There is, for many of us, a moment in life when we make a choice that changes us forever. This moment marks a turning point, when we realize that the life we're living is not a mirror of who we really are.
For some, the moment comes as a result of something dramatic: the sudden loss of a job, or the death of a loved one. For others, they have to deal with difficult situations, such as financial hardship. In these challenging times, it's more critical(關(guān)鍵時刻的) than ever for us to seize the possibility of positive change. As I travel and talk to people about their lives, I often see a distant, vacant look in their eyes -- a look that says “I’m so busy trying to survive my life that no soul left to live it”.
As a result, we end up feeling lonely. Yet we keep on going the way we've been going. We tolerate high levels of stress at work, take important relationships for granted, or put our health needs on hold. We get so caught up in the details of living that our busyness becomes an excuse from the inner voice that begs us to listen. When you finally pay attention to that little voice and begin to make even small changes, you will slowly improve yourself.
To start positive change, you need the power of your mind. I've come up with a five-step strategy that will help you. You will be able to identify what you want and then go after it. It's easier than you might think.
1. Reset your happiness set point. Don't limit yourself! When I decided that I wanted more control over my life, I set goals in physical, emotional, financial, professional, material, and play. I challenged myself to consider every possible choice. Imagine things you've never believed you could achieve. Don't let your past determine your future.
2. Trust your courage. Too often, when you're first learning to take control of your life, you doubt yourself. It's important to develop a strong connection with your inner guidance system. I've heard many stories about the persistent voice inside your head.
3. Take action. Once you have set goals, adjusted your beliefs, and got ready, you can start making things happen. Again, turn to those people you respect -- the ones achieving what you desire -- for support and guidance. They will both inspire you and give you practical advice on what steps you need to take.
4. Have faith. Believe that the positive energy of grace will support your efforts to improve your life. When you've done all you can, let go and trust that the right result will occur. When we have faith, we give up the need to be in control, and we set ourselves up to actually enjoy the process of change.
5. Be patient. This can be the toughest step. It's not easy to trust that your life will improve in a best way. Remind yourself of the benefits of patience. In my experience, those life changes are always worth the wait.
小題1:What does the author intend to say in the second paragraph?
| A．The start of some turning points in one’s life is caused by crisis. |
| B．Loss of a job or the death of a loved one are all dramatic things. |
| C．No one can live a life without any turning points. |
| D．No one can predict his future of being good or not. |
小題2:In the author’s opinion, we should ______________.
| A．a(chǎn)djust our beliefs from time to time | B．a(chǎn)lways control ourselves for anything |
| C．keep on going the way we are going | D．seize the challenging times to live an active life |
小題3:The author suggests that when setting your happiness set points, you should _______.
| A．know the limitation of your set point | B．build self-confidence without doubt |
| C．limit your goals in different ways | D．consider every possible choice with care |
小題4:Which of the following is NOT true according to the passage?
| A．When you've done all you can, you may believe that the right result will occur. |
| B．When you set goals, and take action, it is possible to make things happen. |
| C．When you first learn to take charge of your life, you will always doubt yourself. |
| D．If things do not happen in a way that is best, patience is always worth the wait. |
he crowded school yard. I saw a group of popular girls who were all __22__. 
me. “Jill, meet my dad. Dad, this is my friend Jill.” I shook the hand of a tall man. Camera flashes lit up the room, and claps filled the 44 as students accepted their a
wards. My name was finally called, 45 three others. I followed my classmates to the 46 . When I reached out my hand to shake the 47 , a big smile lit up her face. The blinding flash from my mother’s camera 48 my eyes and I knew my dad wasn’t there. I walked back to my seat 49 .
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