My Transformation in Turkey
Lynn Tan
“Transform. Transcend. Together.” This was the theme of the 2012 EO Istanbul University, and it did not fail to live up to its promise. I would like to believe that my life has indeed transformed and transcended since my pilgrimage from Singapore to Turkey for this once-in-a-lifetime event. This was the fourth University I’ve attended since joining EO—I am a bona-fide junkie!—and it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Not only did it create lasting memories, but it gave me a reason to truly reflect on my life.
Since my first University in 2009, a lot has changed. My business has grown exponentially, I moved into a million-dollar dream home that I acquired all on my own, and I became a single mother. And yet I travelled to Turkey with equal parts enthusiasm and melancholy.
While the business part of my life was booming, the family aspect had hit a road bump. A year ago, I decided to end my marriage of eight years, one of the toughest decisions I’ve ever made. So, I headed into the Istanbul University like any other, ready to learn and grow. And boy, did those four days transform my life!
The theme of the University never really hit me until now. From the carefully chosen speakers and learning topics to the inspiring evening socials, it was truly mesmerizing. On the last night, the attendees tied notes with wishes on them to orange lanterns, and then proceeded to let them fly up into the sky, all while Michael Jackson’s “Man in the Mirror” (one of my favorite songs) played in the background. Tears were rolling down my cheeks as I sang along to the song and watched as the lanterns gave the sky an electric-orange glow. It was such a simple event, but it touched me. All of the things I had been dealing with had come to the surface so easily, and I knew I had to do something about it.
That same night, I decided to call my ex-husband. We hadn’t spoken very much since our divorce, but on that magical night we talked for more than two hours. It was the first time after we went our separate ways that we could speak to one another without resentment or blame. We agreed to meet at the airport when I returned to Singapore to talk further. After being divorced for a year—and after four incredible days at the University—I suddenly realized where my true happiness lies. It’s not in my dream house or my business. It’s not in profit or material things. It’s with my family, the people who truly make everything worthwhile.
Having experienced the transformative nature of this EO event, I discovered where I went wrong in my marriage. That night, after the phone call, I decided to take ownership instead of blaming, resenting or complaining about being a victim of circumstances. I made an effort to change … for myself, for my family, for my future.
Three months have passed since the University, and my ex-husband and I have reunited with so much love and renewed affection for each other. While we’re thankful to have arrived at this exciting new place, I know that none of this would have been possible if it weren’t for the opportunities made available to me through the University and my EO peers (and that of my husband’s, who’s an EO Malaysia member). Their support, patience and love throughout the toughest period of our lives have been invaluable. Thanks to EO, our family and our love for one another, we are reunited and have never been happier. Trust me when I say that through EO, your life can truly transform, and transcend, together.
Lynn Tan is the managing director of Fusion Cosmetics Pte, Ltd. Fun fact: For the past nine years, Lynn, a Zumba fanatic, has been donating a part of her company’s profits to many charitable organizations.
