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.

Friday, August 29, 2014

THINK CORRECTLY

When you realize how small and fallible you are, it's much easier to understand and forgive the failings and smallness of others.

Expect to make mistakes.  Blunders can't always be avoided.  It's okay when you fail and mess up.  Just be 'man' about it.

A grudge carried to the grave does no one any good.  So what if you've been wronged.  We are living in just such a world, full of injustices, misgivings, loss, lack and sad endings.
It's not the end of the world!

Create your own reasons to be happy and be free to feel exactly how you want to feel.  What others think of you don't matter.  What they don't approve about you is none of your business!
Work on quieting your thoughts and calming your emotions.  Don't allow anyone to steal your peace and rob your joy.  Guard your heart.

You can't prevent thieves from breaking into your house and cleaning you out.  That's something beyond your control.  They come without your invitation.

Worse still is the other type of robbers who wreak havoc in the theater of your mind.  These are more destructive than the former.
Unseen robbers who comes to rob, steal and destroy not your physical properties or possessions but your tranquility, mental wellness and peace of mind. 
Beware these ruthless 'intruders' who can do much more harm to you psychologically and emotionally.  
They lie, cheat and raise your level of fear, panic, insecurity and anxiety.  Very subtlety they invade your thoughts and make a playground of your mind. 

An alarm system may be a deterrent to break-in and safe guard possible loss but unfortunately doesn't guarantee good sleep.
Be mindful of who you take to bed with you .....think correctly.





Tuesday, August 26, 2014

RESURRECTION & LIFE

He was faithful to her; she remained fiercely loyal to him for as long as they were together.

She kept him in line; he kept her in love.
Theirs was the ideal - strong and enduring - relationship.
An alliance-an agreement.
One that had weathered many storms.

Bound by duty and responsibility; fueled by affection, admiration and affirmation.
They held their ground and withstood the test of time. 
Inseparable - nothing and no one came between them.

Or so they thought...
The immortality of Man is but a subtle lie.
For death came unexpectedly and took him away.

She grieved for the loss of her trusted ally; her long time companion and confidante.
Missing his laughter, his teasing and sometimes serious demeanor, she mourns.

Despairing but only for a season; she awaits the promised resurrection where death is overcome and life is celebrated in full measure...
Hope springs eternal.







Saturday, August 23, 2014

IT'S ALL IN THE MIND ...

Filter your thoughts; scrutinize them.  Don't hesitate to shut the door of your mind to negativism, self hate and condemnation.
Contemplate beauty, be beautiful.  Embrace all that is good, pure and lovely.
See the world through the eyes of a child.  Vibrate with enthusiasm and zest.  
Celebrate life.
Don't become old before your time.

What goes on in your mind can be the loveliest garden of your wildest dream OR the stinkiest sewer of your worst nightmare.
You can retrace, rewrite and reedit the story of your life.

You're the master of your destiny ...




Monday, August 18, 2014

SMILE ...

Smile though your heart is aching
Smile even though it's breaking
When there are clouds in the sky, you'll get by
If you smile through your fear and sorrow
Smile and maybe tomorrow
You'll see the sun come shining through for you

Light up your face with gladness
Hide every trace of sadness
Although a tear may be ever so near
That's the time you must keep on trying
Smile, what's the use of crying?
You'll find that life is still worthwhile
If you just smile

That's the time you must keep on trying
Smile, what's the use of crying?
You'll find that life is still worthwhile
If you just smile










Thursday, August 14, 2014

SURVIVOR

I am a survivor of depression.

I don't say this loosely.  Depression is real and it kills.
Statistics remind us that one out of three persons suffer from some form of depression whether it's psychological, physiological, biological or sociological.   Whatever the cause may be, the price we pay is high - self hate and self annihilation.  No joke!
Anyone who has been there can relate.

Experts go on to say that at some point in every person's life, he/she would carry or display symptoms of either severe, mild, acute and chronic depression.  The degree of a person's suffering would depend largely on circumstances and the patient's ability to 'handle' his problems.  There are many who live in denial; sort of putting up a front, a charade.

So no one is exempted.
However there is hope.  Depression can be treated with expert counselling, therapy and medicine. Thankfully with early detection and appropriate attention, the percentage of patients full recovery is encouraging.

A small circle of supportive and genuine friends helps.  
Gravitate towards people who can deposit positively into your life. 
In our biological make-up we each have an 'emotional tank' - an indicator of our mental state - and when that is empty, for sure, we can't get very far.  A breakdown is imminent!

Make sure you don't run on empty.  That would be very stupid indeed.  You are inviting trouble, big trouble.  
Imagine travelling on the highway in pitch darkness all alone, not a single car or soul in sight for miles, with your fuel gauge indicator blinking frantically RED!  Ever had a panic attack? 
Well, this is it. 

You don't have to fight depression alone.  You're not meant to.  
Move with people who makes you feel good about yourself.  Steer clear of people who only befriend you for their own personal agenda and selfish reason.
Don't apologize for letting go of people who do you more harm than good.  The toxic they inject into your system is devastating.
It's sickening to think that some people are rammed with a constant supply of nonsense - words and actions that tear at a person -  as if it's mother's milk!  No wonder over a period of time, their depression level plunges from mild to hopeless!

Seeking help to overcome your mental anguish and disorder is not a sign of weakness.  In fact, to acknowledge your condition, couple with the desire to do something positive about it is an act of great courage and deserves commendation.

Depression kills which is bad but it also drives one insane which is even worse ...