A book by Lynn Wong: 3/1/15

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.

Thursday, March 19, 2015

ENGAGED AND INTERESTED

13,800 emails from just one person in thirty six months is pretty convincing. You are being thought of frequently!

Keeping this up takes a lot of discipline, persistence, enthusiasm and obviously the relationship between them must be good.

Enemies don't write; they send hate mails!

It takes both hands to clap and obviously the sender and receiver are happy with each other.
Still the effort is to be applauded.

People come into our lives and leave for various reasons. The ones who stay are few. This is the normal cycle. We try to keep family and friends engaged and interested the best way we can.

Whether it's through email, phone call, short messaging, beer during happy hour or sharing a meal, make time.
Investing in strong, trusting, and enduring relationships bring huge and heartwarming returns.

Make someone's day!

BE THE EXCEPTION

If you think she's tyrannical, selfish, greedy and a pain and you're nothing like her, think again!
Given the same circumstances you are just as capable to react and behave in the same crude manner; perhaps even worse.

But thank God we have Freedom Of Choice!
Despite the trying and unfavorable situations that are thrown at us, we can choose to conduct ourselves in total contrast to the norm.

Rise above one's ego and be the exception...

Tuesday, March 10, 2015

DO-GOODER

Some lessons are harder to learn than others.

It doesn't always pay to be a hurried and overly enthusiastic do-gooder.
The recipient, not used to such (unwarranted) attention, may jolly well misread your good intention and rather than thank you for your kindness and generosity, may feel hurt, slighted and even insulted.
He thinks you are exposing his vulnerability and weaknesses. That can be quite difficult for him to swallow.

So, be wise and sensitive to other people's feelings and reactions.
Better be safe than sorry!

EMOTIONAL BANK

Never run on empty! It's foolish to even try.
When our emotional bank is running low we are bound to be edgy, nervous and angry.
At the slightest hint of anything that's remotely provocative or uncalled for, there could be a flare-up.
Emotional bankruptcy is upsetting.

Make frequent deposits into our emotional bank - in the form of positive thoughts, happy memories, hopeful future, noble dreams, wholesome activities, healthy pursuits, loving relationships - and these will help make any and every inevitable withdrawal 'no problem at all; piece of cake!'

About the Author

Lynn Wong was the Managing Director of a multinational company. She had an interesting and fulfilling career, much of which involved and encompassed all forms of corporate management and leadership development. Lynn writes with candid frankness on a wide range of subjects, hopping in and out of the classroom, the kitchen, the bedroom and the boardroom! Her writings, at times, are peppered with cheekiness and humour.

After her early retirement, she studied Psychology majoring in Counselling; a subject which has gripped and fascinated her since childhood. Having successfully graduated, she is now better equipped to continue her work with young children, working adults and senior citizens in various non profitable organizations.

She can be reached at

lynnwong68@gmail.com