#WBDSeptember

September is coming to a close, so it's time for the first Well Being Diary of the new year! But first, how was your summer? Did you take time for yourself?

Every year I really struggle with the length of summer. I know that sounds ridiculous, but I don't cope with the lack of structure, especially when you still have so much to get done. Having said that, it was a great time! 

So let's begin! Let's return to the #Teacher5ADay steps:

#Connect
At the beginning of July, 2 friends and I took ourselves to Madrid Pride for the weekend. It was a classic story of racing to the airport on a Friday evening, unheard of on a usual week, and returning Sunday night, after a hectic 48 hours of colour and music. While waiting to come home, feeling adventurous, I tweeted about wanting to meet new people over the summer. A couple of polls later, with some dates thrown about, IT HAPPENED! #TeacherSocial took place over 2 consecutive Wednesday lunchtimes, before our return to school, and I'm not ashamed to proclaim how much I absolutely loved it! To the lovely people who came to join me in Leicester Square, London, I'm so grateful for the time you took to travel to come and say hello! I know it was a strange thing to do, but I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know you, hearing your stories, and connecting in a way that was more personable than just over Twitter.

#Exercise
Over the summer there were several days where I literally didn't get up from the sofa until about 7pm. As above, I find it hard to organise my own day when so many hours are undecided for you. Perhaps I'm conditioned by such a strict timetable of the working day, that I just don't know what to do without one. I much prefer holiday-days with different errands in different places, because then I can slot jobs and tasks amongst the structure that is already forming for me. Having said that, my return to school has started with a great return to running in the mornings. Thank you for everyone encouraging me. I know the photos are annoying everyday at 5am, but they hold me accountable, and your support means the world.

#Notice
The #TeachingHero team is growing, and I would like to encourage you to read their posts from the weeks gone by! There are still some weeks left, and if you want to have a post all of your own, get in touch! I think it's important we promote those spreading positive messages, rather than listening to complainers constantly. Negativity is equally contagious, and we just can't afford the effect.

#Learn
I'm back to trying to read as much as possible. At the moment, my class and I are studying 'Sky Hawk' by Gill Lewis and we are LOVING IT! It's actually given me ideas for further posts later. Saying that, I also have a bunch of other books to read. I'll review them as usual later on.

#Give
This month I would like to recommend that you sign up for Smiling Mind. It's an Australian site that has LOADS of mindfulness resources and guided meditations, all organised by age group, split into courses. It runs itself, and it's ideal for using in class. Check them out!