When the cold weather starts weaning and we begin heading towards spring, I tend to realise that the year is more than halfway and I always ask myself:  "Just where has the time gone?"  The problem with time is that we never have enough of it and we always seem to be rushing about and sometimes we forget to catch our breath! 

I made a commitment to myself to take small meaningful breaks that would rejuvenate my soul but as luck would have it...I decided to open a school under the Equal Zeal banner!  With such exictement at the fore, who has time for rest!!  Little Zealers Academy promises to knock your socks off with its new and innovative way of looking at education and implementing preventative life skills into the curriculum.

Alongside this with our Childhood with Zeal Roadshow only a month away, we are frantically making preparations for an event that is set to become an annual celebration of family! If you haven't yet booked your ticket, please do so at www.computicket.co.za as space is limited and we have a lineup to be proud of.  We have many amazing key note speakers one of which is Nikki Bush author of Future proof your child. Alongside Nikki, we are hosting author Izabella Little of the Life Talk book series. We also have many experts in the field such as Marc Hardwick from The Guardian and Marinda Blain from Meals4Zeal.  With 3 venues hosting talks for: professionals and parents, families and children and the final venue for teenagers, there is something for everyone.  Kids under 13 visit for free and constructive play will be catered for.  Alongside this you can expect a goodie bag at the door and many lucky draws!

I look forward to meeting each of you personally in the near future and hope to find that much needed break-away as soon as the excitement has died down...well, maybe xxx

Regards with Zeal

Zelna

With World Cup Fever in full swing although our Bafana boys didn't make it through, I do hope that you are celebrating this once in a lifetime opportunity!  I find it amazing that our nation is united by Zakume's, Vuvazela's and ear plugs!! I am also extremely proud to say I am South African as we play host to our many international visitors.

What a wonderful time this is to share our culture and heritage and that of our international guests with our kids!  Tolerance and diversity nurtured in a child are the makings of a good leader.  Which brings me to an extremely exciting announcement!! Yes, our school Little Zealers Academy www.littlezealers.com has launched its website and is hosting its big launch bash on 31 July with our doors officiallyl open on 1 August! You truly have to experience our school to understand what makes it so unique! I am not just saying that this school is going to cause a revolution in education, I really, really mean it!  From a tailor-made theme based on our Zeal the Zebra Book Series, to allergen free nutritionally balanced meals, to family workshops and motivational programmes that nurture leadership, our school has thought of EVERYTHING needed to make it a catalyst for personal growth and achievement in ALL children!  With our first school in Helderkruin in Roodepoort, watch this space for branches opening in your area soon!

Welcome on board to Elsa Da Silva who has taken over our Sandton branch of Equal Zeal and to Janice Symons-Bradbury who is now running the Boksburg/Kempton area.  These two dynamic ladies are a true asset to our Equal Zeal family!  We wish you all the success in your business and may you share your unique talent of making a difference in many children's lives!

With such exciting celebrations on the horizon, I urge you to adorn yourself with face paint, unite with our foreign visitors and just have fun! Isn't that what life is all about...connecting with others and truly feeling alive!

Winter is officially here! Chilly is an understatement and this is the time when we snuggle up under warm duvets and eat thick stew and broths and lots of comfort foods!  We tend to forget about our previously healthy exercise regime and we watch DVD's and stay glued in front of the televison rather than socialising.

Isn't it wonderful that we are sun-loving creatures in Africa!  When living in England, I realised that many people walked around with drab expressions and I now wonder if it had anything to do with the almost all-year round winter!

Why not be inventive and have a cooking competition at home, or play board games, or an indoor picnic, or wrap up warm and still brave the cold weather on your bicycle or walking the dogs.  We need to remember that a balanced life is one where we have a routine going ALL year around and not only in the summer months!

It is with great excitement that we are launching our first EQual Zeal school!  Due to open in Helderkruin in Roodepoort, Johannesburg just after the World Cup, Little Zealers Academy is going to be a pre-primary with a difference.  Our school is based on an AFrican theme from our book Zeal the Zebra shows his true colours with strong elements of life skills filtering through.  We intend to provide a natural learning environment and an opportunity for children to develop into self assured young people with the skills to cope with life. 

With that being said, we look forward to working with your children during the holidays. Contact a branch closest to you to find out about our holiday programmes on offer.  We are not just a glorified baby-sitting service, we provide structured opportunities to develop your child's emotional intelligence so that they can return to school after a long break and not have a brain turned to jelly from lack of stimulation!

I am not sure who you are rooting for in the World Cup, but I am going green and gold and intend to shout for our Bafana boys as we go up against some of the best soccer teams in the World. The lesson here for us, is that opportunity is part of the process.  It is not whether we win or lose, it is about nurturing an AFrican team spirit so that we can all pat ourselves on the back and say:  "Well done for being such good hosts!  I am proud to be South AFrican!"

Regards with Zeal

Zelna

January, February, March and now entering into April. Don't you love it!  "The ticking of time saves nine, tick tock there goes the clock, rush, rush my life's in a mush!"  Whatever your mantra, we are all in the same boat, gearing up for yet another school holiday and yet another first term over and yet another Easter break upon us. 

The kids are growing up, we are getting older and yet...life seems to have a gentle hue of mundane happiness for me!  I find comfort these days in watching a beautiful sunset, sitting in a rock pool on the beach, singing a song to my nephew, reading a good book, cooking for my loved ones, writing poetry....the list is endless! When one actually starts to find comfort in the smaller things in life, the joy and spontanuity to take on exciting, new projects returns. 

Complacency and routine for some is a curse, but for others the wish to have a semblance of peace in their day to day hustle and bustle calls for a celebration!  With April at our fingertips, this is the month to rejoice at the ability to wear shorts and sandals before the Winter Chill shrouds us in polar neck jerseys and knee high boots!

Equal Zeal continues to grow with more and more little walking through our doors on a daily basis.  Our programmes are becoming well known for the success driven results that teachers and parents are seeing that sometimes almost feel surreal due to putting up with a child's negative behaviour for so long!  What we do is not rocket science! We offer practical, hands on tools to combat the stresses of daily living but we believe our success lies in the fact that all of us as Equal Zeal facilitators are blessed with passion and purpose! We are role models of what we teach....and we walk the walk and talk the talk!

Watch this space for the launch of our "The Zeal Challenge" Journal for teens due to hit the shelves this month!  A colourful inspirational tool that evokes inspiration and maps out a path over a year of activities that can be started at any stage! We also offer fabulous motivational tools and resources on our online shopping cart. Just click on our shopping bag link on our website and get ready for a shopping spree with a difference!

The Equal Zeal family would also like to take this opportunity to welcome three new Master Trainers on board! We welcome Louina of the Benoni Branch, Liz-Marie of the Brooklyn branch and Sonette of the Midrand branch.  These ladies are dynamic and fresh and we look forward to sharing their wisdom and expertise with you and your children!

I wish you a super month of hot cross buns, easter egg hunts, family long weekends and lots of quality family time together!

Regards with Zeal

Zelna (Founder of Equal Zeal)

What a whirlwind of excitement the month of love has been although it is always far too short with only 28 days! Seems a bit unfair...but perhaps this is to ease our discomfort of the February heat as we steam roll into March!

Congratulations to Marinda Blain for launching her wonderful Meals 4 Zeal concept of providing allergen free cooking classes to children in order to manage their asthma, concentration, eating disorders etc.  Marinda is an expert in the field and a true pioneer in launching this innovative concept under the Equal Zeal banner.  Watch this space for exciting news of a Meals 4 Zeals dried fruit and nut range to be launched shortly.  Currently Meals 4 Zeals has only one branch in Greenside, Johannesburg but is due to launch more in the latter half of the year.  Should you wish to find out more, please contact Marinda on marinda@meals4zeal.com

With the holidays coming up fast and furiously, watch our calendars for exciting events around the country that will enhance your child's potential and boost them into the second term with a motivated attitude.  Alongside this, we will be catering for the World Cup Soccer loooooonnnnngggg holiday by offering a plethora of wonderful and exciting activities at branches near you!

Now, for the most exciting news! Almost a year to the day, I am launching my second book in the month of March, entitled The Zeal Challenge. This unique teen journal inspires growth and motivates living through 21 days of daily activities, and 50 weeks of reflection.  The book was written for those young people who have so much potential in the hope that The Zeal Challenge would be their guiding light of inspiration, motivation and happiness. 

To pre-order your copies of The Zeal Challenge, visit our new online shopping cart on www.equalzeal.com . Here you will also find many more exciting motivational products and resources that are sure to get your family into the right frame of mind for a successful year!

My wish for you is that you remember to take it easy in this first half of the year so that you don't feel burnt out in the last half of the year...(yes...remember the end of last year...when you were feeling so frazzled)  let's try to remain grounded and balanced by continuing with a good exercise regime, drinking lots of water and eating a healthy diet!

Regards with Zeal

Zelna

Imagine for a moment what it must be like growing up as a child of this generation.
Life is far more fast-paced and challenging.  Everything is designed to be easier, quicker, bigger and more convenient.  Children today are pushed to achieve much higher levels in all areas of their lives, yet the basic tools for coping with these demands and stresses have fallen by the wayside.  As a society we’ve become ignorant about what our bodies truly need to function at optimum.

More than ever, children are becoming fussier eaters, developing all sorts of food intolerances and allergies to wheat/gluten, dairy, sugar and eggs, to name only a few, and even worse falling prey to diseases such as diabetes and cancer.  In almost every parenting magazine, you’ll read about Attention Deficit Disorder or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, depressed and moody children, out-of-control delinquent behaviour in schools, and the list goes on.

Without a health body there can’t be a healthy mind or spirit. The body needs food, exercise and rest to maintain health, but as much as the body needs exercise to function it demands proper ‘fuel’ to function correctly and efficiently.  This is where Meals 4 Zeal steps in.

Marinda Blain's 6-year old boy was diagnosed with asthma at the tender age of 2.5 years.  He had been admitted to hospital 3 times for pneumonia in a period of 2 years, was on chronic asthma medication and at one stage in his young life, fell ill every 2 weeks with some or other respiratory infection.

 On top of all that, there were sudden outbursts of aggression and anger above what is considered normal ‘tantrums’.  After much pulling-out of hair and research into available options, she visited a homeopath who recommended that she limit his consumption of wheat, dairy and sugar.  Well, the improvement was astounding!  Since Marinda were used to course after course of antibiotic, suddenly he didn’t need them anymore. A few homeopathic remedies, a slight change in his diet and she could already see the difference.  Since then he sees the winters through with only a few minor sniffs and has completely gone off the asthma medication.

When he does succumb to the temptations of jam sandwiches and a glass of milk or sweets and fizzy drinks (even the best of us do at times), Marinda and her son can immediately notice the mucus build-up in his sinuses and the change in his energy levels and mood.  He has, for himself, become aware of the effects certain foods have on his body and is making better choices of what he eats in general.

It was through this journey with her own son, that Marinda developed a keen interest in diet & nutrition and the effects on our body and mind.  It was also because of this interest and the complete change in her own family’s lifestyle that she noticed how little most parents know about the importance of good food and how it impacts their families’ health. And so the idea of Meals 4 Zeal was born.

The Meals4Zeal allergen-free cooking workshop is aimed, initially, at ages 3 – 7 year olds, but will not be restricted to this group in the future.
1. The program will be most applicable to children with any of the following:
a) Food intolerances or allergies
b) ADD or ADHD
c) Poor concentration
d) Mood swings or depression
e) Respiratory diseases and general ill-health
f) Weight fluctuations or over- and underweight children
ii. We will not be doing any stove/oven cooking and any recipe requiring it will be sent home in the lunch cooler to be completed at home.

 Meals 4 Zeal is another lifestyle alternative proudly endorsed by EQual Zeal ® - www.equalzeal.com

Wow! I can't believe that January is almost over!  2010 is rolling on full steam ahead...and I don't know about you, but I am loving it!  I am still wondering if the FIFA Fever of 2010 is rubbing off on all of us and we are doing more and achieving more as a consequence!

Equal Zeal is pleased to announce that we had another successful Franchisee Training at Head Office in mid-January and we welcome the following new franchisees:

Michelle Eve - Umhlanga
Daleen du Preez - Midrand
Carmen Nadasen - Lenasia
Nikki Cooper - Bryanston

Our Equal Zeal family welcomes our new ladies and we are proud that you are part of the now 16 strong branches across South Africa. With more of us dedicated professionals spreading our passion and caring for young people, we are also gaining greater media exposure.  With two radio interviews under the belt in January and a front page story in the February issue of Fair Lady we are really putting our brand on the map!

The truth is that Equal Zeal is unique in the sense that we see every individual that works with children in whatever field it may be as a part of our team. We don't believe in competition, but we rather enjoy holding hands with dedicated professinals who commit their lives to the well-being of children.  Our philosophy is to nurture a future generation of well balanced children and families that will benefit the well being of our world as a whole.

For those of you who have not yet enrolled your child for our fantastic upcoming Zeal for the New Year workshop, I highly recommend that you do.  The workshop is run over one day and will assist your child from age 5 upwards in gaining the maximum out of 2010 by setting realistic goals and learning how to work towards them actively.

I look forward to a fantastic February and hope that cupid sends you lots of hugs, cuddles, love and kisses on Valentines Day. Remember that this is a month not just for celebrating the commercial aspect of Valentines Day with fuzzy teddy bears, over-priced roses and jam-packed restaurants, but rather this is a month for appreciating your loved ones.  Something that each of us should be doing on a daily basis.

For further inspiration, interesting articles and to keep up with the happenings on Equal Zeal, why not join our Facebook Fan Page! We welcome you with open arms and look forward to inspiring your personal growth and motivating your everyday living!

Regards with Zeal

Zelna

We all want our children to be motivated and inspired to move in the right direction, and to “stay on track”.  However there are sometimes challenges and obstacles which compel them to veer off the path to success.  These set-backs are often what prevents our children from reaching their dreams. 

Give your family the tools to deal with these challenges and continue to move forward!

It is important to know where you want to go as a family, where you want to be in 20-30 years time, in the many different areas of family life. Nobody packs a car to go on a holiday with their suitcases and surfboards, without first having made some plans of where they want to go. If we did that, we may be considered 'a little strange', yet many of us have no real plan where our family is going in life.

Goal setting for your family is the first step toward developing a plan or strategy about where you want to be in the future.  Goal setting is like laying down a railway track that your want your family to run on, it gives you an element of certainty and assurance that you will ultimately arrive at your destination, and not end up in Perth if you are aiming for Tasmania.
To begin goal setting for your family, it is important to get some input from every member of the family if possible.  Discuss your hopes and dreams openly, and don't hold back or overly rationalise initially. Dream a big dream, believe for the very best for your family, in every area your can think of. The more detailed your life goals are the better, as in going through this process you will draw out from your heart the things that really matter to you.

The Zeal for the New Year Workshop aims at reflecting objectively on what your children have accomplished so far and what you would like them to achieve in the future.  A realistic goal setting plan is provided that ensures maximum movement in the right direction as well as the motivation to maintain momentum.

What better way to equip your child and family for the year, the new teacher, the new school, the new workload and the new friends/peer group?

Let us help you with this process by joining us in January for our legendary ZEAL FOR THE NEW YEAR workshops hosted at branches around the country.  

This workshop is unique in the sense that it is suitable for family members from age 5 - 99!  The workshop is interactive and skills based and participants will leave with their own vision board for 2010. 

Please refer to our online calendar for dates of workshops in your area or contact the branch closest to you for further details. 

Wow! What a rewarding and exciting year 2009 was...As I reflect back, I feel so proud of all my franchisees and the wonderful work that they are doing.  With 16 Equal Zeal branches throughout South Africa as of January 2010, I anticipate many more good things to come. In 2010, we will continue creating a ripple of motivation, happiness and inspiration amongst families and young people, which will hopefully develop into a tidal wave of positive change in our modern society.

I have now come to realise that I don’t work to live, but I live to work!  I love what I do and I have so enjoyed the rich and rewarding journey that I have walked so far with each and every one of you that has crossed my path!  You have all taught me so much and have helped me with my inner growth, strength and focus. 

I have never worked so hard in my life...well they say that when starting up a new business, it should take 10 000 man hours until you are established...well, I feel like my 2009 has gone by in a blur of excitement and a flurry of activity.  BUT...I just have so much to show for it, so every minute has been worthwhile!  Of course, at times finding balance was a bit of a challenge, but with constant reminders from myself and loved ones, I managed to stay on track!  May the same be said for all of you as you reflect back on your achievements in the year gone by.  If not...then what a fantastic opportunity to set your life in motion by focusing on exactly what YOU want for your new year!

2010 is going to be a rewarding year with many exciting events planned.  Not only is it Equal Zeal®’s fifth birthday, but we can also look forward to our Zeal Challenge Book launch in March, our Zeal for Life® celebration week at the end of August and our series of Childhood with Zeal seminars around the country in September. 

A big welcome of course to our new franchisees who are training in mid-January:

Nikki Cooper - Bryanston
Daleen du Preez - Midrand
Michelle Eve - Umhlanga
Carmen Nadasen - Lenasia

So here's a toast to all of us at Equal Zeal and to those of you who have become like our family...to good times...to bad times...to exciting times...to boring times...to achievements...to failures...BUT most of all to just loving life!  Remember that Zeal means to focus on a cause or objective with energy and enthusiasm.  May your 2010 bring you a sense of focus and with that the energy to achieve your dreams and aspirations.  There are no limits...only those you impose on yourself...so GO for it! I look forward to hearing your successes in the coming year.

Regards with Zeal

Zelna

I love the festive season!  "Tis the season to be jolly...tra, la,la, la,la,la,la!" Unfortunately for some, this season brings with it sadness, frustration and desperation. 

May those of us who are fortunate enough to have a family to share this time with, living with a roof over our heads, presents under the tree and food on the table humbly hold our cap in hand and share our blessings with others!

For this reason, Equal Zeal head office was excited to host our Annual end of year Family Fun Day at Maritime Bushveld Estate in Johannesburg on Sunday 29 November.  NOt only was this an event for families to spend quality time together picnicking under our shady trees, but the event was aimed at gathering Christmas Day Picnic Hampers for disadvantaged families.  Thankyou to our sponsors, for our FREE horse-rides, reptile show, Bubble Ball, music, Father Christmas, Lawn Games, prizes and more! Highlight of the day was our Family Amazing Race where families raced against the clock, completing challenges, road blocks and obstacles around our 13 hectare estate filled with buck and wildlife!  It was lots of fun AND the first prize of a weekend away for 6 people in a self-catering SEA to SEE chalet right on the beach was won by the Lamprecht family! Other prizes on the day included: art vouchers, garden vouchers, pet product vouchers, massages, food hampers, bath product hampers, beauty hampers, pin boards, dairies...

If you happen to be in another province, we promise to bring this event to your area next year!

My well wishes are also with you as your children break up for the holidays...good luck with keeping them busy! Remember to be proactive in facilitating your children entertaining themselves...entertainment in the holidays need not cost money! Get your kids climbing trees, playing in the mud, building go-karts, swimming and riding bikes! 

My wish for you is for you to carry in your heart the reason behind this festive season...forget about the unnecessary stresses and just spend time with those that you love!

All my best and chat to you in the NEW YEAR!! 2010 here we come...

Regards with Zeal

Zelna