
Mapping Experiences
As a program manager, I'm obsessed with two things: thinking and processes. And then I found this book, MAPPING EXPERIENCES, by Jim Kalbach. This book is about possibilities and I'm super excited how it'll help me expand my thinking.
Big Magic
BIG MAGIC by Elizabeth Gilbert is a joy to read. Mail on Sunday says the book is “brimming with positive ways to think about creative living.” Huffington Post says “I have profoundly changed my approach to creating since I read this book.” Harper's Bazaar says “Gilbert demystifies the creative process, [...]” and I, Alice Teh, agree wholeheartedly with everything that has been said.
I say please read this book. Gilbert encourages us to face and accept our fears of creativity. She encourages us to [...]
My 31 Practices
I’m currently reading MY 31 PRACTICES by Alan Williams and Steve Payne (illustrated by John Montgomery), and have just finished the chapter Habit. At the start of the said chapter, the authors are talking about the Hook Model (Trigger/Action/Variable Reward/Investment) and the Habit Loop (Cue/Routine/Reward). Towards the end they provided an illustration of the approach.
I decided to “test drive” the concepts by adapting them in the context of my Swedish language learning with Duolingo.
Service Design
I'm currently reading SERVICE DESIGN: From Insight to Implementation by Andy Polaine, Lavrans Løvlie, and Ben Reason (ISBN: 9781933820330). I borrowed it from the public library in Singapore. The book piqued my interest because a big part of my job as a regional platform manager deals with process improvement and program management.
A Street Cat Named Bob
Ever since I moved to Singapore, I have decided not to buy books but instead to use its awesome public library services. National Library in Singapore is so good there's almost no reason to buy books, except well, this time. For Bob and his James Bowen.
I came to know about Bob the ginger tomcat about two weeks ago. I don't know what took me so long but it was when I saw a video of him and the street musician on my newsfeed that Bob caught my attention. I decided there and then I will buy his book to show my support.
The Art of Happiness
A few weeks ago I finished reading THE ART OF HAPPINESS: A Handbook for Living by His Holiness The Dalai Lama and Howard C. Cutler. It was my constant companion every morning while commuting to work in the bus or while waiting for it.
Having just finished MINDFULNESS FOR EVERY DAY LIVING by Christopher Titmuss, I expanded my reading to include The Dalai Lama's book. These two books are some of the best things that have happened to me recently.
The Tao of Pooh
THE TAO OF POOH by Benjamin Hoff is a wonderful gem of a book. I finished reading it while traveling home today—caught in a flight delay and then commuting in the bus from the airport to home—to celebrate Chinese New Year with my family. Lots of contemplation while I was at it.
Winnie-the-Pooh is one of my favorite bears (Paddington Bear is another one). Pooh is calm and reflective, and has a great personality.
The Magic: Practice Gratitude
I was attracted to the book because of its premise in practicing gratitude. Practicing gratitude is more than just saying the words thank you on the odd occasion as that doesn't make you and me a grateful person.