Cover Image: The Next Right Thing

The Next Right Thing

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Member Reviews

I love the simplicity that Emily brings to the decision making table. She invites her readers back to the place where they can begin again without the overwhelm and teaches us to go there again and again until the process becomes as natural as breathing.

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In her classic soothing and soulful style, Emily P. Freeman brings us this beautiful book offering direction for our decision making.

It is filled with wisdom, grace and blessing. It's as if you're sitting with the author sharing coffee and insightful conversation as she gently probes us to think things through and think deeper.

This book will teach and inspire the reader seeking to live more intentionally and prepare us to face decisions with more confidence and less overwhelm. Emily doesn't give us a how-to, step-by-step, one-size-fits-all. Rather she gently and calmly helps us learn to navigate the decision making process well.

I love how each chapter ends with a prayer followed by a practice section. The prayers are beautiful and the practice section offers suggestions and practical, yet powerful, actions for our lives pointing us to our next right thing.

I received a review copy and all opinions are completely my own.

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This world is filled with decisions. And in a world where we have so many decisions to make we end up with decision overwhelm. I can’t tell you the amount of times I’ve been overwhelmed choosing what to watch on Netflix! This book, and the podcast it came from, helped me to see I’m not crazy. This book is an amazing gift to anyone searching for a better way to make decisions. A better way to make a life. A more peace-filled, Jesus centered, calm way to make decisions. It helped me see the simple and tangible steps to make that happen. Emily’s voice is that of a kind friend patiently sitting with you and sharing their wisdom.

In a chapter I particularly loved she wrote, “Knowing what you want builds confidence... it is a gift to the people you love, and can help you let go in peace.” She encourages a stable foundation of faith, routine, and self awareness in order to know what you want in your life before you have to make decisions big or small. I highly recommended this book - I have already preordered copies as gifts!

** I received an advanced copy from the publisher via NetGalley for review. I was honored and grateful for this opportunity as I have been a huge fan of Emily for years now. It was an honor to read her writing in advance and reviewing it. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

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(I received an advance copy of the book in exchange for my review).

To those who need a breath of fresh air in their life, who are tried of being told to do more, achieve more, be more, hustle more, I give you Emily's new book. It is the chance to sit with a cup of coffee and do more than strive moment to moment. It is a call back to what our souls are so hungry for - rest, space, calm, breath, God. In a million little ways it invites us to give God more than a fleeting, passing hello. Her books invites us to realizes the world will not stop if we do and that maybe the best thing we can do is show ourselves a bit of compassion and to ponder what our next right thing is.

We make thousands of decisions in our day, many without a second thought. And we are burned out. All the while we are letting the choices that matter slip beyond us. How can we decide what our next right this is if we don't even know where we are? And how can we know where we are if we never stop to notice?

With her usual style of grace-filled honesty, Emily invites us to ponder our next right thing with the God. She is candid, real and honest. Her book feels like a conversation with a good friend. Each chapter gives a prayer and some practical steps. Her podcast is my absolute fav and her book is now on my short-list of must reads.

Do yourself a favor, buy one for you, your mom, your sister and best friend! Stop and see how uncluttered, un-hectic, un-stressesful your life can become when you take time to figure out what is the next RIGHT thing and not just what can be done in the pressure of hustle.

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Emily’s voice has a rhythm to it that just makes you think, yes! Yes! Exactly. My book is highlighted everywhere with decision making truths. Things to consider in making a decision like am I being pushed by fear or led by love? I loved the format of the book, especially the prayer and practice aspect at the end of each section. Highly recommend this book!

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I received an ARC as part of Emily P. Freeman’s launch team. Reading this book is like having a personal counselor speaking into your life. It guides and points you in the direction of finding what your next right thing is. Each chapter contains a beautiful prayer and something you can do as you are discovering your next right thing. I highly recommend it!

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In every stage of life making decisions is a necessity. Sometimes they are simple, easy choices. Other times they weigh heavy on our souls because of their gravity. If you find yourself in the midst of big decisions, this book is for you. If you find yourself caught up in the rush, the frantic pace of never having a moment to stop and reflect, this book is also for you. Emily P. Freeman's writing will speak directly to your soul. Each chapter brings simple, yet beautifully profound wisdom.
In describing her practice of "making space for your soul to breathe", Freeman gives the reader a true gift. It is a pathway to decreasing your pace enough to give God room to move in your life. It is a reminder of the power of being present and intentional about your choices. This book is well worth the time it takes to read it. It is as if Emily is sitting across the table from you, sharing insight that reminds you of what truly matters. I look forward to returning to her sage advice time and again.

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Analysis Paralysis! That best describes my mindset the past 6 months as I have made lists of pros and cons about a decision Emily P. Freeman would call a Dream Decision, not a daily or deadline decision, but it was taking up so much heart space. Following Emily's steps to creating a Rhythm of Life helped me discern what my Next Right Thing should be. Do you have Analysis Paralysis? Get this book. I received a free copy of this book for my honest review.

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Anyone who knows me knows I have used the phrase “do the next right thing” for years. In 2017 my family found ourselves in an impossible to imagine a situation. We could truly only focus on our next right thing from one to the next in without being suffocated by our stress, sorrow, and overwhelm. Imagine my joy when a few months in this journey, a friend told me she’d found this podcast- The Next Right Thing.

I had read Emily P. Freeman’s other writings but had missed the start of the podcast. A few episodes in I thought, “I wish this was a book.” My family became faithful listeners and the day a book was announced- I cried.

I’m an avid reader. I have cried while reading books and when books end. I’ve never cried hearing a book was going to come… until this one.

And it did not disappoint one bit. At moments I almost felt like Emily has been a fly on the wall in my life lately and spoke straight to our circumstances. And yet, these words can speak to anyone in any circumstance from life-changing for years to come to "should I go to the concert or the movie this weekend?"

If you are a human who makes decisions, this book is for you. I read the entire thing in a couple of days- letting the words cover my weary soul like a tender healing balm. I was reminded that I am not the only one who struggles with decisions, who struggles with overwhelm, and who sometimes is genuinely not sure at all what is right or how to decide.

Yes, this book is primarily about decisions and equipping you to make better ones. It’s also a book to help you live your best life. You’ll find a simple practice at the end of each chapter. These practices are a way to bring new life and ease to your days. To help take the pressure and stress off while bringing you closer to the heart of God and His will for your life.

As Emily says, this book exists to help you discern your next right thing in love. While I read the entire thing quickly, I finished it and knew it was one to go back over and savor. One to get out my favorite journal and pen so I could reflect, grow, and learn. It’s not often you know a book will change your life forever- this one will.

I can’t wait to now slowly work my way through it and incorporate the practices that serve me. Truly I feel like I could write a blog post review of each chapter- maybe I will...

I can’t wait to gift this to weary friends and family members wading through life trying to grasp at their next right thing without the tools to know how.

Without sounding too cliche- make the decision to bring this book into your home… it will change your family and change your heart in ways you could never imagine.

I’m thankful to have received a digital copy of this book via NetGalley to share my honest opinion with you.

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The Next Right Thing is a great faith based book for those of us who need help making a decision. Emily reminds us to slow down when making our decisions. She also says “Decision making takes practice” and “Unmade decisions hold power.” Have your highlighter ready as I have found myself highlighting many great points. I love that each chapter finished with a prayer and a practice section. I was fortunate to be able to read an early copy made possible by Netgalley.

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What can I say about Emily P. Freeman! When I found “The Next Right Thing” podcast a year ago, she became the next best thing in my day. I couldn’t get enough of trying to catch up with all that I had missed, and then when I did, I couldn’t wait for the next one to come out! Then the announcement came that she was writing a book of the same name. I couldn't wait to read it! So here I am telling you that this is one book you are going to read from cover to cover before putting it down. And then you will pick it back up so you can soak in all the soulful guidance, as Emily’s joy for life and love for the Lord shines through each page. You will hear her voice as you read each word. She speaks directly to your soul, inspiring you to breathe deep and become still. “Stillness is to my soul as decluttering is to my home.” "My goal is to help you create space for your soul to breathe". Each chapter will help bring you closer to doing “The Next Right Thing”.

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I wish I had adequate words to express the way my heart feels at the completion of this book...but at the moment the only one I can think of is “PERFECTION”. The author has written a beautiful work of art, it is in my eyes - perfection.

As a fan of Emily P. Freeman’s previous books and podcast, I was not surprised to enjoy her latest book. However, I was slightly caught off guard at how powerful it was, and how through her words I viscerally felt my Heavenly Father’s love for me. Her masterful way of weaving words together into reflections of truth inspired me and also testified to me of how true her message is. I highly recommend this book to anyone facing decision fatigue, but really - I recommend it to anyone who enjoys books that speak truth and help your soul to breathe. This book will be a respite from the noise of the world.

(I received an advanced reader copy of the book, but the views in my review are strictly my own, that I have reached after reading the book.)

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A few months ago I stumbled across Emily P. Freeman when she was a guest on another podcast that I loved to listen to. I immediately got hooked on to “The Next Right Thing” podcast and was excited to hear about the book!

Emily is an amazing story teller and her rhythm of story, prayer and spiritual practice gives a great guide for those wanting to take the next right step in love.

I can’t wait to go through the book again and work through some of the practices in my life.

I highly recommend this book! www.nextrightthingbook.com #mynextrightthing

I received and advanced reader copy from netgalley.com

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I received an advanced copy of this book through Netgalley.

The Next Right Thing by Emily P. Freeman certainly delivers on the cover’s tag line. It is a simple, soulful practice for making life decisions. But it actually offers the reader so much more.
In this book, Emily is a gentle guide and mentor in helping us understand the decision-making process and, in turn, how to navigate through life, one next right thing at a time.
She points out that we make thousands of decisions every day. Decisions shape our lives. They reveal and create our character. And unmade decisions carry weight.
As someone who tends to overthink, worry, procrastinate, and second-guess, I found Emily’s words to be supportive, inspiring, and at times, challenging (in a good way.) She speaks of silence and stillness, listening and naming, making space and getting rid of soul clutter. Learning to say yes, and being ok with saying no.
She reminds us that we have a God who walks and talks with us, who moves in us and through us. That Christ delights and dwells in us. In Him, “we live a narrative of joy”. And ultimately, while decisions matter, the main point is “becoming more fully yourself in the presence of God.” And then we can learn to do the next right thing, in love. I didn't want this book to end!
I highly recommend this book!

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Emily Freeman is the encourager that always points our eyes upward. She gives permission (or challenges you if it isn’t your strong suit) to slow down, be quiet, and be aware of what God might be doing in and around you. Then she helps you reflect and, in this book, uses that reflection to practically move you forward as you do the next right thing in front of you.
I predict I’ll be coming back to this book multiple times as I grow into different seasons of life.

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As a devoted podcast listener and reader of Emily P. Freeman’s works, I was elated to discover that The Next Right Thing would be published April 2, 2019. My family and friends have also all benefited from excerpts I have shared from the The Next Right Thing book leading up to official launch. This is a book that I will continue to savor and revisit over the years. I’m looking forward to gifting The Next Right Thing to graduating seniors this spring.

One of my favorite quotes comes from chapter fifteen: “I’m learning that the decision itself is rarely the point. The point is becoming more fully ourselves in the presence of God, connecting with him and with each other, and living our lives as though we believe he is good and beautiful.” Thank you, Emily P. Freeman, for your wise, encouraging, and clarifying words.

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As someone who always struggles with decisions I was relieved when I found The Next Right Thing podcast, and having all this information in a book is even better. In each chapter Emily tells stories and gives ideas of ways to just figure out how to just do the next right thing. Each chapter starts with a quote The end of every chapter has a prayer and an action step. This book is sure to be pulled off my shelf again and again as I face more decisions in my future.

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You Must Read This Book!

As I read The Next Right Thing: A Simple, Soulful Practice For Making Life Decisions by Emily P. Freeman, I could not put this book down. It is beyond fabulous! The Next Right Thing gets to the core for making decisions, that is the soul. Emily P. Freeman discusses the importance of caring for our souls to make wise, intentional, and thoughtful choices. She describes practices or exercises that when applied, bring the soul to quietness and stillness. This is the place of fully connecting with God and understanding His will. The Next Right Thing has helped me approach decision-making with a new mindset. I often struggle with making decisions, second-guessing myself, and over- thinking things. But as I have studied the very applicable practices in this book, I now have the tools to make decisions in line with my core being. The practices Emily P. Freeman offers are not complicated, but are ideas that are easily overlooked for caring for one's soul. Fully implementing these ideas will encourage better, stronger, more solid decisions; and to strengthen the soul, caring for its deepest needs. I very highly recommend The Next Right Thing. Don't miss this very important book!

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Emily welcomes you into her space by creating a soft landing place for anyone who is just plain exhausted by the hampster-wheel of decisions that show up demanding our constant attention. With decisions swirling around us constantly, whether they are big or small, the constant demand and process is draining. Pouring life into those of us with decision fatigue, Emily opens the door to reflection and rest within the decision making space. Her words speak to your soul on a whole different level - with not just a profound message, but cup-filling, God-centered love. This book is an extension of her podcast in every sense, providing more insight, more wisdom, more faith-based guidance than I could have imagined. While acknowledging that having decisions to make is in fact a privilege, Emily walks you through practices to remain God-focused while carrying the mental workload that is decision making. I was lucky enough to receive an advanced reader e-copy of the book via Netgalley and can't wait to get my hands on the actual book, so that I can highlight, read, re-read, and share.

The book aside, the free bonus material that Emily provides for pre-orders of the book is literally life-changing. It's real-time, applicable tips that can be put into practice right now. Don't wait - pre-order, enjoy the bonus material, and count the minutes until this book shows up on your doorstep.

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I think you’ll find this book to be like a trusted friend–the kind you call for coffee and sit and talk for hours on end or only 15 minutes if that’s all you have. That’s what this book will be like for you in its richness and wisdom. The content is easy to read, written in Emily’s easygoing manner. The chapters read like friendly visits and when it’s time to leave she gifts you with some actions/reflections and blesses you before you go. . . until the next chapter. It’s one of those books that you’ll keep going back to again and again. (It’s also a great gift idea for upcoming graduates as they start their way in the world making many decisions – just a suggestion!)

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