This book is unlike any other I have read on making decisions. It is more about why we decide and who we are when we decide rather than the decision making process itself. Rather than a technique, Freeman helps us know ourselves, finding what we really want, and establishing soul clarity before deciding.

Her concept is that decision making is part of our spiritual formation experience. She writes about being a soul minimalist, helping us get rid of soul clutter. We are reminded of the importance of stillness, a key to decision making. She helps us stay in the present. She asks us to evaluate who we listen to. She has a great teaching on critics.

You'll not find a practical technique in this book for making decisions. You will find encouragement to uncover who you really are, to determine when you feel most yourself, when you feel most peaceful, and more. Freeman provides an exercise at the end of each chapter to help you in those pursuits.

This is a very readable book. Freeman's writing style is personable. She tells lots of stories on herself to illustrate her teaching. It is a good book for people who want to understand who they are in relation to the decisions they make.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

The Next Right Thing by Emily Freeman is a great guide for those of who struggle to make decisions, whether major or minor. Emily's kind and personable perspective is a breath of fresh air. Emily provides approachable for both deciding what our next right thing is, as well as granting us room and grace as we pursue the next right thing. Emily is an accomplished author and has a strong fan-base and when reading this book, I can understand why. This book offers scriptural support but doesn’t come across as preachy but yet in a spirit of love and guidance for those who may be at a crossroads in their life with decision making struggles.

I love Emily Freeman and have followed her for years from her "Chatting at the Sky" blog, her other books and most recently her Next Right Thing Podcast. Her voice, either spoken or written, is soft and soothing and allows time for reflection while listening to her podcast, reading blog posts, transcripts from her podcast and now from her most recent book The Next Right Thing.

This book is Emily in print, her advice is given in small doses as "doing the next right thing" is the best thing to do when you are wondering what to do about a problem, question or crossroads in your life. For me her advice is always welcome and seems to come at just the right time, when I need it the most. Giving room for your soul to breathe is something I didn't know I needed but now that I understand what that means, it has become a part of me. I like the fact that, like the podcast episodes, the chapters are short but very thoughtful and reflective and are leading me in the direction of doing the right thing in my own life. I know this will be a book that I read more than once, reflect back on and pick up again and again when I need to hear Emily in my head.

“Creating space for your soul to breathe so you can do your next right thing in love” has become author Emily P. Freeman’s motto and what a life-giving statement this is! What began as The Next Right Thing Podcast gently evolved into her writing this book, which is filled with practical spiritual disciplines, helpful decision-making prompts, and heartfelt prayers.

It is believed that adults make 35,000 decisions in a day – wow! Some of these are obviously subconscious, but when it comes to those that truly matter, sometimes we all suffer from decision fatigue. Never does Emily instruct you on what your decision should be, but rather how to go about thinking, or re-thinking through your decision-making process. And, furthermore, when we begin to tap into the deeper, spiritual impacts our decisions make on our hearts, minds, spirits, and lives, we come to realize sometimes we don’t have to have all the answers, we simply need to do our next right thing in love as we walk with our friend Jesus.

My thanks to Edelweiss for access to the digital ARC through Emily’s launch team.

Whether you are facing a lot of little life decisions, a change in seasons, or just trying to figure out what the heck to do with the rest of your life, The Next Right Thing is for you. This is the book I wish I had when I was first starting out in my early career and again in my life as a new mother. I am so glad that I found it now that I am entering my newest phase of life "empty nesting". Emily’s straightforward advice is like walking with a trusted friend and hearing words that are a balm to your soul. Each short chapter is easy to read yet, gives you lots to ponder. Complete with new practices to put to work immediately and a prayer to accompany the work- you will gain tools to face the future with confidence as well as a deeper trust in our loving and merciful God. Written from a Christian perspective, Emily does not leave Jesus out of the decision-making equation and in fact, brings us to a deeper relationship with Him as we venture forward to the Next Right Thing. I loved this book and am looking forward to reading it again, taking my time with each wisdom packed chapter.

The Next Right Thing takes decision-making to a whole new level: manageable! Emily does such good job at breaking down every day, ordinary circumstances and decisions, stripping them of the unnecessary baggage using simple language and practices to unearth more of ourselves in the process. The best part in my opinion, however, is not about the skill and work of decision making; it is this quote, which brings us back full circle: "The decision is rarely the point. The point is you becoming more fully yourself in the presence of God."

Oh! how do I say this: her book is so very timely material for me. Emily is a very sweet decision-making mentor and friend. I´m sure she has been close to the hearts of so many, through her voice and books. I read it once and now I´m going for the second one... but going slow, taking notes, listening (because once you order the book, you will be able to listen the audiobook, video lessons, and everything else for free!, but you have to but the book, because the smell of a book is always special). I think it would be a great gift!

I admit sometimes I struggle with this topic and need to grow about a lot of issues the author describes. Everyone needs to take decisions in life and everyone I know needs to grow in these areas. We need to find a better way. I found very helpful and true Emily's insight in this Book. The way she explains very deep and practical issues has made me stop and consider the way I'm living my Life and embrace and thank how I take decisions. I really like her examples, stories, reflexions and prayers, I´m praying them as if they were my own. She made me think about the way the people I love, take decisions... By the way...How do you take decisions?... with your heart, head, feelings or gut? go find out taking this quiz and let me know! This is a Book I'll visit often while discerning what to do or even why I'm doing what I do. I pre-ordered a copy and I´m enjoying the free bonuses (I encourage to do so!)

I needed quiet the noise and listen to someone with wisdom. Everyone needs to take decisions in life and everyone I know struggles with it in some way or another. I found very helpful and true Emily's insight in this Book. The way she explains very deep and practical issues some words have made me stop and consider the way I'm living my life. I know the Bible gives you light in every way and its principal in guiding you about how to live your life. I´m just saying this is a helpful book about discerning what to do or why you´re doing what you do. I hope every person to get this book, to stop, learn and take decisions more wisely. "To take time for your soul to breath".

It's hard to understand the way we process things in life. While reading I found out Why I don't get other family member's logic. To understand myself and how I tend to use heart, gut or head makes me realize we all are different and to know it was the first step to be patient & understand. I Want to learn some more out impulses, fear, excitement, comfort, the easiest road, avoid pain, for a place and so on. This Book has done something Special in me. I plan to read it again and take my own notes, it is good to listen on a podcast, but there is something special in books, they smell! :)

It is awesome to see, hear and learn from a real author. The process behind a book will always be incredible for me. I thank God for technology that makes this possible now, to cherish all those moments.

This book was in every single way a lovely, timely and awesome gift for me. Today I celebrate with you Emily her launch day. Every person that has been reading, editing, proofreading, spreading the word, being part of publishing and launching team may agree is a joy to be part of it.

I´m thankful for all the lessons and investment in our lives.

I really encourage you to buy it Hard cover (remember, real books smell)

Would you like to know what is your decision making personality, take the quiz! (is so much fun, and very accurate)!

Just do #yournextrightthing and visit: http://nextrightthingbook.com/

All opinions are my own.

Emily is a very sweet decision-making mentor and friend. I´m sure she has been close to the hearts of so many, through her voice and books. Oh! how do I say this: her book is so very timely material for me. I read it once and now I´m going for the second one... but going slow, taking notes, listening (because once you order the book, you will be able to listen the audiobook, video lessons, and everything else for free!, but you have to but the book, because the smell of a book is always special). I think it would be a great gift!

I admit sometimes I struggle with this topic and need to grow about a lot of issues the author describes. Everyone needs to take decisions in life and everyone I know needs to grow in these areas. We need to find a better way. I found very helpful and true Emily's insight in this Book. The way she explains very deep and practical issues has made me stop and consider the way I'm living my Life and embrace and thank how I take decisions. I really like her examples, stories, reflexions and prayers, I´m praying them as if they were my own. She made me think about the way the people I love, take decisions... By the way...How do you take decisions?... with your heart, head, feelings or gut? go find out taking this quiz and let me know! This is a Book I'll visit often while discerning what to do or even why I'm doing what I do. I pre-ordered a copy and I´m enjoying the free bonuses (I encourage to do so!)

I needed quiet the noise and listen to someone with wisdom. Everyone needs to take decisions in life and everyone I know struggles with it in some way or another. I found very helpful and true Emily's insight in this Book. The way she explains very deep and practical issues some words have made me stop and consider the way I'm living my life. I know the Bible gives you light in every way and its principal in guiding you about how to live your life. I´m just saying this is a helpful book about discerning what to do or why you´re doing what you do. I hope every person to get this book, to stop, learn and take decisions more wisely. "To take time for your soul to breath".

It's hard to understand the way we process things in life. While reading I found out Why I don't get other family member's logic. To understand myself and how I tend to use heart, gut or head makes me realize we all are different and to know it was the first step to be patient & understand. I Want to learn some more out impulses, fear, excitement, comfort, the easiest road, avoid pain, for a place and so on. This Book has done something Special in me. I plan to read it again and take my own notes, it is good to listen on a podcast, but there is something special in books, they smell! :)

It is awesome to see, hear and learn from a real author. The process behind a book will always be incredible for me. I thank God for technology that makes this possible now, to cherish all those moments.

This book was in every single way a lovely, timely and awesome gift for me. Today I celebrate with you Emily her launch day. Every person that has been reading, editing, proofreading, spreading the word, being part of publishing and launching team may agree is a joy to be part of it.

I´m thankful for all the lessons and investment in our lives.

I really encourage you to buy it Hard cover (remember, real books smell)

Would you like to know what is your decision making personality, take the quiz! (is so much fun, and very accurate)!

Just do #yournextrightthing and visit: http://nextrightthingbook.com/

All opinions are my own.

This book should be required reading for everyone. Emily gently and humbly leads and guides with a steady hand through the confusion that can arise in the midst of decision making. She is practical but quirky. Funny but sincere. I found a kindred spirit and a soul sister who can definitely give your soul room to breathe. This book was therapy without the couch, and a gentle push for my brain, heart and, yes, soul. Absolutely practical and endlessly applicable, you will highlight, bookmark, and stain the pages with tears, reread it and then annoy everyone you know about how they have to read it! Grab more than one copy, you will be passing it out for sure!

This book, born out of Emily P Freeman’s beautiful podcast also called The Next Right Thing, is full of wisdom and grace to carry us through our decision-heavy lives. The book is broken up into twenty-four manageable chapters covering a range of topics such as, how to discern what you want more, how to stay present while making a decision, and (my personal favorite) a gentle reminder to “stop collecting gurus” (ie don’t bog your decision making process down with too many outside voices and opinions). I found myself nodding my head when Emily talked about flight anxiety, smiling as she described a way of looking at the world with wonder, and wiping away tears as she described a sunset. The content of this book is so practical, encouraging simple mind shifts rather than calling us to be superheros. Emily is relatable and sweet, offering just the right voice to our chaotic and busy lives.

As a young married woman fresh out of college, this book was extremely helpful. Emily’s words help to quiet the raging storm in my head and offer me hope for the times I feel overwhelmed and paralyzed by all the decisions ahead of me. I plan to read it again, devotional style, really digging into the sections at the end of each chapter that encourage the reader into a gentle practice (ie pay attention, notice the silence, etc.)

Favorite quote: “We are conditioned to believe the only reason we should do things is if we know why, where we are headed, and for what purpose. No wonder we have trouble making decisions. IF we don’t have clear answers or sure things, then taking a big step feels like a risk at best and a wasteful mistake at worst.”

I have been a fan of Emily P. Freeman for years and trust her work implicitly. Her latest book, The Next Right Thing, ranks as my all-time favorite! The NRT is a book everyone should keep on their bookshelf. We all face tough decisions from time to time, and this book is one to pull down and work through any time you wonder what your next right move is. Each chapter ends with a prayer and thought-provoking practices to further delve into each topic she covers.

I savored every chapter, took copious notes, and spent time working through Emily's prompts in order to discern my next right thing. I consider Emily to be my virtual life coach, spiritual director, and friend. She consistently points me to Jesus, reminds me to trust myself, and helps me to figure out my next right thing. I highly recommend this book! Five stars!

This book is a welcome extension of Emily P. Freeman’s podcast, The Next Right Thing. Reading this book is like having deep, existential conversations with your best friend and getting the warmest, gentlest advice that strikes the center of your heart and compels you to DO SOMETHING - the next right thing. Emily’s prayers at the end of each chapter are useful for centering your thoughts and so often say exactly what you feel but haven’t been able to assemble into words. The practices at the end of each chapter are also helpful to process your next right thing and progress in your quest to be a soul minimalist.

Sometimes books come along that are so timely, so tender, that you need to sit with and savor them. "The Next Right Thing" is just such a book. With her hallmark authenticity, Emily P. Freeman guides her readers on a journey of what it means to make decisions in a soulful way out of an overflow of a rhythm of life as we draw near to a God who loves and guides us each step of the way. From stories of her own life to rich quotes, practices and prayers, she reminds us that all we are made to move forward in love. Infused with hope, this is a must read for all who have wrestled with decisions, fear, expectations, and even a hurried life. It's a courageous call to slowing down and making space for the true things, the real things...to "create a little space for your soul to breathe so you can discern your next right thing in love."

I enjoyed reading this book entirely. As a person who often feels stuck or indecisive with decisions following Emily’s advice through the book unearthed many things that I hadn’t yet named! Although there are decisions that remain unmade, but the anxiety around those decisions have decreased because as a Emily says the decision is rarely the problem or the solution. But learning to be with God, the creator of the universe, will help with your confidence in making decisions!

Last year I decided that I needed to literally put my feet and body into something as our school was beginning on a Wellness Quest. My third graders (and also my own child) were going to be asked to track their wellness. Mostly focused on physical wellness, even though emotional, spiritual, financial, intellectual, social & environment wellness are all equally important aspects, I set out to work on a goal---getting moving by signing up to run a 5K. I made the decision to sign up quickly without much thought, too afraid I would back out. But, then enter Emily P. Freeman. I have followed Emily's work for some time, even attending the writing conference in Portland that she mentions in The Next Right Thing book. But, I happened upon her podcast of the same name and found Emily's tone and message to be the perfect calm, yet direct, push I needed. I realized that I had eased into a place of complacency, not wanting to truly address and sit in these various areas of wellness. When Emily began to discuss the upcoming book she was publishing, The Next Right Thing, I knew it was the next right thing for ME. Emily's book INDEED, has proven to be the right message at the right time for me. While I don't have any big transitions or looming decision to make, I also had some hidden areas of wellness that needed some tough decision making. Through Emily's words I began to realize that making decisions regarding finances, parenting, professional life, purchasing and consuming all should come under the umbrella of "discerning the next right step in love". Knowing that each and every choice, each "yes", each "no" needs to stem from a place of clarity and communion with God. I am so thankful for her words and encouragement to be purposeful from a place of soul connection when making decisions and moving forward. I look forward to sharing this book with colleagues, friends, my soon to graduate student teacher and family so that others can be encouraged and find discernment too.

I have been a listener to Emily P. Freeman’s podcast, “The Next Right Thing” since episode #20. I was so excited to hear she was sharing her podcast in a book with the same title, “The Next Right Thing”. I couldn’t wait! She is the friend you want to talk to if you have that decision to make. She is there to guide you in asking just the right questions to make you think, “What is the next right thing?” I highly recommend her book.
N. Wuth


"Do The Next Right Thing" by Emily P. Freeman is all about the perpetual quest for the right ideal, the unending search for guidance in each questionable decision, and the prayer for strength to do the right thing. This concept is often seen in the Bible. After Jesus performed a miracle, He usually gave a simple instruction for the person to do.

This eye-opening book is all about making the right decisions in life, where choices are ours to make. It teaches us to make the right choices and decisions from God’s perspective, as we become more fully ourselves, when we abide in God's presence.

This book helps us to be open, alert and responsive to listen to God's voice, as He gently guides us about what to do next, and only 'next,' the next right thing. At every turn, we eagerly hear from God. Each important decision we make has a long-lasting consequence. The outcomes of our choices and decisions shape our lives and eventually shape our characters, molding us into the image God intends us to be. Our correct, well-made choices and decisions shape us. Unmade or improper decisions can paralyze us in fear or open our hearts to love.

Through this book, Emily P. Freeman guides us to learn how to create space in our souls to hear God’s voice, to do the next right thing, and make the correct choices and decisions in our lives. God is always with us in our indecisive moments, as we struggle to know what to do next, when life's overwhelming burdens become too much for us to bear. As God gently eases our tired hearts with His loving presence and fills us with His divine peace, He helps us to untangle all the tangled knots in our lives.

I have followed Emily P. Freeman's work for years via her blog, her books and her Next Right Thing Podcast. Her work truly has created space for my soul to breathe, the chief aim of her work. I struggle with analysis paralysis and decision fatigue on the daily and reading her new book The Next Right Thing was like settling in with a spiritual director, someone who can lead me through simple practices that will enable me to discern my next right thing in love. Emily kindly encourages her readers to get still, to choose quiet and to take time to really listen to our own emotions, intuition, even our bodies; all three speak to us as we navigate through the hectic hustle of our lives, making decisions big and small. Far too often, I push through my busy days without stopping, without being quiet, without listening to my own soul and then wonder why I feel so depleted. Emily P. Freeman's The Next Right Thing is helping me learn how to live a more attentive, soulful life and I am grateful. I will return to this book again and again and I have already recommended it to many of my friends.

I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book via NetGalley in addition to preordering it.

I have a confession to make. I’ve never reviewed a book before I’ve finished it. And even though I’ve only completed 64%, without a shadow of a doubt, I can 100% recommend "The Next Right Thing" by Emily P. Freeman.

I have read three of Emily’s four books and I have been listening to her podcast, “The Next Right Thing” for over a year now. I enjoy Emily’s soothing voice but I tend to learn best via the written word, so when I heard that she was writing the book, I preordered it immediately. Amazon didn’t even have the cover art to display!

I have early access to the book in digital format via Netgalley; the book releases on April 2. But unlike most books that I read, I am not flying through it. This book is meant to be savored. This book is meant to be read again and again. This book is meant to be the hand of God guiding you slowly and peacefully through making decisions in this messy, yet magnificent life. Yes, that is a direct reference to another favorite of mine, "This Messy Magnificent Life" by Geneen Roth. Geneen details how important it is to choose to live life from a full heart and to make decisions from that space. Emily tells you how to do that.

I have always struggled with making decisions. For over 35 years, I have driven my family crazy with my anxiety and worry – so much so that they have kept things from me until I absolutely had to know due to concern about my reaction. Because I want to do everything right, my fear of doing something wrong has caused me to do the wrong thing or be terrified to act at all. Over the past 13 years, I’ve learned how to combat my need for perfection and to make decisions from my heart. The Next Right Thing is the book I needed 13 years ago. Emily has put everything I’ve been learning about whole-hearted decision-making into one place.

The book is as light in tone as it is heavy with content, and the irony is not lost on me that as Emily is discussing putting down our phone to hear the silence, I’m reading on the Kindle App on my phone. I cannot wait for this book to be available in hard copy. I like to highlight and write in margins when I come to good points and The Next Right Thing has so many good points! I can’t finish reading because I keep having to hold her nuggets of wisdom in my mind, turning them over and over.

She ends every chapter with a prayer and a practice. A favorite is part of one below.

"May we not demand a spectacle, a miracle, or a sign.
May we simply, quietly, be still and know."

"The Next Right Thing" will help you know.

(Disclaimer: I received an advance review copy, all opinions are my own).

I was thrilled to get my hands on Emily P. Freeman's newest book. In a world of loud, often angry people, it is great to hear from a quieter soul who speaks lovingly and encouragingly. Her book is full of practical strategies that the reader can implement immediately.

Her book makes remarks on the decision making process that I continue to ruminate over such as: "We make better decisions by making decisions, not by thinking about making decisions." Freeman also gently nurtures the reader to listen to their own voice and God's voice, before turning to other voices, which is important to consider in this digital age.

For me, the most helpful question she posed is one I want to remember to consider the next time an opportunity comes before me: "If you were in a room of people and this was called out into the crowd, would you raise your hand to volunteer for this?"