So far I've been pretty successful at reading every day. I missed one day because I had a really bad headache and only read for about 5 minutes one night because I couldn't keep my eyes open anymore. Let's see what I've noticed since starting this Challenge.

More Strict Schedule // I'm surprised to say that this Challenge is helping me be more strict about my schedule. I tend to read in bed before falling asleep, but I've really enjoyed reading my book (The Pillars of The Earth), so I want to read more of it at once - I can't do that if I'm already exhausted and ready to sleep. The last few days I've been setting aside an hour right after dinner to read. I've always wanted to be one of those people that were committed to their day planner. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this will help me be that kind of person.

Social Gains // I've been more social since starting this Challenge 15 days ago. I've been researching new books and new genres for me to read after I'm done reading this novel, so I've been asking around to coworkers, friends, or online book forums, to see what they would recommend. Also, if I hear others chatting about a book they are reading, or have read, I chime in and ask some questions! I've been less social over the years (I can thank my anxiety for that), so it's been really nice to have an ice breaker when striking up a conversation with someone. I'm also hoping by the end of this challenge to find a book club (either locally or online), so I can keep using my love for reading as a way to concur my social anxiety.

I can't wait to see what the next 15 days of this Challenge is like!

I really enjoy reading. I used to read every night before I went to bed, but now I very rarely read for pleasure. I'm excited about making reading a priority in my life again!

For this challenge, I'm going to read every day for 30 days. I'm going to write it in my calendar and make it a commitment. I'm hoping I can finish the book I'm currently reading (The Pillars of The Earth by Ken Follett), but I'm not making any promises - I'm just hoping to commit to reading again.

Reading isn't just entertaining, it's good for you too! After doing some research I've discovered the following benefits of reading.

1. Can help fight Alzheimer's disease
2. Improves your memory
3. Improves focus and concentration
4. Reduces stress
5. Increases your knowledge
Take part in this challenge with me and use the hashtag #KP30DayChallenge

I'm glad I started with this challenge. There are a lot of benefits that come with meditating, that I really needed these past few weeks.

Here are the most positive things I've noticed:

Decreased My Anxiety

Increased My Focus 

Deeper Breathing

I Have a Better Connection to Myself

What do you think my next 30 Day Challenge should be?

Meditating every day is pretty awesome. It doesn't take me much time at all, and it's so relaxing. Anything that doesn't require me to sweat, or change out of my PJ pants is amazing in my books.

There are a few things I've noticed so far while doing this challenge:

My posture is horrendous

I spend way too much of my time slouched over, and it's really affecting my back. During meditation, you have to sit UP STRAIGHT. The first few days I found my shoulder dropping into a slouch within a few minutes of the guided meditation. I'm starting to get better at it, but it's also taking away from my meditation by having to focus so much on it while I'm trying to not focus on anything at all. The last few days I've been sitting with my back against a wall, which makes it a lot easier to stay upright. During my workday, when I sit at a desk for hours and hours and hours I'm paying more attention to my posture, so hopefully one day it won't be an issue

I take short shallow breaths instead of long deep breathes

I've been aware of this for awhile now, but never realized how difficult it is to change. When meditating (or just taking a moment to be calm) you're supposed to take deep breathes into your lungs, where you can feel/see your whole chest fill up with air. I remember years ago when doing a relaxation exercise, My breaths don't work that way. My "deep breathes" are very short and in the top of my chest. I can't see my chest move up and down. When I try to take breathes like that I get dizzy, because I'm not used to breathing in that much air. It's a bit easier when I breathe in through my mouth (I'm a major nose breather), but it still seems foreign to me. I just have to keep practicing.

It's easier to "recharge"

I'm really excited to start this 30 day challenge series on my blog. There's so many new things I want to try or things I want to make a habit in my life and a 30 challenge just seems to make perfect sense - I can do anything for at least 30 days right?

"Meditation is a practice where an individual trains the mind or induces a mode of consciousness, either to realize some benefit or for the mind to simply acknowledge its content without becoming identified with that content, or as an end in itself," according to Wikipedia.

After reading up on all the benefits of meditation (like increased self awareness, less stress, better sleep, and a feeling of rejuvenation) I figured it would be a good place to start.

I found a FREE online 30 day meditation challenge at doyougoa.com that looks simple and enjoyable. It'll only take about 10 minutes a day, which is no sacrifice at all. I'll have a 15 day update and then a 30 day review to see how the challenge went.

I'll be tagging my updates with #KP30DayChallenge

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