Monday Inspiration and Encouragement (Volume Two)

I shared a couple of weeks ago that for a while now I have had a dream of sharing some Monday inspiration and encouragement on the blog. Life is hard and I know full well that in the difficult times it can be hard to find inspiration, so a couple of weeks ago I shared my first post (which you can find HERE) and I plan to routinely share with y'all different things that I have found to be really inspiring and encouraging from all different genres and hope that it will encourage and inspire you for your week! 

{one} Traveling, even when you don't go far and only go for a little bit of time is so refreshing to the soul. Last weekend my family and I explored Lake Placid a bit more and rode the Cloudsplitter Gondola at Whiteface Mountain. The views were breath-taking and inspiring and true refreshment for the heart.

{two} I shared this in my last post, but am going to preface this by saying that I love ice skating so the announcement that Meryl Davis and Charlie White will not be competing in the upcoming Olympics felt like an end of an era. At the same time though I felt like giving a standing ovation to their dedication to the sport, the athletic talent and hard work that they have shared, and most of all the way that they are incredible role models for this day and age. Thank you Meryl and Charlie for your beautiful dedication. We all wish you the best as you continue to skate and move forward in your professional career. 

{three} I shared yesterday in my health update that my amazing friend, Blythe, shared a beautiful former post of Kara Tippetts that is absolutely encouraging and inspiring. If you are looking for encouragement as you face a difficult situation you can find her post, battling if and what if only, on the Mundane Faithfulness website HERE. It is simply lovely. 

{four} Speaking of Kara, if you haven't already read, "The Hardest Peace" by Kara I can't recommend the book enough. You will be challenged, encouraged, and inspired by her words of truth. You can find it HERE.

{five} Like everywhere else in the United States the weather seems to want to change every single day. On Saturday it was in the high 50s here and I was ready to move into camp, but yesterday it was 23 degrees. It is simply crazy! But the cooler weather still has me dreaming of warm weather and cruises, especially the Disney cruise that my sister and I took in September. Have y'all been on a Disney cruise? It is wonderful and I can't recommend it enough. If you want to read about our experience you can do so HERE.

{six} Speaking of traveling, one of my dearest friends and I will be heading to Prince Edward Island in October! Eeehhh! This is seriously a dream come true and I am over-the-moon excited about this! Have y'all ever been to Prince Edward Island? Any tips or suggestions you have for us to see or do? We will be doing all of the "Anne of Green Gables" things but are totally up for additional suggestions! 

I hope that you are inspired and encouraged by these six things on this Monday afternoon! What about you? What is inspiring you recently?