'Things are going to get better' said our own @metametheus in his post here, reflecting on tough times gone by and how he'll work on bringing up his energy levels post 2018. We like that opening - it could even be a mantra we all use as we look to the year ahead and make plans to support our health and that of our loved ones.

Of course, it doesn't mean we're all broken - but I always think it's better to muse upon ways to grow rather than resign ourselves to 'what is', especially if it's at the expense of dreams. By articulating our desires, we put them into action. And the thing is, it really doesn't matter if we don't achieve them all, and nor should we break our hearts, minds and bodies trying - we also gotta be gentle on ourselves for doing the best we can.

As usual, it was hard to choose the winners for this fortnight's 'Resolution Challenge', focussing on natural healing. To ignore an entry feels like stomping on people's projections for the future, when us at @naturalmedicine would do anything to help those visions come true! So as usual, every single entry wins something. We did reward the ones that were super well presented as well as thoughtful, as per the guidelines. If you're still mid post and missed the deadline, post anyway because we'd love to hear your resolutions for natural health and support them as best we can!

Please take the time to read some of the posts below and drop a comment or two. Sometimes a little attention is all the balm people need in their day - this collective prides itself on spreading the love, and we encourage you to be part of that.

1 Steem for @porters and @mymoontao

@porters had already written a healing resolution as part of an earlier challenge - kudos to her for writing another one for this one! We're inspired to eat well this year too - bring on food as medicine! @mymoontao also wrote a great post about resolutions and TEETH! The detail she puts into each post is wonderful - go give her a follow!

2 Steem Each for @belleamie and @immarojas

@immarojas in this post contemplates the medicinal herbs she needs to grow in her garden, most importantly to help heal her mum, who's been ill for some time.

She wasn't the only one dreaming of a food forest - @belleamie also has plants for one. If you're also contemplating a food forest, tell us your plans in 50 words or more and we'll upvote your comment below!

2 Steem For the @metametheus and @walkerland

Both @metametheus and @walkerland were listening to the deepest parts of themselves that knew they needed to rest a little and be a bit more gentle on themselves. @riverflows too was flying along this tangent and really related to the advice these posts gave. Thankyou.

3 Steem For @thistlerock

Damn, girl, who's been getting post prettify-ing lessons! What an inspiration! This post was just darn sexy, plus, we totally admired how you were reluctant to set goals for yourself, but when you did - wowsers, you went for it! Amazing! Check out the wowness here!

The Ultimate Winner of 5 Steem!

@senorcoconut, in this post, the way you went about THINKING about your year ahead and how it will support you and your family's health and life in general was really fabulous. Those vision boards were inspiring and super cool, and we loved the photos. We also loved how you were reluctant to create a resolution at all, but really got into the thought process and had a great time with your wife thinking of what your 2019 might look like. We've loved seeing all your plans and sketches throughout 2018 and think you are an absolute BOSS at dreaming - may all of them come true, and if they don't, may you find another way to do them, or a better dream to replace them!

We'll leave you with the musings on 'sankalpa', as written by @walkerland in her post. A sankalpa is an affirmation of the hearts deepest desires rather than an ego driven goal. It is positive and part of our ultimate nature - more likely to make us happy than striving for something outside of ourselves. The outline here is wonderful for anyone wanting to manifest their deepest desires - or perhaps you could start a vision board, @senorcoconut stylie!

Clear - Find a quiet place to reflect on your desires. With pen and paper, write out all that your heart deeply desires, your feelings and vision.

Listen - Once you have written down all that you desire, set aside a quiet time of stillness and reflection hold space for your higher truth to naturally arise. Ask yourself, “What is the essence of what I deeply desire?"

Define - ask yourself what is the deeper feeling beyond the goal – is it feeling vibrant and healthy, is it self-love? Can you distill it down to one or two powerful words?

State - Once you’ve found those powerful words, turn them into a positive affirmation, an “I AM” statement. By stating your intention in the present tense, you are acknowledging that what you seek is already within you.

Repeat.

@naturalmedicine wishes everyone here the very best as you set your sankalpa for the year ahead. Thanks so much for joining in on this challenge - we hope you join in on the next one too!

Natural Medicine Needs YOU! Please consider delegating to @naturalmedicine by clicking any amount below to help keep this collective going. The minimum entry for membership is 20SP (free for members under 150SP), and helps support and celebrate your work with natural remedies, healings and nurturings on this gorgeous blockchain! Join us on Discord here - we'd love to have you!

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