A review by:

Mr. Chan Bing Fai

Former school teacher, Headmaster and educational technologist

Lynn Wong's latest book is SMILE though your heart is ACHING. This is a much awaited book, a worthy sequel to her first book "As Time Goes By" published five years ago. Both her books are generally about life and living. They are not autobiographies.

Her first book is centred more on childhood memories and growing up pains based more on events, observations and her responses and reactions to them, with the innocence of a child. Her latest book, however, is about the adult world with its ups and downs.

It is also about fighting corporate battles.

The words she has chosen carry her thoughts succinctly. They are warm and friendly without being pretentious. The topics included in both her books cover a broad spectrum of subjects and events. Some are more hilarious and many are focused on a more serious note.

Her approach to life is spontaneous, governed by prudence and common sense. It appears lighthearted and easy. Being a keen observer, even trifles, will not escape her scrutiny. Her response to these is largely based on common sense and knowledge; laced with wisdom.

Her thoughts flow through smoothly from one idea to another and the transition is gentle, methodical, tidy and logical. Lynn's philosophy appears simple and yet very profound and thoughtful; gracious and tinged with a lot of human skills and understanding.

Her books are very personal and subjective; unique, highly perceptive, intimate and reflective. I have enjoyed reading both her books and excitedly look forward to her next one which I hope will not take too long to come to fruition.

Her artist -illustrator- is equally talented in bringing out the many encounters and experiences of the author through her drawings; depicting expressions, moods and emotions subtly and with precision. Congratulations to both of you for complementing each other perfectly!

The typography and layout is attractive and designed for easy reading. The book is available in major bookstores.

It is priced at RM27.90.

Monday, August 5, 2013

CHANGED LIFE...

For every action there is a reaction.
Freedom of choice is a privilege but also a responsibility.  We are accountable for our action.

God knows I've done some silly things in my life.  Some of them I'd rather not remember.  They make me cringe while others were really embarrassing and totally out of character.
"To err is human" and there is no one who hasn't given in to some form of insanity at some point in his life.

Thankfully I survived all the silliness, bad choices and mistakes.
On hindsight the past is what makes the present setting the stage for the future.  In that context I am thankful for the past with all the fears, tears, blunders and boos boos that accompanied me on my life journey.

It doesn't happen often but I recall  a certain period when I was reeling in despair and destitute and it seemed like everyone I thought I could count on had abandoned me.  It wasn't nice but that's human nature.  Enlightenment made this a lot easier to stomach.
That experience toughened me up and I survived.  

Every challenge takes its toll on the human body - physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.
When faced with a situation like that, don't give up.  Hang in there and wait for the 'storm' to pass.  It will eventually.

Modern Man suffer fatigue (and a whole lot of other physical ailments) not from manual work alone but more from stress, anxiety, bitterness, resentment and the unwillingness to forgive.
Sure enough there are people we cannot and will not forgive because of the injustice, hurt and harm they've caused us and yes, hating them is our prerogative, of course.  
But there is no pleasure to us in allowing these people or the past to dominate and ruin our lives.  God knows they've done enough damage already!  Release them and in the process release ourselves.

Mental disorder is on the rise.  Many are sick in the head by choice!
We can't get out of the rut, a hell we've created for ourselves.
Forgiveness is not a feeling nor an option.
It's a choice, albeit a tough choice if we care for our mental and emotional well being. 
My religion teaches me to let go of the past together with all the people and elements that do not add value to my life.  What good is cancer to the body.
Remove it and move on.

Yes, 'cancer', be gone! 
There's no space for you in my changed life.


No comments: