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

Can you believe that the end of the year is but two months away!!  Some people term this time as the "silly season" where everybody tries to cram in those last few unattained goals, lose the few extra kilos before summer, tie up never-ending projects, cram the studying for year end, do forward planning for the following year...

Well for me, this is the time of year that I look back and take stock of achievements before the year draws to a sudden close.  For Equal Zeal this has been a bumper, bumper year! As we move into our fifth year of operation, this has truly been the most substantial year for us!  I still have to rub my eyes to see if I am not dreaming...because truly, this year has been a year of dreams fulfilled!

in March this year, I launched my first children's book, Zeal the Zebra shows his true colours, with a bumper book launch that attracted 450 unexpected guests!  At round about the same time, Equal Zeal expanded nationally with one branch in Durban, Johannesburg and the Cape.  Just 8 months later and two franchisee training sessions under the belt, Equal Zeal has hit the market by storm, with 11 branches throughout the country all independently owned by passionate and inspiring people who live, eat, and breath the Equal Zeal philosophy!  I truly feel blessed to have achieved so much in such a short spurt of time!  I believe that I have many people to thank, who so silently stood in the wings, edging me on, picking me up when I fell, encouraging me, believing in me...you know who you are!! Thank you, thank you...for I believe that no man is an island and without a team of people backing me up, I would never have achieved these most deliciously wonderful goals for 2009!

So with so much to be proud of, Equal Zeal Head Office is hosting its first annual Family Fun Day to celebrate the unity and togetherness of families, in this time which is termed "silly season"!  Moms, dads, kids, dogs, grannies, grandpas, aunties and uncles are invited to let their hair down at Maritime Bushveld Estate, Chartwell North Johannesburg on Sunday, 29 November between 11h00 and 15h00.  In true Equal Zeal style, (where nothing is ever done in small measures!!) we will be offering an event of great proportions which is sure to become a regular calendar event on the last Sunday of November annually, not only in Johannesburg but in the Cape and Durban in time to come!  With giant orb balls, go-karts, horse-rides, live music, games and fun, families are invited to bring their picnic baskets for an afternoon of pure enjoyment.  In the spirit of giving, Equal Zeal requests that families bring a Christmas Day picnic hamper for disadvantaged families to gain entry to this worthy event.  Each Johannesburg based franchisee, will be allocated picnic hampers to distribute within their own community!   Now, for the highlight of the day....one which I am very excited about....is our Family Amazing Race, where families will gain entry to a race against the clock where road blocks, challenges and pit stops are the order of the day! So get those trainers on and come and join us at just R100 entry per family.  All proceeds from the day will be allocated towards additional picnic hampers!  How can anybody miss this wonderful event!  Please mail admin@equalzeal.com to rsvp!

On a personal note, with the growth of Equal Zeal, I have also experienced the most phenomenol personal transformation as an individual.  I truly believe that achieving your dreams, is the most awesome fuel for the soul! Never before have I felt so good about life.  With an increased work load and much more responsibility, I strangely feel calmer, more in control, and am forced on a daily basis to give gratitude for my good health and shared successes.  I encourage you to experience this feeling for yourself!  It is truly indescribable.  So with 2010 just around the corner....now is the time to start turning those dreams into reality. 

In the words of Oprah Winfrey:

"The key to realising a dream is to focus not on success but significance - and then even the small steps and little victories along your path will take on greater meaning."

I wish you luck for the last two months of the year!  remember that a dream becomes a goal when action is taken towards achieving it!  So, send me a mail on zelna@equalzeal.com telling me of your big dreams!  Lets share them with the world!!

Oh and be sure to check out our new much anticapted shopping cart which will be full of awesome Christmas goodies for you to buy that will motivate and inspire!

Regards with Zeal

Zelna
(Founder of Equal Zeal)

Congratulations to the passionate, well-qualified and committed franchisees who partook in franchisee training between 16 & 19 October!  After completion of 6 rigorous pre-course training modules and 4-days of intensive hands-on training, these new franchisees are well-equipped to launch their new branches!

WE say a big welcome to:

Monica Hartman - Polokwane

Steph Maurel - Claremont

Sharon Maasdorp - Pretoria Central

Jaqi Van Vuuren - Randparkridge/Ruimsig

Alam & Kay Ellahi & Bilkees Cassim - Boksburg

All existing franchisees across the country and Head Office wish you luck with your fantastic journey ahead!  May you touch the lives of the many precious little souls who walk through your EQual Zeal door! We know that you are ready to tackle the world and we hope you find fulfillment and strength in doing this very important work!

There are so many things happening at this time of year that I don't know about you, my head tends to spin most of the time these days! It is almost as if I am frantically trying to cram in all the things I haven't yet gotten around to before the year finally draws to a close! Is it just me, or are you experiencing the same...

With a spinning head, comes stress, with stress comes lack of sleep, with lack of sleep comes lack of productivity! So, I have taken careful measured steps to ensure that I don't fall victim to stress because of my very overloaded to-do-list! 

1. I recently started Boot Camp for Women...an instant crash course to fitness.
2.  I cut out all fizzy drinks & caffeine
3.  I only drink water...LOTS of water
4.  I go to bed at least 9 hours before I need to wake up
5.  I have reflection time first thing in the morning.
6.  I have 3 regular healthy, balanced meals a day.
7.  I eat fruit as snacks instead of sweets & chocolates
8.  I have started making time for my hobbies again
9.  I take a vitamin supplement
10. I visualise my end of year Christmas holiday!

My advice is that you find the ten steps that ensure that you will still manage to reach your true potential, despite the frantic pace of life you may find yourself in right now!

Many people find themselves lacking in energy at this time of year and because of this, they turn to all sorts of quick-fixes and supplements...be sure to read my blog on Red Bull warning of the dangers of energy drinks!

Alongside this, diarise 30 November as this is our annual Equal Zeal® Head Office family fun day in Johannesburg, to celebrate the end of another successful year!  We would love to see you there!

Enjoy October and remember to relax, unwind, refresh and rejuvenate! 

Regards with Zeal

Zelna
Founder of Equal Zeal®

Winter is deliciously melting into Spring as new life slowly nudges its way into our gradually warmer days!  I for one always see Spring as the time of new beginnings. 

On 1 September, Equal Zeal® is celebrating its 4th birthday!  How time flies...In only four short years, and 4 Springs later, Equal Zeal® can truly say that it has blossomed into an educational franchise that equals none other.  With 8 branches currently throughout the country and three more branches due to open in October in: BOKSBURG, RANDPARK RIDGE and POLOKWANE we are really creating a tidal wave of positive change in our precious children!

In the month of August, on Noeleen's 3Talk on SABC 3, Equal Zeal® was part of a panel discussion on "Stress in teenagers".  The truth is that stress is out there and if you think it impacts on you as an adult...just for a minute think how it impacts on your child!  Solutions seem easy at face value, but the longer you as parent takes to intervene positively, the more difficult it becomes to curb these negative effects of stress.  Ultimately, stress over a prolonged period of time leads to depression which in turn can lead to a nasty plethora of ailments.

So, with Spring around the corner...why not assist your family in sweeping their life clean!  Encourage them to partake in a "life detox".

This can be done by:

practicing the art of mindfullness
choosing healthy foods
drinking lots of water
taking up a hobby
exercising
socialising
taking time out

Not rocket science...but a SURE way to increase your families productivity, mental acuity and all round emotional well-being. 

My challenge to you this month...take time out to find balance together!  Stress is a 6 letter word that if we take away the first and the last "s", and move the T to the back....spells...REST!!  What does that show you, (a cup of) T can go a long way when stressed!

Have a super month and be sure to celebrate Clean up the World Weekend between 18 - 20 September by contributing in a small way by cleaning up your OWN act!!

Regards with Zeal

Zelna