[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

An interview with Lynn Forbes – By Fiona Wakelin and Naledi Mokoena

Lynn Forbes is no stranger to living a life of purpose; health and wellness have always been a priority and her journey has afforded Lynn a platform to share her experiences with others while striving to live a life centred on holistic living. As a woman who wears many hats, her zest for life extends into her roles as a content creator, brand creator and inspirational speaker – all of which are a testament to her commitment to living a life of purpose. From conquering Mount Kilimanjaro at age 50 to her wisdom about raising blended families as a proud mother and grandmother, Lynn is determined to make an impact in the world. Affectionately known as Glammy, Lynn is a grandmother to Kairo Forbes and plays a pivotal role in helping her granddaughter grow in confidence, cope with stress and develop healthy self-esteem.

Health and wellness journey 

Lynn has not let the challenging aspects of life weigh her down or dampen her tenacious spirit. She says since her experience of sexual abuse as a child, being a mother, going through a divorce and becoming grandmother, amongst other momentous life experiences, inspired her to value life at an evolved level. 

“I’m grateful for my life and therefore health and wellness has always been important to me. I want to share this with others and be of service. As an inspirational speaker and influencer, I am turning my pain into purpose and it is a great way to learn more about myself and make a real difference in people’s lives. ”

Issues surrounding women’s mental health have always been of great concern to her, shaping her perspectives on vulnerability and strength. 

“There is a notion that mentally strong women face their fears, problems and challenges. We tackle them head on, and we do not run away from them. Yes that is true, but we don’t have to do this alone. It is actually our ability to be vulnerable that determines if we are being mentally strong. We all have it in us to face our life challenges but sometimes we don’t know how to do so by ourselves and we don’t have to”.

Furthermore Lynn believes it is imperative for women to understand their fears, how to overcome them practically, and be intentional about how to actively play a pivotal role in one’s own life, of others and the community at large. Her wellness mantra is to let go of matters beyond her control, invest in her inner peace and spend time in nature. 

Against all odds

Summiting Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa was a goal Lynn set herself. At the time she recalls being in great physical health however mentally she was faced with tremendous personal challenges.

“The analogy is, as the climber, I am the patient, the mountain is my mental health challenge, the challenges encountered during the climb, are obstacles that stood between me and overcoming the challenge, such as childhood sexual abuse, divorce and the death of a loved one for example,” said Lynn. In addition, she believes it’s the challenges an individual faces and overcomes that gives them purpose. 

With a passion for uplifting others, she says there is no greater purpose than being of service to others. She was raised in a family of teachers and was later inspired to undertake the same role as an act of service. 

“I believe that my childhood abuse made me a more empathetic and caring human being. Studying psychology was just a natural choice for me and having this qualification has given me a deeper insight and only enhanced what came naturally to me already, service to others”.  

As an inspirational speaker and influencer, she acknowledges the impact of turning her pain into purpose, furthermore learning more about herself and how to make a difference in people’s lives.

Inspired to inspire

Lynn recognises storytelling as a powerful tool to engage and connect with audiences.

“Stories help us understand others.

“They have the ability to help us learn about others and to find understanding and empathy for them and their situations. Whether we actually know the individual or not, hearing their story evokes feelings within us. Stories teach us about life, about ourselves and about others.

“Nothing can ever replace the impact of face to face storytelling, that’s why I enjoy speaking to live audiences. Having said that, podcasts and social media platforms, like Instagram, are great platforms if used correctly”. 

Over a year ago Lynn launched a podcast with Life, Business and Wellness Coach Khadijah “Kay” Mia, a self-care and wellness programme which takes participants through a journey of personal transformation and change. 

“I’m excited about growing Get Real with Lynn Kay, our integrated wellness experience with my friend. I also have a podcast Outspoken Owls, with another friend Katie Mohammed and that’s going very well”.

A final word of inspiration from Lynn:

“Learn to accept that life happens. Bad things happen to us that leave us with a choice to either use these experiences to achieve a higher purpose and attain greater joy and fulfilment in life or allow these bad experiences to consume and destroy us. 

“We all have a higher purpose. Our job is to uncover and discover what that purpose is and to find that purpose, we need to look within ourselves. It’s the challenges that we face and overcome, that gives us purpose. 

“Turn your pain into purpose”.

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_code _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

[/et_pb_code][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]