"We need to find God, and He cannot be found in noise and restlessness. God is the friend of silence. See how nature—trees, flowers, grass—grows in silence; see the stars, the moon and the sun, how they move in silence. We need silence to be able to touch souls.” - Mother Teresa

I began this Monday morning with a 3 mile run. There's nothing quite like waking up on a Monday morning, and giving it a good kick in the pants with a run. It's sometimes hard to face Mondays, with all the work that awaits me. It's challenging to run my own business, to find that work-life balance, to not feel overwhelmed sometimes. So usually on Mondays (and often on Sunday evenings), I plan out my day to motivate myself. I read Scripture. I have a fulfilling, productive morning so I'm prepared to get a good start to my week.

And with that thought, I've decided to start a new series through September: Rundays Mondays. Something good, fun, & inspiring. Uplifting quotes, activities, books, blogs, songs. Anything that motivates me... like running!  (Hence the cheesy name : Rundays Mondays.) For me, for you, for whomever wants to read along. Because we all could use a little boost on Mondays, right?

It's easy to hit the road running on Mondays, to do do do my to do list, to go a little crazy with all that's on my plate. But I was amazed at the beauty around me on this morning's run, and I needed that quiet place this morning. I needed the strength of the Lord to continue through this day, through this week. That quote by Mother Teresa hit me between the eyes : It's not about doing doing doing all the time. We sometimes need silence.

So today my first Monday challenge is this : Do something to quiet yourself. To take in nature. To be thankful. Read the quote at the top of this blogpost again. Practice that kind of silence.

And here is a sweet photo of my little running buddy on this morning's run, just because I love him so. What a little goober.

What makes your Mondays more inspired?