The Next Right Thing: A Simple, Soulful Practice for Making Life Decisions

by Emily P. Freeman

here are three simple benefits you will discover when you take the time to name and know what you want in the presence of God. One, knowing what you want builds your confidence. The process of determining what you want more is actually a gift to yourself. It means you’ve taken time to give your inner voice a place at the table. You are allowed to take up space in the room. Knowing what you want will help you to own that. Two, knowing what you want is a gift to the people you love. It means in those areas where you have a choice, you won’t waste your time playing a game you don’t really care to win. It means you will be thoughtful about your yes and your no; you won’t overcommit yourself or your family to things beyond your collective capacity to support. Every yes you say affects every person who lives in your house. Knowing what you want is an automatic filter to help you say yes to the things you’ve already predecided matter, and to let the rest fall gently away. Three, knowing what you want can help you let go in peace. In other words, knowing what you want can help you more easily release the pain of not getting what you want. I know this one feels counterintuitive, but hang with me.