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So, here we are. With a couple of interludes, I made it - a whole year of seasonal challenges! My aim was to align myself, my activities and thoughts with the seasons. It was harder than expected - and that in turns tells me alot about how aligned - or not - I am with them. But it has provided useful moments of pause. I have found joy in noticing the changes of the seasons this year. The leaves alongside a long stretch of road I take to work each day are wonderful and bursting in golden redness still, and I have found them a daily moment of happy. I have taken walks last spring with the main aim of finding the bluebells. I have wandered under the trees in summer and paid attention to the warmth of the sun on my shoulders. There have been moments, but no real alignment. It is something to think about going forward. That said, this will be my last seasonal challenge, and perhaps the last of the Chronicles, for now. I'm not entirely sure what the next year's challenges will hold, but I am looking forward to a little more flexibility. But for now, I am enbracing the long dark of winter. Part of me isn't ready to let Autumn go, and all its riot of colour and gentler weather turns. But Autumn is also the time that reminds me most that it not just okay to let go, it is necessary. They shed their leaves to better survive the tough months ahead. It reminds me that letting go isn't always for 'something better' or because something is holding me back. Sometimes weathering the storms means parting with baggage. Even if it looks nice and you feel bare without it. Enough rambling. I've been dealing with some changes lately that have me thinking alot. Some are work related, some are simply me realising that some things have to change, and I have to leave the comfort blankets behind me. The ones that are relevant here and related to my goals are those that will prepare me for the year ahead. I am using December - the whole month - as a moment of reflection, and re-alignment. My 'goals' start now, not on January 1st. Because life doesn't magically reset at a New Year, and my goals are merely the compass, not the path. So: The Year's End 👣Stay within Calorie Budget 5/7 days each week - This gives me a little bit of leeway and stops it being so restrictive I crack and go back to the bad habits, and still get to enjoy the festive season without it becoming a free-fall. I am on a 4 day streak so far and right from Day 1 I was finding myself with the tendency to 'beat the number'. That is, I get fixated on not going over and I don't quite know why - it's certainly not a conscious decision - but I am consistently at least 200 calories under budget. I have fallen foul of this pattern before. It means I inevitably cave because I am hungry and fixate on food, binge and heap on the guilt as well as stop tracking. Day 4 today and I am having cravings. The hunger isn't too bad, the cravings are a pain. To combat this, I chose LoseIt (the app's) Relaxed option - the higher calorie goal that has you on track to lose around 1/4 kilo per week I think. Either way, it's high enough that when I inevitably go under calories, I am still getting enough. So far, this work-around is working. 👣Eat 100g of Protein 5/7 days - My findings from my 4 days of tracking so far is that my protein intake is dismal. I need to be hitting more than 100g ideally, given that I am hoping to shed fat but also make strength gains at CrossFit. But I am tending to fall so short - 60 - 70g is my typical and that is WITH a protein shake on gym days. Today I am at 59g and it is 9pm and somehow 484 cals short of the budget. I am seriously, seriously tempted to drive to mcdonalds for a 6 pack of mcnuggets. 👣Update on here at least 1/7 days (once a week) and consistently check in on at least 5 threads - I wish I had time to check in on everybody because you are all amazing, but with my new job coming with a bucketload more actual work to do, I am mentally and physically exhausted most days. I am hoping this is simply the adjustment period. But for now 5 is going to be the goal. And the goal exists because otherwise I am tempted to be too lazy to update on here and stay present. Even though it is a wonderful place to be. 👣Set up Planner for the coming year: This includes the things like monthly/future log and my weekly spreads that seem to be working, but also things I want/need to track - things like a budget, my savings, a to-read list, my goals and loot lists, etc. 👣Finish re-reading the Return of the King - Now I've got my Masters (aside from minor corrections that I have 3 months to complete) I have time to read for pleasure again and I am dangerously close to not finishing my re-read through of all the LOTR books that I do every year. Aragorn has just taken the Paths of the Dead, and he can't go alone. Must finish this.

I dunno about you guys, but I love this time of year. I especially love the pumpkin flavored everything you get this time of year! But, sadly, eating healthier means that most of those delicious pumpkin treats are great big no-nos! So I thought I'd start a new topic for all of us pumpkin nuts to share our favorite healthy pumpkin recipes! Healthy alternatives to the sugar-loaded pumpkin lattes, donuts, and pies. And of course, my favorite, the IHOP pumpkin pancakes! Whoa! I need some ideas for replacing that badboy! So please share your pumpkin recipes with the rest of us pumpkin lovers! Let me start it off with something I found online: Pumpkin Pie Bars Ingredients: 15 oz. pumpkin puree (1.5 cups) 3/4 cup coconut flour 3/4 cup real maple syrup (may use honey instead) 1.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon 3/4 teaspoon ground ginger 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves 3/4 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon salt (or salt replacement) 2 large eggs Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9x9 pan with coconut oil, or butter if you are okay with dairy. Combine all of the ingredients in a mixing bowl until smooth. Pour into the pan, smooth it out with the spatula until even. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until firm. Allow to cool completely, then cut into squares. Store in refrigerator for up to a week! (Of course, if you want to use a different flour than coconut flour, this recipe is not going to work for you. Very unfortunate results with almond flour! Ew!)