The Next Right Thing

Sometimes decision-making is a straightforward choice between two things. Those things may be both great things, both not great things, or one is greater than the other but the choice is nuanced and not as simple as it seems it should be. But then there are other times where choices are clouded by the personality and demeanor of other people, where this one thing looks great on the surface but you know this situation isn’t so simple and you wonder how to move forward in a situation that is clouded by interpersonal conflict or relational tension. If you can relate, listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: Tom Junod for The Atlantic: Mister Rogers's Enduring Wisdom Mister Rogers's Lifetime Achievement Award speech Grab a copy of my book, The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download Transcript

If your concerns, decisions and complicated problems feel like they need an extra complicated solution, I hope you’ll listen in and find some relief. Links + Resources From This Episode: Share your thoughts about The Next Right Thing podcast in our first-ever listener survey (closes November 15!) Episode 101: Read Your Own Headlines Grab a copy of my book, The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download Transcript

In the midst of what might be a busy schedule, a life transition, a big decision, or the constant demands of everyday life, it can be easy to lose the thread of the story our lives are telling. That may not seem like it matters . . . until it does. And that’s what today’s episode is all about. Listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: Whistling in the Dark by Frederick Buechner Episode 4: Record What You Learn Episode 92: Point and Call Read more about how Ann Voskamp changed her life using a gratitude list Grab a copy of my book, The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download Transcript

As we celebrate 2 years, 100 episodes and 5 million downloads, it seems like a good time to learn more about who you are and to share a personal update about my own next right thing. Links + Resources From This Episode: Share your thoughts about The Next Right Thing podcast in our first-ever listener survey Episode 50: Go Forward Master of Arts in Christian Spiritual Formation and Leadership at Friends University Life Together by Dietrich Bonhoeffer Grab a copy of my book, The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download Transcript

I am not a tear it down kind of person. But keeping things intact is not a character trait. It’s a decision, and it’s not always a good one. The painful truth is that sometimes in order to experience wholeness, first we have to tear something down. It sounds counter-intuitive, and you’d better believe it often feels that way, too. But God himself understands the necessity of being torn down to be remade. We don’t want to be people who shut our eyes to reality, hiding in comfortable corners and declaring the world is not our problem. We also realize every story has nuance and there’s no such thing as an “issue.” It’s all people and stories of people and I’m learning to pay attention. If you’re learning too or at least want to learn along with me, listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: My sister turned her love for decorating Barbie houses into a way to serve others in creating comfortable spaces for themselves. You can find her at The Nesting Place or @thenester on Instagram. To learn more about my friend Stephen Roach, you can listen to his podcast Makers and Mystics or read about The Breath & The Clay creative arts movement here. His band Songs of Water is pretty great, too. Episode 98: Don’t Preach to Your Emotions Sam Yoder’s All Things Rise Grab a copy of my book, The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download Transcript at my website

Making a decision is hard enough. But add the unpredictability of emotion to the mix and making a confident decision can feel nearly impossible. What do we do when we have a decision to make but we have such strong emotions surrounding that decision that we feel paralyzed to move one way or another? It’s a great question and I can’t say I have a clean, linear answer. But I do have thoughts and I hope you’ll listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: The Listening Life by Adam McHugh Grab a copy of my book, The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download Transcript

In nearly every major and sometimes not-so-major decision, I’ve prayed for clarity. I’ve shared here before how in times of cloudy decision-making frustration, I’ve even Googled how to make a decision. More and more, though, every time the word “clarity” comes out of my mouth, I hesitate. I’m realizing for me, clarity can be a more acceptable word for control. If I could just see the future, I could make a good decision about this part of my life. Today's practice is to take a 10 minute timeout and consider a few simple questions in the presence of God. Listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: Episode 27: Stop Rushing Clarity John 14 Group Spiritual Direction by Rose Mary Dougherty Recapturing the Wonder by Mike Cosper Grab a copy of my book, The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download Transcript

When the problems of life feel big and the way through seems impossible, the last thing we want to do is to consider what we most want or to look desire in the face. But what if clues to our next right thing are embedded in the last place we feel free to look? Instead of talking yourself out of your crazy ideas, maybe it's time to listen to them. I’m not here to say listening to your crazy idea will lead to big things. But what I truly believe is that at least listening to your crazy idea is often the thing that will lead you home - to your greatest contribution and the place where God wants to meet you. Listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: Holy Listening by Margaret Guenther  We’ve opened the doors to hope*writers for the last time this year. If your crazy idea has been to become a published writer, join us before the enrollment period ends on Friday, October 4th Grab a copy of my book, The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download Transcript

For a few minutes each Tuesday, our directive is to do the next right thing, not to think about doing the next right thing. Of course thinking is a part of doing. But they at least have to work together to bring about meaningful change. We practice what we want to improve and certain things lend themselves well to our idea of practice - playing piano or a team sport, learning to paint, draw, dance or sing. In elementary school we practiced math problems, cursive letters, how to share our toys. As adults, we may still practice some of those things, but we also practice in more nuanced ways, things that have to do with our faith, our identity, and our relationships. Listen in. Links + Resources From This Episode: Troublemaker, a memoir by Leah Remini Andrew Peterson and The Rabbit Room The Rabbit Room's conference Hutchmoot The High Five, a 3 minute documentary about Andy Gullahorn and Gabe Scott’s practice of meeting each other for a simple high five Shirt of Flame by Heather King Grab a copy of my book, The Next Right Thing Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman Download Transcript

Explore the power of asking the second question in decision-making and conversations. Learn how seeking God in stillness and chaos can lead to transformative experiences. Embrace the practice of being good listeners and fostering supportive relationships. Discover the value of deep questions in fostering understanding and connection.