My Weight Journey: Overcoming Setbacks and Rediscovering Self-Confidence

Introduction

For the longest time, I never considered myself overweight. Being an active person, practicing flow yoga, and tending to my beloved garden, I always maintained a healthy weight. However, in mid-2020, things took a turn. The scale showed a sudden increase from 48kg to 52kg, and the consequences became evident as my clothes no longer fit comfortably. The weight gain was primarily due to the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, which limited my gardening activities and consumed my time with preparations for the launch of Nava'z Zen. It was a wake-up call, as I had taken for granted that my yoga practice alone would prevent weight gain, oblivious to the fact that I wasn't burning enough calories while indulging in snacks during my planning sessions.

Nava's Zen: Embracing the Aromatic Beauty and Therapeutic Delights of Ylang-Ylang

Ylang-Ylang, a cherished part of Nava's Zen, is a natural essence that perfectly aligns with our fitness-oriented nature and Zen. As the gardener (Cultivating Convenient Gardening) I, Ms Nava, made sure to include this plant in my garden from the very beginning. Over time, it has grown to a substantial height, but I carefully trim it to maintain its size. The delightful aspect of ylang-ylang lies in its vibrant yellow flowers and their captivating scent. To enhance this aromatic experience, I even place some of the flowers in our rainwater barrel, where they gracefully float and infuse the water with their enchanting fragrance.

Embracing Nature's Bounty: The Eco-Friendly Delight of Banana Leaves in Nava's Zen

At Nava's Zen, our commitment to sustainable development and environmental preservation runs deep. We understand the intrinsic connection between fitness and nature, and as both a fitness enthusiast and a gardener (Culivating Convenient Gardening), I am proud to cultivate this synergy. One aspect of our eco-friendliness is our profound appreciation for the produce we grow, incorporating it into our culinary practices. Among our cherished treasures is the versatile banana leaf. While modern alternatives like banana leaf plates exist, we remain loyal to our natural commitments, recognizing the multitude of benefits that banana leaves offer. Not only are they eco-friendly, but they also keep food warm and contribute to pollution reduction. Moreover, banana leaves enhance the visual appeal of food styling and presentation. Growing banana trees is an accessible endeavor, even in substantial-sized pots or smaller-sized varieties (Blossoming Passion: Gardening). At Nava's Zen, we wholeheartedly embrace eco-friendliness as our way of honoring and cherishing nature.

Personalized Diet Plans: Your Unique Weight Loss Journey

Losing weight and achieving your desired shape and size is a personal journey that requires careful consideration of various factors. While someone else's diet plan may have worked wonders for them, it's crucial to understand that one size does not fit all. We are unique individuals with different lifestyles, ages, professions, likes, and dislikes. This article aims to shed light on the importance of customized diet plans and the positive impact they can have on your weight loss journey.

Embrace Your Individuality

Every person's body is different, and what works for someone else may not necessarily work for you. It's essential to recognize and appreciate your individuality when it comes to your diet and weight loss goals. Your lifestyle, preferences, and specific needs should all be taken into account.

Cultivating Convenient Gardening: Welcoming Nature's Splendor

Join me on a journey through my personal gardening experiences, filled with mistakes, failures, and invaluable lessons (Blossoming Passion: A Journey Of Gardening). Let me reveal the honest truths about home gardening and captivate you with the wonders it holds.

Home gardening should be a convenient endeavour, where simplicity reigns supreme. It's about finding an approach that fits seamlessly into your lifestyle. The essentials revolve around watering your plants according to their needs, providing fertilizers when necessary, and repotting those that have outgrown their containers. However, it's important to recognize that not all plants can be saved, and sometimes letting go is the only option. Consider replacing them with similar varieties or exploring new possibilities. Remember, the size of your garden matters. The larger it is, the more time you'll need to allocate for its care. Don't overlook the importance of keeping your surroundings clean, even if you're gardening in pots. Regular cleaning and sweeping will ensure a tidy and inviting atmosphere. The time you invest will depend on the number of plants you have.

Achieving Clear and Healthy Skin: My Daily Skincare Routine Revealed

Are you one of those people who are obsessed with their skin? Well, there's no shame in that. After all, our skin is the largest organ of our body and it deserves all the attention and care that we can give it (Embracing Eternal Youth With Yoga And Skincare Mantras). In this post, I want to focus specifically on the skin on our face because it is the most visible part of our body and it requires a different level of care than the rest of our skin. You might be wondering why I'm making a distinction between the skin on our face and the rest of our body. The reason is simple - the products that we use to take care of our skin are not all the same. For example, the lotion or cream that we use on our hands or legs might not be suitable for the delicate skin on our face. That's why it's important to use products that are specifically designed for the face.

Blossoming Passion: A Journey of Gardening, Learning, and Perseverance

Let me take you back 20 years ago when I first moved into my current house in Kota Kemuning. It was a quiet area with not much to offer in terms of an active lifestyle. With my husband frequently traveling for work, I found myself feeling bored and longing for something more. As a lecturer juggling home affairs, I decided to start a blog and experiment with new recipes. But whenever I looked at the empty plot of land outside my house, I couldn't help but yearn for a touch of greenery.

Harmony and Rejuvenation: Embracing Eternal Youth with Yoga and Skincare Mantras

"Have I mentioned how yoga can work wonders for anti-aging? If I haven't, my apologies, because the benefits of yoga go far beyond just flexibility and relaxation (Unveiling The Truths of Yoga & Yoga Magic). Picture this: while striking those yoga poses and engaging in mindful breathing, you're actually giving your body a secret weapon against aging.

Celebrating Women's Curves: The Hypocrisy of Society

The internet is abuzz with talks of self-acceptance, body positivity, and living one's truth. But despite all the push for women to embrace their bodies and be comfortable in their skin, there's still a double standard when it comes to women's age, size, and self-expression. Take the case of a plus-size woman who proudly posts pictures of herself on social media in tight or loose clothing, flaunting her curves and proclaiming self-love and acceptance. People cheer her on and comment her bravery for being true to herself, regardless of society's expectations and beauty standards. And yet, the same cannot be said for a woman in her late fifties who shares photos of herself in yoga outfits (Unveiling the Truth of Yoga) showcasing her fit and toned physique.

Challengers Faced By Late 50s Indian Woman Entrepreneur - Ms.Nava (Part 2)

Prepared as I was, the true entrepreneurial learning curve only begins once you're in the system. It's a reality that the curve throws challengers your way, regularly or sporadically. As I move forward (Entrepreneurial Pull Factors) as an Indian woman entrepreneur in my late 50s, these challengers question my capabilities and abilities (Challengers Part 1).

 

Competition

Competition is inevitable and keeps me on my toes. It's not about comparing myself to others in the industry, but staying aware of their offerings. Nava's Zen, with its unique nature-inspired approach, stands apart. Yet, should we reinvent our wheels or lower prices to capture our target market effectively? Staying ahead of competitors requires time, money, and brand building—especially as a solopreneur.

Social Harassment

Digital marketing exposes me to both expected and unexpected challenges—social harassment being one of them. Being active on social media platforms is essential for personal and business branding. However, age and race seem to attract unwelcome attention. As a liberal Indian woman promoting my business through dance and yoga outfits, I face sleazy comments and direct messages. Dealing with these disgusting incidents is a choice between ignoring, avoiding digital marketing, or accepting that some individuals in society are irrational.

Age

Age itself is not a major obstacle, but it does come with its realities. Energy levels may decline, and the fact that my biological clock stopped ticking 18 years ago sometimes affects me emotionally. Palpitations, anxiety attacks, and nervousness arise occasionally. Though my mindset helps counter these challenges, I cannot halt the natural process of biological aging.

Managing the Husband

Managing the husband alone is a challenge in itself. I won't shy away from admitting it. Perhaps, it's rooted in the cultural upbringing that glorifies Indian men, placing them on a pedestal. How do I navigate this Indian social norm while still being the all-rounder managing household affairs? Complicating matters, my husband is comfortably retired while I, in my late 50s, remain an ambitious go-getter. Honesty prevails: managing the husband is no smooth ride.

In conclusion, navigating the entrepreneurial journey in my late 50s as an Indian woman comes with its fair share of hurdles. However, I am determined to overcome them. Through resilience, adaptability, and a growth mindset, I strive to inspire others to pursue their dreams, no matter the age or gender.

Challengers Faced By Late 50s Indian Woman Entrepreneur - Ms.Nava (Part 1)

Truth be told, sometimes I feel I should have been contented as a full-time wife and mother after leaving my job as a Senior Lecturer (Unveiling The Pull Factor) And for the first three years, I actually was content. It felt like a major relief to bid goodbye to the years of slogging at my career while managing home affairs and enduring peak hour commutes. However, three years later, my soul was torn apart as I yearned to return as an alpha female constantly reinventing myself. Thus began my late 50s social entrepreneurship journey, reinventing myself, upgrading my knowledge, and venturing into the health and wellness business with Nava's Zen.

Ms. Nava's Late 50s Social Entrepreneurship Journey - The Pull Factors

Assuming you have already familiarized yourself with Ms. Nava's push factors (Ms. Nava's Push Factors), it's time to delve into the other side of the coin—her pull factors. Pull factors, as we explore today, are the positive motivations that compelled Ms. Nava towards her path as a social woman entrepreneur. This captivating topic has been extensively researched and discussed in academic forums and journals, continually evolving in the literature review section. Unlike push factors, which involve external influences, pull factors are rooted in intrinsic motivations. They can be classified into various categories, such as the need for achievement, freedom, a desire for a challenging lifestyle, and the pursuit of financial success. Now, let's take a closer and personal look at Ms. Nava's pull factors.

Ms. Nava's Late 50s Social Entrepreneurship Journey - Unveiling the Push Factors

Step into the extraordinary story of Ms. Nava, a remarkable woman who embarked on her social entrepreneurial journey last year, defying age stereotypes and embracing boldness. At the ripe age of fifty-eight (58), she took a leap that left many wonderings, "Starting a business now? How intriguing!" Even Ms. Nava herself couldn't believe it at first. With hundreds of doubts clouding her mind, she pondered the challenges ahead. But as the saying goes, "You never try, you never know," and she understood that without risk, there can be no reward. Ms. Nava thrives on new challenges, ready to conquer whatever comes her way. Fascinating, isn't it? The intrigue only deepens.

Fake People - What Should We Do?

FAKE People! Watch out for them. They are everywhere. Literally everywhere and these days, due to the tremendously lifestyle, the lifestyle to success - success in terms of position, power, money, materialism, achievements and what not? You find more fakes compared to genuine personalities. Gone, gone are the days people were simple, humble, down-to-earth, practical and logical. These days, everywhere you turn to, fake people are there and mind you, they can be amongst your close friends and relatives. Some of these people can be easily identified, whereas, the rest, tell me about it? Sneaky and so sly until it will take a while to find out who they are. Including those closest to you. Scary right? I know. 

Married Couples, Solo Sleeping

Is it a taboo, or a topic you don’t want to solo-sleep about, or did I stir up your feelings, inside out, upside down? Aha! Nope, neither we should sleep about it.  I admit, I am a solo sleeper, not slipper! Hahaha! Why, are like beating your chest now, or you are already in the same solo-sleepers gang of mine? Honestly, no one have to the right to Brew-Ha-Ha if we are married solo sleepers and don’t even waste your time explaining why. Having said that, I can’t help but wonder if solo sleeping is only amongst the older generation, who have been married for donkey years, or even younger couples, married for the years you can easily count with your toes?

Ageing Gracefully - Ms. Nava K

It took me many many years to understand what ageing gracefully is. Like any other modern society, many are trying their hardest to upturn the conventions and say that age is just a number, not a big deal. But, looking back now, actually, I don't really know nor understand what it really meant. It felt somewhat meaningless. Now, as I crossed the border beyond fifty-seven (57) years, I can't stop visualizing myself with an endless whirl of chores, things to complete and people to take care of. I wonder if I'll end up like my mum and aunts. Typically, Indian women's chores boom after marriage. Spending most of their time doing domestic work like cooking, cleaning, washing and the list goes on and on and on. And the endpoint to this is usually either health gets in the way or when they leave for the after-world. 

Yoga. Beauty For Breathe, Body, Mind & Soul

(Venue - Foliage Cafe, Taman Desa Utama, Kuala Lumpur)

Hi Darlings,

I believe, I sincerely do, by now, if not the whole world, at least some of you are aware of my background, and where I am heading to? Yes. The buzz and buzzing of Ms. Nava K - Nava’s Zen. Holistic Wellness. In case, for whatever case best known to you, if you have missed it, said as well, as my all colours splashed all over me, please do me a favour please. Please click at - Nava’s Zen, Plant Based Breakfast Platters, Nava Krishnan and for my credentials and qualifications, LinkedIn. Alright, right on, let me get you to the yoga topic matter of the day. Yoga - Beauty For Breathe, Body, Mind & Soul. A matter so extremely close, closest to my “Yoga Heart”, also known as my Heart Chakra/Anahata Chakra. Furthermore, I’m assuming you may want to find out if I am obsessive, compulsive, or am I an avid lover of yoga? Oh-well, to sum up, oh-yes, I am all about yoga love. Precisely why I have walked countless miles in terms of learning, teaching, and embracing yoga. More importantly, obtaining my yoga credentials and qualifications.