to Walk into a Room Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman

It's week five of Psalm Summer, and I'll be reading three versions of Psalm 62. When this series is over, we'll have all the Psalms for you as a collection in The Quiet Collection app. Listen in. LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE: The Quiet Collection app Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book How to Walk into a Room Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman

It's week four of Psalm Summer, and I'll be reading three versions of Psalm 54. When this series is over, we'll have all the Psalms for you as a collection in The Quiet Collection app. Listen in. LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE: The Quiet Collection app Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book How to Walk into a Room Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman

It's week three of Psalm Summer, and I'll be reading three versions of Psalm 13. When this series is over, we'll have all the Psalms for you as a collection in The Quiet Collection app. Listen in. LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE: The Quiet Collection app Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book How to Walk into a Room Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman

It's week two of Psalm Summer, and I'll be reading three versions of Psalm 8. When this series is over, we'll have all the Psalms for you as a collection in The Quiet Collection app. Listen in. LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE: The Quiet Collection app Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book How to Walk into a Room Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman

It's the first week of Psalm Summer, and I'll be reading three versions of Psalm 3. When this series is over, we'll have all the Psalms for you as a collection in The Quiet Collection app. Listen in. LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE: The Quiet Collection app Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book How to Walk into a Room Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman

Today I'm joining in conversation with my friend James Bryan Smith to finally share something that's been in the works for over a year now. Jim is the author of The Good and Beautiful book series. A founding member of Richard J. Foster's spiritual renewal ministry, Renovaré, Smith is an ordained United Methodist Church minister and has served in various capacities in local churches. He earned his MDiv at Yale and his DMin at Fuller and is a theology professor at Friends University in Wichita, Kansas, where he also serves as the director of the Apprentice Institute for Christian Spiritual Formation. About a year ago he called me up with an idea for a way to serve writers. That's where our conversation today begins. Even if you aren't a writer, our conversation will, I hope, shed light on how ideas become reality, how sometimes a good idea takes a decade to grow, and the beauty of collaboration, patience, and moving at a human pace. I hope you'll listen in. LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE: Learn more about…

It's the last episode of our regular season but don't worry - we may pop in with a bonus episode in the next few weeks and we'll definitely be back in late June to begin Psalm Summer. Before I sign off, I want to leave you with the heart of why I do what I do here and what I believe is the most important thing to remember when we have decisions to make. Listen in. LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE: Inner Compass: An Invitation to Ignatian Spirituality by Margaret Silf Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Download The Quiet Collection app Order a How to Walk into a Room Join The Soul Minimalist Substack FIND EMILY ELSEWHERE: Watch this episode on YouTube Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Download The Quiet Collection app Join The Soul Minimalist Substack Order a How to Walk into a Room Download the free discussion guide for How to Walk into a Room by visiting this page and clicking the button "Discussion Guide" Download the transcript

There are a lot of reasons to feel pulled in many directions this time of year which is why I'm delightfully surprised by the invitation I've been sensing to slow down and the surprising source from which it comes. Listen in. LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE: "They Orbited the Moon, But I Keep Coming Back to the Crew." by Priya Parker FIND EMILY ELSEWHERE: Watch this episode on YouTube Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Download The Quiet Collection app Join The Soul Minimalist Substack Order a How to Walk into a Room Download the free discussion guide for How to Walk into a Room by visiting this page and clicking the button "Discussion Guide" Download the transcript

April is my birthday month so every year I like to dedicate one episode to birthdays in general - maybe something you can come back to when your birthday rolls around. Of course birthdays are a time for celebration, for treating ourselves, for toasting to another year of life. They are also a good time for personal reflection. If you are someone for whom reflection does not come naturally, you may wonder why do it at all: We can't change the past so what's the point of looking back? What are the real benefits of reflecting on your life? I'm so glad you asked. Listen in. LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE: Purchase The Birthday Collection Episode 272: A Soul Minimalist's Guide to Your Birthday Episode 365: A Birthday Reflection for When You're Not Sure How to Celebrate How We Think by John Dewey Journal Club Check-In Get the monthly letter FIND EMILY ELSEWHERE: Watch this episode on YouTube Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Download The Quiet Collection app Join The Soul Minimalist Substack Order a How to…

Some seasons we're more aware of the ways we need our lives to be saved. For me it's always good to keep a list and pay attention to the small and big things that are saving me. It's been especially good for me this month. Maybe in hearing the things on my list you'll be inspired to make and share your own. Listen in. LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE: Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir Joyful, Anyway by Kate Bowler FIND EMILY ELSEWHERE: Watch this episode on YouTube Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Download The Quiet Collection app Join The Soul Minimalist Substack Order a How to Walk into a Room Download the free discussion guide for How to Walk into a Room by visiting this page and clicking the button "Discussion Guide" Download the transcript

Inevitably in life, all of us will face unexpected turns and be required to navigate terrain we didn't choose and don't understand. What do we do when life is interrupted, when the story you were happy to tell is no longer true? When the crisis isn't obvious or clear or public? When the help we need feels as desperate as a house fire but it's not fully ours to ask for? I have a few ideas. Listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: Watch this episode on YouTube The Quiet Collection app Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Grab a copy of my book The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download the transcript

This episode originally aired on March 14, 2023. Today I'll re-share words from someone else for all of us to listen to and carry with us and reflect on together. I've chosen a poem by Macrina Wiederkehr, a writer who has been a companion for me for many years now (though she never knew it.) She was a master of everyday spirituality and had a lovely way of seeing and speaking of God in the midst of ordinary things of life. Macrina wrote a reflection on Jesus' interaction with the woman at the well, as recorded in John chapter 4. So here is "On Being A Well" by Macrina Wiederkehr from her book, Seasons of Your Heart. Listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: Seasons of Your Heart by Macrina Wiederkehr The Quiet Collection app Order The Next Right Thing Guided Journal Join The Soul Minimalist Substack Order a How to Walk into a Room Download the free discussion guide for How to Walk into a Room by visiting this page and clicking the button "Discussion Guide" Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Leave a…

Today I want to share a bit more personally about my own journey this last 6 weeks. As always, my only hope in sharing with you my inner processing is that perhaps it will help you begin to make sense of your own. Listen in. LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE: The Holy Longing by Ronald Rolheiser FIND EMILY ELSEWHERE: Watch this episode on YouTube Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Download The Quiet Collection app Join The Soul Minimalist Substack Order a How to Walk into a Room Download the free discussion guide for How to Walk into a Room by visiting this page and clicking the button "Discussion Guide" Download the transcript

If you continue to struggle with knowing how to carry the hard stuff without becoming cynical, angry, or sad all the time and also how to carry the good stuff without feeling guilty or succumbing to toxic positivity you're in the right place. Listen in. LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE: Order Counterweights by Shannan Martin Join Emily and Shannan at Main Street Books Davidson on April 9th Too Many Cooks in the Kitchen Greensboro FIND EMILY ELSEWHERE: Watch this episode on YouTube Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Download The Quiet Collection app Join The Soul Minimalist Substack Order a How to Walk into a Room Download the free discussion guide for How to Walk into a Room by visiting this page and clicking the button "Discussion Guide" Download the transcript

I've been hosting The Next Right Thing for nearly nine years and through sharing simple, soulful practices for making life decisions, I've also offered a window into my own walk with God, including my questions, struggles, gratitudes, and growth. Like you, I've experienced a lot of change in nine years – from parenting middle schoolers to now having college aged kids; going to graduate school and becoming a spiritual director; from loving our church to leaving our church, and finding a new one, including becoming curious about the Quaker expression of our Christian faith. In the midst of all these changes, many things have remained the same, one thing in particular and today I wanted to share more about what it has meant to walk with our friend Jesus through this winding path of life. I hope you'll listen in. LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE: Order your Next Right Thing Guided Journal and use code JOURNALCLUB40 for 40% off and free standard US shipping FIND EMILY ELSEWHERE: Watch this episode on YouTube…

Today I'm sharing another phrase we might hear often – Protect your peace. I like that phrase and I also wonder sometimes if we take it too far. Does our peace need protecting? When and to what extent? How can we know when our next right thing is to protect our peace and when instead we might need to extend it or even step into discomfort on purpose? That's today's episode. Listen in. LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE: Episode 383: How to Know if a Process is Worth Trusting New Heights with Taylor Swift David Brooks in the New York Times Find Brooke Romney on Instagram FIND EMILY ELSEWHERE: Watch this episode on YouTube Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Download The Quiet Collection app Join The Soul Minimalist Substack Order a How to Walk into a Room Download the free discussion guide for How to Walk into a Room by visiting this page and clicking the button "Discussion Guide" Download the transcript

What does it mean to "trust the process"? What qualifies as a process worth trusting? How can we discern the difference between when it's time to trust the process and when we need to disrupt it? Let's get into it together. FIND EMILY ELSEWHERE: Watch this episode on YouTube Purchase The Lent Collection Download The Quiet Collection app Join The Soul Minimalist Substack Order a How to Walk into a Room Download the free discussion guide for How to Walk into a Room by visiting this page and clicking the button "Discussion Guide" Download the transcript

Clearing the clutter on the inside will almost always lead to more confident decisions on the outside. If you're in need for a gentle inner-life wellness check, this episode is for you. Listen in. LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE: The Gift of Being Yourself by David G. Benner Order a How to Walk into a Room FIND EMILY ELSEWHERE: Watch this episode on YouTube Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Download The Quiet Collection app Join The Soul Minimalist Substack Order a How to Walk into a Room Download the free discussion guide for How to Walk into a Room by visiting this page and clicking the button "Discussion Guide" Download the transcript

I'm glad to be back on the mic and to join you on Tuesdays to help create a little space for your soul to breathe as you discern your next right thing in love. The season of Lent begins this week so I welcome you to navigate to The Quiet Collection app as we have our Lent Collection once again available. I'll say more about that in a bit but first, here are 8 things saving my life this winter. I hope you'll listen in. LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE: The Monks Walk for Peace Journal Club Theo of Golden by Allen Levi Strangers by Belle Burden Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid Counterweights: An Essential Practice for Holding Hope in a Heavy World by Shannan Martin Sign up for the monthly letter Download The Lent Collection FIND EMILY ELSEWHERE: Watch this episode on YouTube Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Download The Quiet Collection app Join The Soul Minimalist Substack Order a How to Walk into a Room Download the free discussion guide for How to Walk into a Room by visiting this page and clicking the…

It's the last episode of the year and I'm glad to welcome the season of Advent together with you. I hope you'll listen in. LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE: You can download The Quiet Collection app for iPhone or Android right here. If you get LIGHT (the new 2025 Collection) by December 7 you'll receive an invite to join me for a free Live Guided Advent Reflection. I hope to see you there! FIND EMILY ELSEWHERE: Watch this episode on YouTube Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Download The Quiet Collection app Join The Soul Minimalist Substack Order a How to Walk into a Room Download the free discussion guide for How to Walk into a Room by visiting this page and clicking the button "Discussion Guide" Download the transcript

What does it look like for us to participate in hope? Listen in. LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE: The Beloved Women's Conference The Pastors, Priests and Guides retreat Follow Jonathan Merritt on Instagram FIND EMILY ELSEWHERE: Watch this episode on YouTube Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Download The Quiet Collection app Join The Soul Minimalist Substack Order a How to Walk into a Room Download the free discussion guide for How to Walk into a Room by visiting this page and clicking the button "Discussion Guide" Download the transcript

Today I'm glad to welcome poet, writer and visual artist David Gate. His work centers around care for the individual and the nurture of community including culture, the earth and the environment, the dignity of others, and spiritual communities. He says the most important thing for us is to care for the world, ourselves, and each other and all of his work points in that direction. In his debut collection of poems and essays, A Rebellion of Care, he inspires us to rally for what makes life worth living. Listen in. LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE: Visit David's website Find David on Instagram Order A Rebellion of Care FIND EMILY ELSEWHERE: Watch this episode on YouTube Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Download The Quiet Collection app Join The Soul Minimalist Substack Order a How to Walk into a Room Download the free discussion guide for How to Walk into a Room by visiting this page and clicking the button "Discussion Guide" The transcript for this episode is available on Apple Podcasts.

It's time for our seasonal episode of What's Saving My Life Right Now. I'll be sharing the things that are life-giving to me during this current autumn season and I'll encourage you to make your own list. It could be anything from a favorite product to a spiritual practice, a fun new show, or a meaningful relationship. When it comes to naming what we love this fall, everything counts. So what's saving your life right now? Here's what's saving mine. Listen in. LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE: My Autumn playlist The Popcast with Knox and Jamie The Divine Conspiracy by Dallas Willard FIND EMILY ELSEWHERE: Watch this episode on YouTube Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Download The Quiet Collection app Join The Soul Minimalist Substack Order a How to Walk into a Room Download the free discussion guide for How to Walk into a Room by visiting this page and clicking the button "Discussion Guide" Download the transcript

If you sense some parts of your life are feeling a bit over bedazzled and if you're looking for ways to quiet the outer chaos or the inner chatter, this episode is for you. Listen in. LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE: Episode 336: The Quaker Practice of Silence with Carrie Newcomer Get that list of my favorite Quiet Resources right here FIND EMILY ELSEWHERE: Watch this episode on YouTube Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Download The Quiet Collection app Join The Soul Minimalist Substack Order a How to Walk into a Room Download the free discussion guide for How to Walk into a Room by visiting this page and clicking the button "Discussion Guide" Download the transcript

It's often the simplest phrases that have the power to change our lives. Like "I love you" and "I'm sorry" and "You're not alone." Since adults make over 35,000 decisions every single day, it's no wonder that this idea of simply doing the next right thing feels like such a relief. My goal in these few minutes we have together on Tuesdays is to make one simple suggestion that could help ease the load of your own daily decision-making. If you're feeling stuck, confused, hesitant, or overwhelmed today, maybe it will help to ask and answer the second question. Listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: Shattered Dreams by Larry Crabb Episode 32: Stop Collecting Gurus Episode 33: Gather Co-Listeners Becoming a True Spiritual Community by Larry Crabb Grab a copy of my book, The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download Transcript

We've been told not to borrow trouble and to be careful borrowing money, but when is borrowing okay, even welcome? Listen in. *Content warning: This week's episode references the events of September 11, 2001. Links + Resources From This Episode: And still, I remember. As if It happened yesterday by Brambleberry Grace Faithful Presence: Seven Disciplines That Shape the Church for Mission by David Fitch The Way of The Heart by Henri Nouwen The Book of Common Prayer To Bless the Space Between Us by John O'Donohue Guerillas of Grace by Ted Loder Grab a copy of my book, The Next Right Thing. Each chapter ends with a prayer you can borrow. Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download Transcript

Sometimes it's the simplest things that help to ease our decision-fatigue the most. Links + Resources From This Episode: Atomic Habits by James Clear When a Simple Gesture Prevents 85% of Workplace Errors Episode 22: Embrace Your Limits Episode 90: Start With This Simple Rhythm Grab a copy of my book, The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download a transcript of this episode

If you're in the ellipsis in your own life right now, you might have more questions than answers, more furrowed brows than nodding heads. But there are some things you can still choose - like making a place where roots are lacking, like believing for sure that God is with you, like doing your next right thing in love. Links + Resources From This Episode: The Circle Maker by Mark Batterson A Million Little Ways Episode 24: Look for Arrows (Not Answers) Placemaker by Christie Purifoy All things Christie Purifoy Grab a copy of The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download Transcript

I talk a lot about the importance of creating space for your soul to breathe. One question I often hear is how? What does it look like to create space for your soul? Practically, on a Tuesday, in the middle of your regular life? Links + Resources From This Episode: Episode 76: Create a Simple Morning Routine Simply Tuesday Get the Simply Tuesday audiobook for free in August courtesy of Christian Audio A Million Little Ways Invitation to Retreat by Ruth Haley Burton Guerillas of Grace by Ted Loder Placemaker by Christie Purifoy Whistling in the Dark by Frederick Buechner Grab a copy of The Next Right Thing August 20th Only: Get The Next Right Thing 50% off at Barnes & Noble Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download a transcript of this episode

In our last episode I shared about my plan to take a six week sabbatical, but going away to plan, pray, and create is only helpful if you return. Today I'll share about the equally important task of coming back. Links + Resources From This Episode: Episode 88: Come Away For Awhile Quiet: The Power of Introverts by Susan Cain Astronaut Scott Kelly walking on Earth after a year in space on the Verge Rob Maddock on Atmospheric Reentry on PhysOrg How Astronauts Return to Earth by Beth Wilson Whistling in the Dark by Frederick Buechner Grab a copy of The Next Right Thing book Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download a transcript of this episode

Is there a difference between a vacation, a sabbath, and a break? How can we tell and why does it matter? Links + Resources From This Episode: Episode 87: Create Space Subversive Sabbathby AJ Swoboda The Power of Introverts: A Manifesto for Quiet Brillianceby Susan Cain Episode 40: Keep Your Rest Invitation to Retreatby Ruth Haley Barton The Gift and Necessity of Time Away With God: Renovare Podcast with Ruth Haley Barton Faithful Presenceby David Fitch Meeting God In Scripture by Jan Johnson Grab a copy of The Next Right Thing book Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman

Creating space for the soul is part of being a healthy human. For some of us that phrase sounds delightful. But for others, not so much. What does it mean to create space for the soul and why does it matter? Links + Resources From This Episode: The Solace of Open Spacesby Gretel Ehrlich Soul Keepingby John Ortberg Episode 7: Faithfulness, Fame, and the Gift of Obscurity Holy Listeningby Margaret Guenther #LiteraryLondon+ #TravelsWithTsh Grab a copy of The Next Right Thing book! Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman

The second most often quoted phrase from this podcast is one I didn't even say. The first phrase people repeat the most is obvious, do the next right thing. Want to know the second most often quoted phrase? Well it comes from James Bryan Smith and here's where he'll share the story behind it. Links + Resources From This Episode: Apprentice Institute for Christian Spiritual Formation The Apprentice Gathering September 26-28 Wichita, KS Hidden In Christby James Bryan Smith The Apprentice Seriesby James Bryan Smith Grab a copy of The Next Right Thing book! Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman

Grief descends as a permanent part of our rhythm of life, coloring everything, reshaping the narrative, changing us in ways we would never ask for but there it is anyway. Death changes every part of life, including our ability to do our next right thing. Links + Resources From This Episode: Will Smith Remembers the Last Conversation with Prince No Wonder They Call Him the Saviorby Max Lucado The Year of Magical Thinkingby Joan Didion Rachel Held Evans A Grief Observedby C. S. Lewis Grab a copy of The Next Right Thing book! Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman

This is a practice that has changed my life and, I believe if you do it regularly, will change yours as well. Here's a step-by-step explanation of how I reflect on my life and some questions I ask that make it both simple and meaningful. Links + Resources From This Episode: Episode 04: Record What You Learn Episode 61: Look Back - How Reflection Can Help You Make Better Decisions Discern + Decide: An online course to help you discern a personal and communal rhythm of life Grab a copy of The Next Right Thing book! Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman

Today I'm stepping away from the daily nuts and bolts of decision-making to remind us what it's all about. Yes, we want to make better decisions. More, we want to make decisions in a better way — but what does that mean, exactly? Links + Resources From This Episode: Visions of Vocation by Steven Garber Episode 82: Find the Beginning in the Ending The Sovereignty of Good by Iris Murdoch Writers: hope*writers is open for enrollment through May 24! Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman

Are you facing the end of something but find yourself dragging your feet to the finish line because you aren't sure what will come after? Today I'll offer 3 things to consider just before or right after an ending as you discern your next right thing. Links + Resources From This Episode: The Next Right Thing book Episode 03: Make The Most Important List To Bless This Space Between Usby John O'Donohue Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman

Today I'll offer a short blessing for all the mamas everywhere - both the newest ones, the most experienced ones, the ones who are still waiting as well as those who don't think of themselves as mothers but they mother us in their own ways. Maybe you'll see yourself in a few of these lines or maybe you'll see a friend, a sister, a cousin or a daughter. We all need to be mothered and this is a small celebration of the mother-work all women are doing in the world. I raise my coffee mug to you. Find me at emilypfreeman.com or on Instagram @emilypfreeman.

If you are a graduate, have a graduate, or love a graduate, this episode is for you. It's help for that question people keep asking: So what will you do after graduation? Here are 3 things to remember as you respond and plan your next right thing. Links + Resources From This Episode: The Next Right Thing book A Blessing For The New Year Episode 50: Go Forward - Why I went to grad school Jamie B. Golden - The Popcast Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman

Do you have a no mentor? Someone who helps you find both your brave yes and your life-giving no? If you've been around here for any amount of time, you know my sister Myquillyn is my No Mentor and today I'm thrilled to host her as my guest. Get your copy of The Next Right Thing Take the decision-making style quiz Where to find Myquillyn: On Instagram Her website Cozy Minimalist Home The Cozy Community

If you feel like you don't have enough time in the day, here's one way to open up some space: Refuse to take offense. It's not easy, but it is interesting. Let's get curious about it. Links + Resources From This Episode: Bonus! Kendra Adachi The Next Right Thing book Colossians 3:3 A Million Little Ways byEmily P. Freeman The Way of the Heart by Henri J.M. Nouwen Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Find me on Twitter @emilypfreeman

Do you prefer to make decisions quickly, acting first and thinking later? This episode is part of a short series we're doing this month to celebrate the release of my new book, The Next Right Thing. Today's guest is sitting my dear friend Kendra Adachi and I'm sitting down with her to talk about her decision-making habits, regrets, quirks, and questions. You may know her as The Lazy Genius and she hosts a podcast by the same name where she teaches us all how to be a genius about the things that matter and lazy about the things that don't. Links from this episode: change-your-life chicken do your laundry shop at Costco clean your bathroom Find Kendra at thelazygeniuscollective.com and if you just can't get enough of the two of us together, you can listen in to another conversation on The Lazy Genius Podcast episode 102. Want to know your decision-making style? Join over 15K people who have taken our decision-making style quiz: It's short, it's fun, and from what we've heard, it's pretty accurate. Go here and…