Tag: editoral

  • Growing Up Without a Village: How to Build One From Scratch

    Growing Up Without a Village: How to Build One From Scratch

    Credits
    Photography by ZEAL Member Okanagan Portraits
    Models Jenayah, Deep, Ladi and Sydney from ZEALUNITY
    Edited In House
    Brand Black Mountain Haunted House

    When “If Only” Haunts You: A Survival Kit for Letting Go

    When you lie awake at night, thinking of what could be, do you find yourself replaying the moments that might have happened, or the ones that never did? Memories of what could have been done differently swirl in your mind, maybe with more love, maybe with more support. If only. If only. I had. I chose. I left. I knew.

    This article is for you. For the ones haunted by choices, who move through life one day at a time, learning to choose freedom over fear. Your guilt does not have to define you. The feeling of being alone does not make you weak. If no one checks in, if no one seems to care, it does not mean you have done anything wrong.

    Here is your survival kit for navigating life without a village. For thriving even when support is scarce. For finding strength in yourself.

    Finding Community and Courage at Black Mountain Haunted House

    One of our escapes this month was a visit to the local haunted house at Black Mountain. We got to dress up, believe in ourselves, be creative, and simply have fun. It is run by such wonderful people, and because it is local, it made our community feel at home and part of something bigger. Even when support does not come from the people we might want, our community steps up and creates moments that feel larger than life.

    Experiencing this space made me think about how people survived in the early days of life, huddled in groups, surrounded by cold, hunger, and discomfort. Imagining a world that chose closeness over isolation for the sake of collective survival. Just like in that haunted house, the warmth of community, creativity, and shared experience becomes a lifeline. It reminds us that to live, we must depend on others, our family, our friends, the people who keep us safe, not just for our own sake, but for theirs too.

    Yet, even with that understanding, life is not always so forgiving. Support is not always there. Family may be distant, friends may be absent, and the people we hope to lean on may not be around. In those moments, everything feels heavier, the cold bites deeper, and fear lingers longer. It can be hard to believe in yourself, to take risks, or to create joy alone. And yet even in that absence, connection can be found. It may come through small acts, through strangers who step in unexpectedly, through laughter, creativity, and courage. That haunted house reminded me that even when our inner circle is small, community still exists. It is in the people who show up, in the experiences that spark joy, and in the courage we summon within ourselves.

    In a world where support is not guaranteed, these fleeting moments of shared humanity become essential. They remind us that belonging and warmth are possible, even when we have to create them ourselves.

    Survival List: What to Do Without a Village

    Treat Yourself to Your Own Date Day

    Don’t have anyone around you to text about your problems or talk to? This doesn’t mean spending money or buying random things. It means taking care of yourself. Sit down. Think. Reflect on all the loving things you do. Remember all the ways you have grown and gotten to where you are today in a positive way. You don’t need anything to be happy. You need delusional positivity and hope. You, my friend, are exactly where you need to be, and everything is aligned for you. Just chill.

    Go Do Something Fun

    Even if it costs a little money or none at all. Our creators went to Black Mountain Haunted House. For a lot of our members, joining our community was about wanting to do something different, be creative, and have fun for themselves. Experiences like this remind us that doing things just for you is powerful.

    Don’t Feel Bad About Missing the Things You Left

    It’s human. You are brave enough to try something new, and human enough to feel nostalgia for what you left. It’s evolution.

    Live Life as If No One is Watching

    Because, honestly, who is? Let the feeling of uncertainty guide you, knowing that each day is a new beginning.

    Write Down How You Feel

    One day, when your community is around you, you might forget what you’ve been through. Being able to read your own words and relive those moments will help you realize how far you’ve come.

    Don’t Let Memories or Messages Pull You Back

    If you receive messages that say, “I remember the good old times,” remember that a lot of the time, those moments weren’t as perfect as they seem. Don’t let someone else’s projection ruin your mindset.

    Allow and Receive Love Without Guilt

    You might not have much to give right now, and that’s okay. The people meant to be around you don’t expect anything from you. They just want to love you for who you are.

    Quiz: What Do You Really Need Next?

    Answer these quick questions to figure out your next step when your village isn’t around:

    1. How are you feeling right now?
    A. Overwhelmed and drained
    B. Bored and restless
    C. Curious and excited

    2. Do you have time to focus on yourself today?
    A. Not really
    B. A little bit
    C. Yes, I can make time

    3. What makes you feel alive?
    A. Alone reflection
    B. Being creative or doing something new
    C. Spending time with people, even virtually

    4. How do you deal with missing people or your old life?
    A. I get stuck thinking about it
    B. I acknowledge it but try to move forward
    C. I channel it into a new experience

    Results:

    • Mostly A’s → Self-Care Reset: Take a solo day to recharge, reflect, and do something purely for yourself. Journaling, meditation, or a long walk can help.
    • Mostly B’s → Creative Boost: Try something creative just for fun. Paint, write, dress up, or explore a new hobby. Focus on experiences that make you feel like “you.”
    • Mostly C’s → Community Quest: Find ways to connect safely with people who lift you up. Virtual hangouts, workshops, or local events can help you find your people.

    Embracing the Hard Days

    Now this is all hard. It is not going to feel cozy or soft. Some days you might feel sad, scared, or worried about where you are going next or why you are even here in the first place. Trusting yourself and letting go of the outcome, all while maintaining a positive outlook, positive habits, and positive self-talk, will keep you moving forward. Eventually, the heaviness will not feel as heavy. It will feel like a bag of tools for your next adventure, helping you figure out who you are, without the need to be dependent on abundance.

    Think about the kind of house that raised you and ask yourself what kind of house you want to live in now.

    🎃 Halloween Treats That Won’t Break the Bank

    Halloween doesn’t have to mean spending a ton of money to have fun and feel festive. Whether you’re solo, with friends, or doing a cozy night in, these easy and cheap treats are perfect for getting into the spooky spirit. Think cozy lattes, sweet cornbread, and little DIY touches that make your night feel magical.. all without emptying your wallet.

    Grab your ingredients, get a little creative, and let’s make Halloween deliciously fun and totally budget-friendly!

    Budget-Friendly Pumpkin Spice Latte (Non-Alcoholic)

    Ingredients:

    • 1 cup milk (any kind, even powdered milk works)
    • 1–2 tsp pumpkin puree (optional, can skip if needed)
    • 1 tsp sugar or honey
    • 1/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon
    • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
    • 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee or instant coffee

    Instructions:

    1. Heat milk in a small pot or microwave.
    2. Stir in pumpkin, sugar, and pumpkin pie spice until well combined.
    3. Mix in coffee and vanilla if using.
    4. Pour into a mug, top with whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
    5. Sip and enjoy your cozy Halloween treat!

    💡 Tip: Skip the pumpkin puree or whipped cream to save money and still have a tasty latte.

    🎃 Cheap & Easy “Monster” Cornbread

    Ingredients:

    • 1 cup cornmeal
    • 1 cup flour (all-purpose or whatever you have)
    • 2 tbsp sugar
    • 1 tbsp baking powder
    • Pinch of salt
    • 1 cup milk (or water + a little butter/oil)
    • 1/4 cup melted butter or oil
    • 2 eggs (or 1 egg + 1/4 cup applesauce to save)

    Instructions:

    1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a pan.
    2. Mix dry ingredients: cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
    3. Mix wet ingredients: milk, melted butter, and eggs.
    4. Combine wet and dry ingredients, stir until just mixed.
    5. Pour batter into the pan and bake 20–25 minutes until golden.

    💡 Tip: Add a few chocolate chips or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top for a festive touch without spending much.

    🕸️ Not in the Baking Mood? Try This Halloween Self-Discovery Quiz!

    Answer these questions to find a fun, spooky activity that fits your vibe and mood tonight:

    🕯️ A Little Note Before You Go

    Whatever your environment looks like this season, know that you are loved, needed, and wanted. Halloween can bring up a lot.. it’s a time of magical energy for many. Remember to drink your juice, eat your food, and take care of yourself without feeling guilty or wrong about what’s already happened.

    Be accountable, take risks, and stay positive even when things feel uncertain. Sending you the very best and wishing you a safe, grounded, and meaningful Halloween. 🎃

  • Kelowna:Tired of Flaky Friends—Read This Before Summer Slips Away

    Kelowna:Tired of Flaky Friends—Read This Before Summer Slips Away

    Come with us to one of our new favourite hangouts —

    where the food is fresh, the laughs come easy, and the setting makes you want to stay a little longer. Whether you’re showing up solo or meeting someone new, there’s still time to make this summer one to remember.

    Let’s be real for a second.

    You know how it goes. The “let’s hang soon” texts that never turn into plans. The group chats that somehow make you feel more alone. The vibe that’s just off.

    Living in Kelowna, where sunsets hit different and everyone kinda knows everyone, it’s easy to be around people but still feel like you’re missing your people.

    This summer isn’t about adding more contacts. It’s about finding the ones who actually get you. The people who check in for no reason, hype you up for the little things, and turn a pizza night into a memory you’ll want to keep.

    If you’re done with the fake invites and want to start making real connections, this guide is for you.

    📸 Credits

    Featuring models: Jenayah, Hammad, and Savjeet – (welcome to the team 🤍)
    Captured by: Georgia – @g.fields_photos (ZEAL Social Media Team)
    Edited & curated in-house with love
    Creative direction & brand vision by our team
    Shot on location at Dunnenzies, Mission – Kelowna 🍕

    Not Everyone Gets a Slice: How to Spot Real Friends This Summer

    Summer has a way of showing you who’s really there and who just likes the idea of being close.

    This season is about choosing people who feel like peace. Who check in without a reason. Who meet you where you’re at without making you question if you’re too much.

    You don’t need to chase. You don’t need to prove. You just need to notice.

    Whether you’re starting fresh or just noticing shifts in your circle, these reminders are here to help you stay soft, clear, and grounded. Because not everyone gets a slice—and that’s completely okay.

    1. If they keep cancelling plans, it’s okay to stop waiting.
    You deserve consistency. If someone repeatedly lets you down, believe their patterns and stop putting your joy on hold.
    🫶 But maybe they’re overwhelmed and don’t know how to say it.
    Some people cancel not because they don’t care, but because they’re anxious, burnt out, or in a hard season. You can hold boundaries and hold space.

    2. If it only feels good online, it’s not as deep as you think.
    If someone hypes you in comments but never checks in when it counts, it might be more about image than intimacy.
    🫶 But maybe that’s the only way they know how to connect right now.
    Some people use social media to show love because it feels safer than real vulnerability. You get to decide if that’s enough for you.

    3. Just because you’ve known them forever doesn’t mean they still fit.
    Time doesn’t equal trust. Some friendships run their course, and that’s not failure—it’s growth.
    🫶 But maybe they’re growing too, just quietly.
    Not everyone grows out loud. They might be shifting too, unsure how to bridge the new version of themselves with the old version of your friendship.

    4. If they talk badly about everyone else, they probably talk about you too.
    It might feel like you’re the exception, but gossip is usually a pattern—not a one-time thing.
    🫶 But maybe they just need better ways to process what they’re feeling.
    Some people vent because they don’t have safe spaces to work through things. It doesn’t excuse it—but it helps to ask if their tone changes when you bring softness into the room.

    5. If the energy feels off, it is.
    You don’t need proof. You don’t need a reason. You’re allowed to pull back from anything that makes you feel small or unsure.
    🫶 But maybe they’re just trying to protect themselves too.
    Sometimes we mistake distance for disinterest when really, someone is guarding their own heart. Not everyone knows how to be open and present, even when they want to.

    Our Secret Hangout Spot: DunnenZies Is More Than Just Pizza

    Hammad, Jenayah, and new member Savjeet recently visited Dunnenzies and it quickly became our new favourite hangout.

    The vibe is totally relaxed. The patio is tucked under big Okanagan trees giving all the fresh air feels but without the annoying crowds or noise. It’s the kind of place where you can actually have real convos, play some games and just be without distractions.

    Posters for local shows and events decorate the walls adding a cool artsy touch. The prices won’t make your wallet cry and the staff are so kind and welcoming it felt like we had known them forever. Plus the dog friendly patio is a major win if you’ve got a furry sidekick.

    They hooked us up with some next level mocktails and a mix of fresh vegetarian dishes plus a few classic favourites. The food was crispy and fresh holding up perfectly for our food pics and every last bite after.

    If you want that real Okanagan vibe without the crowds or chaos, Dunnenzies is the secret spot you didn’t know you needed.

    Hammad’s Review — One of Our Members Shares His Take

    After our visit to Dunnenzies, we asked Hammad to share his honest thoughts on the experience. Here’s what he had to say:

    **“We had a really pleasant time at Dunnenzies.
    The food was delicious. We ordered vegetarian pizza, loaded fries, nachos, and tacos.
    The quality of every item was top notch. The pizza was great. I really liked the loaded fries, and the fish tacos were well done.

    The only suggestion I’d have is to consider adding halal options if the business model allows. Otherwise, excellent food.”**

    We love hearing honest takes from our members and including every voice at the table. This was a summer memory worth sharing — and the food made it even better.

    Sick of Stress and Bad Vibes? Try These Kelowna Date Ideas ASAP

    1. Chill on the Dunnenzies Patio in the Mission

    Head to Dunnenzies’ Mission location and grab some of their seriously good pizza. They’ve also got a great happy hour menu that makes hanging out even sweeter. Take your food outside to their beautiful grassy patio — it’s the perfect spot to relax, soak up some sun, and enjoy good vibes with your date or friends. Pizza + patio + good deals = summer goals.

    Read more for our full experience!

    2. Music & Movement at Waterfront Park

    Bring a portable speaker and curate a playlist you and your date (or friends) love. Dance, walk along the lake, or just sit and listen while watching boats glide by. Bonus: it’s free, beautiful, and easy to escape into nature without leaving the city.

    3. Nature Walk & Picnic at Knox Mountain

    Pack a simple picnic or bring some leftover pizza from your favourite spot. Hike or stroll around Knox Mountain trails, find a quiet lookout, and enjoy the fresh air with low-key conversations and killer views.

    4. Vinyl or Chill Session at Home

    If you’re into music but don’t want to go out, host a vinyl listening session or playlist swap at home. Light some candles and make it a chill night to connect without any pressure.

    5. Art Crawl & Coffee Break Downtown

    Explore the vibrant street art and galleries downtown Kelowna. Walk or bike from mural to mural, snapping pics and sharing laughs. Stop by a local coffee shop like Bean Scene for a quick caffeine boost and a chill chat.

    6. Sunset Chill & Acoustic Vibes at Boyce-Gyro Park

    Bring a blanket, some acoustic tunes, and snacks to Boyce-Gyro Beach for a laid-back evening by the water. Watch the sunset, share stories, and enjoy the fresh lake breeze with good company—no fire needed.

    Moments Like This

    There’s something special about summer nights that feel easy. Sitting under the trees, laughing over food, swapping stories, and meeting new people who just get it. These are the kinds of moments that stick with us — the ones that make us feel seen, connected, and inspired.

    In a world that might feel scary when it comes to new opinions, new friends, and new ideas, it is time to listen to ourselves and what feels right. Habits grow. And the longer you hold on to old feelings or friendships that no longer match where you are going, sometimes that becomes the only place you will go.

    If you want to grow, if you want to feel different tomorrow not just in your thoughts but in your chest, you need change. If you do not have people to call today, take yourself out on one of these beautiful Okanagan days. Think about how amazing you are. Think about how loved you deserve to feel. Look up at the sky. Feel the warmth and freedom on your skin as you choose how to feel. You get to decide what a positive day looks like for you.

    You do not need people or things or some perfect plan to enjoy summer. You need moments that feel real. Do things you will actually remember. Not the things you hope people see you at. Because truth is, no one is looking. And that is where the freedom begins.

    At ZEALUNITY, we are building a space that feels like more. A place to create, to connect, and to be around people who want to grow and live fully. Whether you are starting fresh or already on your path, we are always happy to meet you.

    Come hang with us. There is always room for you here.