What the "F" are Zoals?

One of the things I love most about a new year are all the endless possibilities laying ahead. It's our time to look at the past year and realize all the things we accomplished (yay) and all the things we never did (oops).

I gave up making new years resolutions years ago because, frankly, I never remembered them after the first two weeks of the year. I mean, it's easy to remember to "work out more" and "eat better" but those are things we should be doing all year long. And if we don't remember those in our every day life, we will definitely feel the consequences.

The past month and a half has been really difficult for me as one of my closet friends is battling for her life (stupid cancer). While some people are turning to religion to comfort themselves, I am using her spirit and how she lives her life to inspire me and get me through the day.

So in honor of her, I am not making resolutions, but new personal goals; not just for 2014 but for life. All inspired by my beloved, Z - the best friend a girl could have. I am going to call them Zoals ("Z" goals) and am going to continue to work on them throughout the years.

Zoal #1 - Be a Better Friend. I am listing this for numerous reasons but really because in this trying time, I have realized the importance of friendships; specifically old friends (parents, sisters and husbands count here too). It is these people who know you well and have seen you grow. They know what you have been through and why you are the way you are today. When you really think about that, it's pretty cool to have that. Z has been my best friend since we were 12 years old. We have been through good and bad and still love each other through it all. It's a special relationship: one that takes work, yet it so natural at the same time. There is potential to have this with all my friends so I need to be better friend to them, to get it in return.

So how do I be a better friend, you ask? Reach out more. Call more. Check in. And most definitely, make plans to see each other. You never know when you are not going to have that chance again so it's so important to do it. Also, one thing I have learned to live by...don't hold too high of expectations for your friends. Everyone is different and there is no "best friend" mold. Appreciate them for who they are and how they enrich your life. If you start to do this more, you will be able to maintain and keep lasting relationships.

"Wherever you are...it is your friends who make your world"

Posted on the actual champagne bottle label I sent to Z asking her to be a bridesmaid in 2009.

Zoal #2 -  MAKE the time to do what you love. Writing is passion of mine and something I love to do. I also love being creative whether it's making and selling necklaces, creating arts and craft projects, or painting. When I do these things, I feel at ease. My stress seems to melt away and I'm happy. So why would I NOT do something that I love?  Great question. Time. There's never enough time. But that's not an excuse. If I have learned anything from Z's ordeal is that we have to take advantage of the time we have. We have to appreciate what we have now, because we won't have it forever.  With that said...expect a lot of DIYS, recipes, new Etsy store items and hopefully more consistent blog posts in the near future.

Zoal #3 - Take Care of Yourself/Your Body. I know what you are saying...a work out/diet goal. But this one is different. There's a saying that basically says...you only have one body so take care of it while you have it. We do this with material objects, children and pets...why would we not do it for ourselves? It's a known fact that if you eat well and exercise, you will improve your health. In Z's case, she is focused on exercise and nutrition and there is no doubt that has helped her in her struggle and recovery. We only get one chance to take care of ourselves so why not take some extra effort and learn how to do it right? From now on, I vow to work out harder and focus more on the actual workout and the benefits to my body/health. As for eating...thank goodness I love Chia Seeds and Kale (amazing recipes to come).

Re-using this pic again but seriously, it's really not that hard to do if you want it! 

Zoal #4 - Stress Less. Seeing a loved one battle what Z has been going through is honestly one of the most horrible things to witness. I so admire her strength throughout this fight and although I wish I could take the pain away and cure her, I can't. What I can do is be inspired by her persistence to get through this trying time. I can look at what she is going through and put my little dramas in perspective. The little things are not worth stressing over. There are much bigger and worse things to deal with. If/when I do come across those bigger things, whether this year or really, ever, I hope to take them on with as much strength, determination and grace as Z is doing right now.

So there you have it, my Zoals for 2014 and beyond. I hope that by writing them down and reading them every day, I can really work on making them a reality each and every day. I also hope I can inspire some of you to do some of these things as well. If not for me, then for my beloved Z!

Happy New Year everyone! Feel free to share your "Zoals", goals or resolutions below! Love you all! 

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