389: What's Saving My Spring Life
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In Episode 389 of 'The Next Right Thing,' host Emily P. Freeman reflects on the simple yet powerful practice of identifying what's 'saving her life' during a challenging spring season. Drawing inspiration from Barbara Brown Taylor’s question—'What’s saving your life?'—Emily shares six personal sources of renewal: a daily list of wins to combat negativity bias, the audiobook 'Project Hail Mary' for emotional escape, the blooming of peonies as a sign of seasonal hope, friends who stepped in during last-minute scheduling conflicts, the unexpected joy of DoorDash deliveries, and Kate Bowler’s new book 'Joyful Anyway,' which offers truthful, comforting wisdom during hardship. She also expresses deep gratitude for the prayers of her community, especially a poignant line from reader Robin that grounded her emotionally. Emily closes with a reminder that life is shaped not by grand decisions, but by daily rhythms—and that even in exhaustion, there is grace. She announces a temporary pause in the podcast for a family milestone, but teases a return with 'Psalm Summer' in late June and July, offering free access to past episodes via the Quiet Collection app.
Keep a daily list of small wins to counteract decision fatigue and negative bias.
Seek out stories—like 'Project Hail Mary'—that offer imaginative escape from real-life stress.
Nature’s cycles, like peony blooms, are spiritual reminders of renewal and continuity.
Lean on community: friends who step in during crises are lifelines.
Even small conveniences—like DoorDash—can be unexpected sources of joy and relief.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Introduction: The Practice of Naming What Saves Your Life
“Salvation is a word for the divine spaciousness that comes to human beings in all the tight places where their lives are at risk, regardless of how they got there or whether they know God's name.”
Six Things Saving Her Life This Spring
“When we're in a time of need, we are not looking for new. We are looking for true.”
The Power of Community and Shared Prayer
“May your feet find steady ground, and your heart find steady peace. It's just what I needed. It's what I still need.”
Rhythms of Work, Rest, and the Return of Psalm Summer
Emily discusses her approach to creative pacing—pausing certain projects to focus on others—before announcing a brief summer break for family events. She teases the return of 'Psalm Summer' in late June and July, offering free access to past episodes via the Quiet Collection app.
“When we're in a time of need, we are not looking for new. We are looking for true.”
“May your feet find steady ground, and your heart find steady peace. It's just what I needed. It's what I still need.”
“Salvation is a word for the divine spaciousness that comes to human beings in all the tight places where their lives are at risk, regardless of how they got there or whether they know God's name.”
Host
Emily P. Freeman
person
Kate Bowler
person
Joyful Anyway
book
DoorDash
organization
Project Hail Mary
book
Quiet Collection app
product
Barbara Brown Taylor
person
Psalm Summer
other
Robin
person
An Altar in the World
book
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