Over the last two months I’ve been reading Emily Freeman’s book ‘The Next Right Thing‘. For someone who reads really fast, two months is a long time to finish a book. But I’ve been reading a chapter at a time and sometimes taking a break in between. As I read, I journaled some of the questions she raised.
The book is really all about the process of decision making. With so much information coming to us, this book was a gentle reminder for me to get more deeply in touch with my inner self.
“The process of determing what you want more is actually a gift to your self. It means you’ve taken time to give your inner voice a place at the table.”
― Emily P. Freeman, The Next Right Thing: A Simple, Soulful Practice for Making Life Decisions
Doing The Next Right Thing
Somehow, as always, this book came to me at the right time – when I’ve been making decisions about my work. It helped me to find clarity and yet it also reminded me that I cannot always be certain that all my decisions will turn out ‘right’. What I can do is move forward, using my intuition and holding on to my faith, and do what seems to be the right thing to do. One decision at a time.
One particular chapter that struck me was the one in which the author encourages readers to consider where we are in our journey and to name the phase we are going through and the feelings we feel. Sometimes, we force ourselves to be excited or passionate when it is perhaps a season for quiet and boredom. Naming these and allowing ourselves to go through them helps us to make better decisions.
Maybe a reason why a particular decision you are carrying today feels difficult is because there are things beneath the surface that remain unnamed within you, things you either haven’t acknowledged or would rather ignore. Sometimes indecision is the result of a busy schedule or a hesitant personality. Other times it’s because something within us remains unnamed, and we simply don’t have enough information or self-knowledge to move forward.
Emily P. Freeman, The Next Right Thing: A Simple, Soulful Practice for Making Life Decisions
When I chose ‘Yes’ at the start of this year, I didn’t really think I’d be where I am in September. I imagined that I’d be doing a lot more. Instead, I’ve end up reflecting a lot more and making better decisions about what I say ‘yes’ to and what I give up and let go off.
I’ve also revived the practice of reading Scripture ( my spiritual journey is the stuff for a few blog posts) and spending time in reflective prayer.
A reader and friend remarked that they can see a change in my writing. Perhaps that’s because, I’m becoming clearer about who I’m writing for.
In the months ahead, I’m committed to writing more and creating more and mostly doing the next right thing!
Today, I’m joining Lisa Burgess’ One Word 2021 Linkup for September.
PS: I must let you know that The Next Right Thing is written from a Christian perspective and might not appeal to all readers.
I’m excited that you’ll be writing more, Corinne. You do write beautifully, with clarity and insight. I’ve loved your year of Yes!
It helps me too when I can sometimes put a label on what I’m feeling or going through. I’ve recently been through a situation that I eventually settled on being a “betrayal”. It helped me move through to the next stage, and even return to seeing “betrayal” as too strong a word for what happened.
Lisa notes recently posted..Share Four Somethings—September 2021
That sounds like a good book. It’s always tough when we have to take an important decision. What’s important is not being right or wrong, but staying focused and move on in a manner that works well for us.
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“Sometimes indecision is the result of a busy schedule or a hesitant personality. Other times it’s because something within us remains unnamed, and we simply don’t have enough information or self-knowledge to move forward.” This really stood out to me, Corinne. This is a much better way of trying to understand our indecision, rather than simply beating ourselves up for not doing what we think we should be doing!
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