Lynn Manwar

Archive for the ‘Inspirational’ Category

Lynn’s Comments: Being at home on medical leave from work due to cancer treatment has certainly been quite the experience.   I have been mainly been spending my time at home either reading, watching television (which is a habit I never had before), surfing on the internet and roaming on social media networks.   I was rather delighted when I received a message and invitation from Ashima Suri of Building Bridges Association of Canada to speak at their Networking Event for Women with Disabilities on May 2nd, 2012.  The day that I was invited to speak by Ashima, was also the day I also received my 5th Chemo treatment at Princess Margaret Hospital on April 20th, 2012.   I had a bit of Chemo brain that day, but I did commit to speak for the event!

I felt rather fine for a few days after my 5th Chemo treatment, however, about 6 days later, I started to get a dry cough from April 26th onwards.  The cough continued throughout the weekend and the following week as well.  I was a little concerned as the week progressed, wondering, if I would be able to still speak at the event?  I made sure that I rested and upon arrival to the venue on the day of the event, Silvi, a facebook friend gave me some ginger candies and I had some tea.   I settled in to the Speaker’s Table and met the other guest speakers.   There was positive energy all around.

Luckily, my cough went away and I was able to speak after lunch to the attendees and other guests.  I was able to share my personal experience of challenges and temporary times of disability with the audience and the knowledge I learned along the way in my journey.   I felt very fortunate to have had the opportunity to speak that day as my experience will enable others to build bridges in their lives!

For more information about Building Bridges Association of Canada go to:  http://www.buildingbridgescanada.com/

Lynn’s Comments: I first heard that Oprah was coming to Toronto in March 2012 when a family friend came over to visit at our home.  I was so excited when I heard the news that I then decided to post on my Facebook status, “Universe I am manifesting Oprah tickets, thank you, thank you, thank you!”.  Within 8 minutes of updating my status on Facebook, a lovely women named Arpana responded and said she had a ticket for me!  I was so excited and delighted to say the least.  I have been watching the Oprah show since 1988 and always wanted to see her show live as an audience member.

After learning that I had a ticket to the Oprah Life Class Tour in Toronto for the following month, I did a happy dance around my house and savored the great feelings associated with my happiness!  Being on medical leave and in treatment for cancer, this gift of a ticket really uplifted my mood and is the best gift ever!  Just imagine wanting something for 24 years and it finally happening—it’s such an amazing feeling!

I committed to go to the Oprah Life Class even though I was still in Chemotherapy treatment.  I knew it was an opportunity of a lifetime to attend the show and I certainly wasn’t going to let cancer or any type of cancer treatment stop me from attending.  The big day arrived on April 16th, 2012 and I took the subway downtown to the Metro Convention Centre.  I brought a salad and two boiled eggs to ensure I had food for that afternoon and energy to keep me going.  I went to the front entrance of the Metro Convention Centre and realized that I had to enter the event from another entrance.  I got a call from Priya who was already lined up with Reshma, and I asked if I had enough time to get some more food, and she said yes.  I then decided to purchase a veggie hotdog and fries, to ensure I had enough meals for the day and began my walk over to the long line to join the ladies and my soul sisters for the day!

My last Chemo treatment was on March 30th, 2012 and this big day for the Oprah Life Class was 2 weeks later.  I walked over to the long line and found both Reshma and Priya around 12:30pm that day.   Miraculously, I wore comfy shoes and managed to stay standing for 3. 5 hours until we were admitted to the Metro Convention Centre and lined up inside.  Much later on, just before we were admitted to the show, I had chosen to sit down on the ground for awhile, and I had a good rest while I watched Priya make a sign for the show.  We were admitted into the Hall for the show and walked diligently to find seats for all of us.  Luckily we found seats in the centre aisle and we were situated in a good spot.

As I sat in the audience, I thought about how grateful I was to be there.  For me, the Oprah Life Class was definitely a dream come true! and part of my bucket list of one activity that I was able to check off on my list!  It was very fitting that the theme of the Life Class was about Forgiveness and just what I needed to hear during my time of healing from a cancer diagnosis.  God does give us exactly what we need, that I know!

Lynn’s Comments: It was 2 weeks ago on Sunday, February 19th, 2012 that I received a few compliments from a man.  He called me both pretty and my photo beautiful.   On the same day, I was actually supposed to go on a date for dinner, but my date didn’t follow up and I was somewhat relieved. My relief came from having to not go through the process of putting on a wig for a date for the first time.

Earlier that week on Monday, February 13th, 2012, I decided to get my hair shaved off with the help of the neighbour.  Luckily I had friends over who brought Chinese food for dinner, their bouncing new baby boy and graciously agreed to videotape my experience.  It was so nice to have support on that monumental day.  I had been teary eyed on the weekend, as I noticed clumps of hair falling out.  I love my hair so much and it was tough to part with it.

My hair loss was caused by the start of Chemotherapy treatment a few weeks prior.  Five days before Christmas on December 20th, 2011, I was told I had a lump in my right breast and was booked for a meeting with the surgeon on December 23rd, 2012.  Meeting the surgeon and finding out my options was one of the most difficult meetings of my life.  I left that meeting, went to Gilda’s Club, received a Christmas gift and had brunch.  I then went to St. Michael’s Cathedral, lay before the aisle and cried my eyes out.   It took me almost 2 months before I had a crying moment again,  and so on Saturday, February 18th, 2012, I lay in my bed and cried about the loss of my hair and the change of my image.

I do feel God was watching over me on Sunday, February 19th, 2012, because even though my date didn’t happen, I received unexpected compliments from a man I hardly knew.  I wasn’t feeling so pretty that day, but when he called me “pretty” and my photo “beautiful”, his words not only touched my heart, but my soul.  I do believe it was God’s way of  saying Lynn, “you’ll be okay” and to get me to stop crying over my temporary situation. What I really needed that day was a “compliment”, not a “date”.  I do feel so ever grateful to have received those words of affirmation.  There’s a book I read several years ago called “The Five Love Languages“ by Gary Chapman and the first love language is listed as “Words of Affirmation”. I highly recommend you read the book on how to express heartfelt commitment to your mate— it will transform the way you look at relationships. Watch this introduction from Gary Chapman:

I am not sure how my dating life will progress in the next few months, but I do feel confident to go on dates and continue to put myself out there.  After all, in about 3 months, my hair will start to grow back.  I will have May and June 2012 to go on many dates.  I do have surgery booked in the early summer and radiation treatment.  As of September 2012, all these treatments will be behind me.  Hopefully, I will meet a man who will know and recognize that we are essentially spiritual beings in a physical body, and that what I have to go through the next few months, is all but a temporary process. I will start visualizing a new man enjoying time with me in my new pad in Etobicoke and having romantic walks by the waterfront. I can see it and feel it!! Ah, it’s so great to experience the future now in my mind

Many people get scared by the word “cancer”, but all it is, is a great opportunity for spiritual growth.  I’ve learned that when you fear cancer, it controls you, but when you embrace it, it sets you FREE!  I am FREE as a bird, loving my life, and the people in it!  I have much time left on this planet and look forward to sharing my Joy of Life with you all!  I am smiling now and hope you are too ;-D

Lynn’s Comments: What is Love?  Is it a kiss, a feeling, a hug, and a warm embrace?  Is it kind word, act, deed or sharing your meal?  Love can be anything you desire it to be…how big or how small?  Share love in the world in your own little way.  Do something nice for someone you know or even a stranger.  When you give love out,  it comes back at you- you will feel it and it’s absolutely amazing!

Check out The Love Movie by my friend Danish Ahmed:

Lynn’s Comments: At the end of February 2011 I decided to register as a delegate for Hot Docs Film Festival to learn more about the industry. This year’s festival was held from April 28th to May 8th, 2011. I was able to watch many documentaries that touched, moved and disturbed me. I love the storytelling and reality that documentaries bring to the world. Some docs that really opened up my eyes included: The Greatest Movie Ever Sold, <The Pirate Tapes, Being Elmo, Kumare, The Bengali Detective, My Barefoot Friend, and The Redemption of General Butt Naked.

The networking at this event was phenomenal with contacts from all around the world. I attended both Opening and Closing Night parties and met some great people, had lots of food and drink.

I had my first pitch session of my doc to TVO, even though I do not have experience in making a film. It was a good learning curve. I need to build my team and have a strong producer to go back to a broadcaster to support my project.

Opening Night Party of Hot Docs! Lynn with Ashima Suri and Lola of Limitless Productions

Jian Ghomeshi @ Hot Docs Awards

Lynn’s Comments: I was able to participate in Amazing Woman’s Day at the Ritz Carlton in Toronto, Ontario, Canada on Saturday, April 16th, 2011 as a volunteer for the day. It was a day bringing together dynamic leaders, entrepreneurs, and feminine mentors that connects, transforms and celebrates! Here is a great highlight from Extraordinary Woman TV:

With leaders such as Jennifer Hough of the Vital You and Joanna Andros of Courageous Living, in attendance, it was definitely a day to remember.

Lynn with Jennifer Hough of the Vital You

Lynn with Joanna Andros of Courageous Living