Sanjana Grover: A Single Mother’s Inspiring Journey to Health and Happiness
Being a parent is never easy. When one becomes a mother, it brings big emotions. Motherhood is no less than a rollercoaster. Being a mother calls for a lot of sacrifice. And one thing we must learn from them is their unwavering strength, endurance, and the never-say-die attitude. Similar is the story of Sanjana Grover, a 55-year-old single mother who chose the path of a more fit lifestyle and led by example for her son and for herself too. She is a single mother who lost several kgs to motivate her son to live a healthy lifestyle and it also helped her with her PCOS.
Speaking about her journey as a single mother and dealing with all the major hurdles in her life, in an exclusive conversation with India.com, Sanjana beautifully explained what it takes to be a single mother. She said, “I have been a single mom and sometimes being a single mom is the biggest advantage you can have. Society thinks of you as an object of pity and also of great bravado in some cases, but I see myself no differently than any other person would. I mean, if a man can provide for the family and bring the children up, so can a woman. The only difference I see in women bringing up their kids as single parents is that we are more wholesome human beings. I would say that our EQ to IQ ratio is better, especially if you’ve been working and being a single parent not only helps us be a better parent to a child and fulfill the needs that a child may have but also be a better human and a rounded human because being single forces you to go out and fend for yourself and for your child and along the journey become so much stronger and a more gorgeous, beautiful, enchanting, magnetic person version of yourself.”
Sanjana hails from Delhi but spent her formative years in Gujarat before getting married and relocating to Gujarat once again. Following her separation from her husband in her early 30s, she returned to Delhi and now resides in Gurgaon with her parents and son. She is also a tarot card reader.
Speaking with India.com, she said, “This came to a head after my marriage broke up and I started becoming more and more spiritually inclined. I wouldn’t say religious. I did not do Bhajan Kirtan. But there was always this quest to know what life is about, how I can be better, introspection all the time. And then came COVID, and I suddenly had no work and nothing to do. That is when I thought it was a golden opportunity for me to rediscover myself and do something new. I remember being completely broke, so I asked my son for some financial help, and I signed up for various courses on Coursera.”
One day, while driving with her son, they stumbled upon Cult Gym in Gurgaon. Intrigued by its ambiance and vibe, Sanjana went in to check it out. Always passionate about dancing, she found Cult to be a sanctuary, where she became part of a close-knit community, discovering various fitness activities such as weightlifting and boxing.
Throughout her life, Sanjana struggled with weight due to a late diagnosis of PCOS, compounded by a recent diagnosis of thyroid issues. In 2012, weighing close to 90 kgs, she decided to embark on a weight loss journey as her health deteriorated. Lacking knowledge about fitness, she initially resorted to starving herself and practicing mild Yoga taught by her aunt, a Yoga teacher. Despite facing setbacks and feelings of rejection, she found motivation within herself to transform. Over a year, fueled by determination, she managed to shed 30 kgs, but her weight continued to fluctuate due to improper focus on food portions and inadequate nutrition.
Personally, for Sanjana, her fitness journey has made her into the best version of herself. She currently has Thyroid but that does not stop her from living a better and healthy life every day. For her son, her journey has helped him become more resilient about his journey. He has become consistent and focused, plus he feels a certain pride in introducing her as his mom.
Sanjana’s story is a testament to the strength and resilience of single mothers everywhere. It serves as an inspiration for all mothers to prioritize their health and well-being, not just for themselves but for the happiness and well-being of their children. Happy Mother’s Day to all the super moms out there!