This Christmas, maybe different from previous years, a strong desire drives me to make my own Christmas gifts. Honestly speaking, I’ve promised myself this more than once. As a crafter (工匠), I’ve frequently thought I am supposed to turn it into action. However, this year I really plan to stick to it. It’s partly because I run short of money. More importantly, I’ve recently returned from an inspiring trip around Britain, collecting some information about crafting for BBC’s Newsnight.

    Actually I planned the trip couples of months ago. The idea of traveling the country — making things as I went, meeting artists and craftspeople — sounded perfect to spend the summer. I’d pack a tent and a sewing machine and I’d set off. But by the time I determined my plans and hit the road, leaves made a sighing sound under foot. It seemed crazy to camp with winter on the way; Luckily, Newsnight viewers offered me accommodations in return for help with a craft task.

My tasks ranged from sewing worn-out clothes to making trousers. Textile students in Harpenden offered to pay for my petrol in return for a talk about hats. In Derby, Amy needed help to change an old pair of curtains.

I was really struck by people’s increasing enthusiasm for making things. When I asked some people if they could sew, only a few raised their hands. But when I asked who wanted to learn, nearly everyone responded positively, hoping to learn something practical.

Craft is definitely popular at the moment. But besides fashion, we’re learning to appreciate effort and quality again. Perhaps once people rediscover the pleasure to be gained from making something unique, it may stick.

Sue is director of quilts at the V&A, where next spring she’ll be putting on the museum’s first major quilting exhibition. Sue believes the return to crafting is related to how we rethink ourselves. “People, especially women, are beginning to think about the way they live their lives. It’s 40 years since the first women’s liberation(解放) conference was held in Oxford. Since then we’ve been in the workplace, and we’ve had the opportunity of choice. Now we’re carefully choosing to go back into the home.”

Whether you agree with that or not, there’s something about Christmas that brings out the artistic flavor(气息) in everyone. Whether it’s baking bread or pies or decorating the halls or rooms, we’re all prepared to have a try at any time. So if you fancy having a different and joyful party or holiday and making a few presents, try these really simple ideas, each inspired by my recent journey there. They make small and interesting gifts, and take no longer than 30 minutes each. Enjoy Christmas songs and settle down with a cup of hot cocoa, and the cold is gone. You’ll save yourself a small quantity of money and spread a little bit of love, too!

1.Why did the author promise to make herself a Christmas gift this year?

A. She wanted to enjoy a different Christmas.

B. She wanted to make more money.

C. She was inspired by her trip for a BBC TV program.

D. She hoped to present herself with a surprise.

2.The author had her plans carried out and set out for Britain in ______.

A. spring                      B. summer                            C. fall                            D. winter

3.What happened during the author’s trip to Britain?

A. She met many artists and craftspeople on her way to Britain.

B. She spent a whole summer in Britain making crafts.

C. She was asked to sew clothes, and curtains and made much money.

D. Many people showed great interest in making things themselves.

4.According to the passage, people learn to ______ through crafting.

A. be grateful to what they have gained

B. keep up with fashion

C. stick to something interesting

D. know more information about craft

5.What is the author’s opinion on homemade Christmas presents?

A. Making Christmas presents can only convey a bit of your love.

B. People can find their artistic talent in making Christmas presents.

C. A cup of hot cocoa can inspire you to make a creative present.

D. It would take a long time to prepare a homemade Christmas present.

This Christmas, maybe different from previous years, a strong desire drives me to make my own Christmas gifts. Honestly speaking, I’ve promised myself this more than once. As a crafter (工匠), I’ve frequently thought I am supposed to turn it into action. However, this year I really plan to stick to it. It’s partly because I run short of money. More importantly, I’ve recently returned from an inspiring trip around Britain, collecting some information about crafting for BBC’s Newsnight.
Actually I planned the trip couples of months ago. The idea of traveling the country — making things as I went, meeting artists and craftspeople — sounded perfect to spend the summer. I’d pack a tent and a sewing machine and I’d set off. But by the time I determined my plans and hit the road, leaves made a sighing sound under foot. It seemed crazy to camp with winter on the way; Luckily, Newsnight viewers offered me accommodations in return for help with a craft task.
My tasks ranged from sewing worn-out clothes to making trousers. Textile students in Harpenden offered to pay for my petrol in return for a talk about hats. In Derby, Amy needed help to change an old pair of curtains.
I was really struck by people’s increasing enthusiasm for making things. When I asked some people if they could sew, only a few raised their hands. But when I asked who wanted to learn, nearly everyone responded positively, hoping to learn something practical.
Craft is definitely popular at the moment. But besides fashion, we’re learning to appreciate effort and quality again. Perhaps once people rediscover the pleasure to be gained from making something unique, it may stick.
Sue is director of quilts at the V&A, where next spring she’ll be putting on the museum’s first major quilting exhibition. Sue believes the return to crafting is related to how we rethink ourselves. “People, especially women, are beginning to think about the way they live their lives. It’s 40 years since the first women’s liberation(解放) conference was held in Oxford. Since then we’ve been in the workplace, and we’ve had the opportunity of choice. Now we’re carefully choosing to go back into the home.”
Whether you agree with that or not, there’s something about Christmas that brings out the artistic flavor(气息) in everyone. Whether it’s baking bread or pies or decorating the halls or rooms, we’re all prepared to have a try at any time. So if you fancy having a different and joyful party or holiday and making a few presents, try these really simple ideas, each inspired by my recent journey there. They make small and interesting gifts, and take no longer than 30 minutes each. Enjoy Christmas songs and settle down with a cup of hot cocoa, and the cold is gone. You’ll save yourself a small quantity of money and spread a little bit of love, too!
【小题1】Why did the author promise to make herself a Christmas gift this year?

This Christmas, maybe different from previous years, a strong desire drives me to make my own Christmas gifts. Honestly speaking, I’ve promised myself this more than once. As a crafter (工匠), I’ve frequently thought I am supposed to turn it into action. However, this year I really plan to stick to it. It’s partly because I run short of money. More importantly, I’ve recently returned from an inspiring trip around Britain, collecting some information about crafting for BBC’s Newsnight.
Actually I planned the trip couples of months ago. The idea of traveling the country — making things as I went, meeting artists and craftspeople — sounded perfect to spend the summer. I’d pack a tent and a sewing machine and I’d set off. But by the time I determined my plans and hit the road, leaves made a sighing sound under foot. It seemed crazy to camp with winter on the way; Luckily, Newsnight viewers offered me accommodations in return for help with a craft task.
My tasks ranged from sewing worn-out clothes to making trousers. Textile students in Harpenden offered to pay for my petrol in return for a talk about hats. In Derby, Amy needed help to change an old pair of curtains.
I was really struck by people’s increasing enthusiasm for making things. When I asked some people if they could sew, only a few raised their hands. But when I asked who wanted to learn, nearly everyone responded positively, hoping to learn something practical.
Craft is definitely popular at the moment. But besides fashion, we’re learning to appreciate effort and quality again. Perhaps once people rediscover the pleasure to be gained from making something unique, it may stick.
Sue is director of quilts at the V&A, where next spring she’ll be putting on the museum’s first major quilting exhibition. Sue believes the return to crafting is related to how we rethink ourselves. “People, especially women, are beginning to think about the way they live their lives. It’s 40 years since the first women’s liberation(解放) conference was held in Oxford. Since then we’ve been in the workplace, and we’ve had the opportunity of choice. Now we’re carefully choosing to go back into the home.”
Whether you agree with that or not, there’s something about Christmas that brings out the artistic flavor(气息) in everyone. Whether it’s baking bread or pies or decorating the halls or rooms, we’re all prepared to have a try at any time. So if you fancy having a different and joyful party or holiday and making a few presents, try these really simple ideas, each inspired by my recent journey there. They make small and interesting gifts, and take no longer than 30 minutes each. Enjoy Christmas songs and settle down with a cup of hot cocoa, and the cold is gone. You’ll save yourself a small quantity of money and spread a little bit of love, too!

1. 1.

   Why did the author promise to make herself a Christmas gift this year?

   1. A.
      She wanted to enjoy a different Christmas
   2. B.
      She wanted to make more money
   3. C.
      She was inspired by her trip for a BBC TV program
   4. D.
      She hoped to present herself with a surprise
2. 2.

   The author had her plans carried out and set out for Britain in ______

   1. A.
      spring
   2. B.
      summer
   3. C.
      fall
   4. D.
      winter
3. 3.

   What happened during the author’s trip to Britain?

   1. A.
      She met many artists and craftspeople on her way to Britain
   2. B.
      She spent a whole summer in Britain making crafts
   3. C.
      She was asked to sew clothes, and curtains and made much money
   4. D.
      Many people showed great interest in making things themselves
4. 4.

   According to the passage, people learn to ______ through crafting

   1. A.
      be grateful to what they have gained
   2. B.
      keep up with fashion
   3. C.
      stick to something interesting
   4. D.
      know more information about craft
5. 5.

   What is the author’s opinion on homemade Christmas presents?

   1. A.
      Making Christmas presents can only convey a bit of your love
   2. B.
      People can find their artistic talent in making Christmas presents
   3. C.
      A cup of hot cocoa can inspire you to make a creative present
   4. D.
      It would take a long time to prepare a homemade Christmas present

Have you ever noticed that the more you have the more you want? Let's face it. Thinking our life is good enough doesn't e naturally to many people. When we have high expectations of everything in life, we will run into disappointment. Only when we are aware that needs are different from desires can we live with satisfaction. 1.

2. Most people want things to be better than they are, or when things are going well, we forget to appreciate what we have. Learn to reflect on how much better things are than they could be. Write down 5 things you are grateful for right now.

When we hold onto regrets from decisions we have made, it can really poison our well-being. Many people regret something they can no longer change, which ends up holding them back from moving forward in a more positive manner. 3. so work to stay present and be mindful of the cur- rent moment to find more joy and fulfillment.

When we use other people as the measuring stick for our personal success and quality of life ,we are likely to be less satisfied. Social parisons can provide useful information when we try to learn from others. but they also hold our perspective in a discontented position. 4.

When you focus on your big ambitions and future goals, you might neglect the daily pleasures that surround you. 5. Stay present and focus on the task you're undertaking at the moment .Don't let the life pass you by because you're always on the go and distracted by ambitions.

Practice looking at life through the lens(镜头) of contentment and it will bee more natural.

A. Learn to create chances to achieve your goal.

B. What you should do is to put yourself in a good mood.

C. Here are a few ideas to help you be happier with what you have and who you are.

D. Focus on what you are thankful for.

E. What happened in the past is done and gone.

F. Compare yourself less with others so you can be satisfied more.

G. Learn to slow down and absorb the wonder and beauty around you.

Have you ever noticed that the more you have the more you want? Let’s face it. Thinking our life is good enough doesn’t come naturally to many people. When we have high expectations of everything in life we will run into disappointment. Only when we are aware that needs are different from desires can we live with satisfaction. Here are a few ideas to help you be happier with what you have and who you are.
Focus on what you are thankful for. Most people want things to be better than they are, or when things are going well, we forget to appreciate what we have. Learn to reflect on how much better things are than they could be. Focus on what you are thankful for. Write down 5 things you are grateful for right now.
When we hold onto regrets from decisions we have made, it can really poison our well-being. Many people regret something they can no longer change, which ends up holding them back from moving forward in a more positive manner. What happened in the past is done and gone, so work to stay present and be mindful of the current moment to find more joy and fulfillment.
When we use other people as the measuring stick for our personal success and quality of life we are likely to be less satisfied. Social comparisons can provide useful information when we try to learn from others, but they also hold our perspective in a discontented position. Compare yourself less with others so you can be satisfied more.
When you are focused on your big ambitions and future goals you might elide the daily pleasures that surround you. Learn to slow down and absorb the wonder and beauty around you. Stay present and focus on the task you’re undertaking at the moment. Don’t let the life pass you by because you’re always on the go and distracted by ambition.
Practice looking at life through the lens of contentment and it will become more natural.
【小题1】How can we live with contentment?

Have you ever noticed that the more you have the more you want? Let’s face it. Thinking our life is good enough doesn’t come naturally to many people. When we have high expectations of everything in life we will run into disappointment. Only when we are aware that needs are different from desires can we live with satisfaction. Here are a few ideas to help you be happier with what you have and who you are.

Focus on what you are thankful for. Most people want things to be better than they are, or when things are going well, we forget to appreciate what we have. Learn to reflect on how much better things are than they could be. Focus on what you are thankful for. Write down 5 things you are grateful for right now.

When we hold onto regrets from decisions we have made, it can really poison our well-being. Many people regret something they can no longer change, which ends up holding them back from moving forward in a more positive manner. What happened in the past is done and gone, so work to stay present and be mindful of the current moment to find more joy and fulfillment.

When we use other people as the measuring stick for our personal success and quality of life we are likely to be less satisfied. Social comparisons can provide useful information when we try to learn from others, but they also hold our perspective in a discontented position. Compare yourself less with others so you can be satisfied more.

When you are focused on your big ambitions and future goals you might elide the daily pleasures that surround you. Learn to slow down and absorb the wonder and beauty around you. Stay present and focus on the task you’re undertaking at the moment. Don’t let the life pass you by because you’re always on the go and distracted by ambition.

Practice looking at life through the lens of contentment and it will become more natural.

1.How can we live with contentment?

A. To change our lifestyle.

B. To have a motivation in life.

C. To give less attention to what we are grateful for.

D. To realize the difference between needs and desires.

2.What’s the main idea of Paragraph 3?

A. Make wise decisions. B. Know the present situation

C. Let go of regrets. D. Remember the past.

3.The underlined word “elide”(in Paragraph 5) probably means “__”.

A. enjoy B. change C. create D. neglect

4.What should you do to put yourself in a good mood?

A. Make time for simple pleasures.

B. Learn from successful people.

C. Focus on your future goals.

D. Create chance to learn more.

Have you ever noticed that the more you have the more you want? Let’s face it. Thinking our life is good enough doesn’t come naturally to many people. When we have high expectations of everything in life we will run into disappointment. Only when we are aware that needs are different from desires can we live with satisfaction. Here are a few ideas to help you be happier with what you have and who you are.

Focus on what you are thankful for. Most people want things to be better than they are, or when things are going well, we forget to appreciate what we have. Learn to reflect on how much better things are than they could be. Focus on what you are thankful for. Write down 5 things you are grateful for right now.

When we hold onto regrets from decisions we have made, it can really poison our well-being. Many people regret something they can no longer change, which ends up holding them back from moving forward in a more positive manner. What happened in the past is done and gone, so work to stay present and be mindful of the current moment to find more joy and fulfillment.

When we use other people as the measuring stick for our personal success and quality of life we are likely to be less satisfied. Social comparisons can provide useful information when we try to learn from others, but they also hold our perspective in a discontented position. Compare yourself less with others so you can be satisfied more.

When you are focused on your big ambitions and future goals you might elide the daily pleasures that surround you. Learn to slow down and absorb the wonder and beauty around you. Stay present and focus on the task you’re undertaking at the moment. Don’t let the life pass you by because you’re always on the go and distracted by ambition.

Practice looking at life through the lens of contentment and it will become more natural.

1.How can we live with contentment?

A. To change our lifestyle.

B. To have a motivation in life.

C. To give less attention to what we are grateful for.

D. To realize the difference between needs and desires.

2.What’s the main idea of Paragraph 3?

A. Make wise decisions.

B. Know the present situation

C. Let go of regrets.

D. Remember the past.

3.The underlined word “elide”(in Paragraph 5) probably means “_ ”.

A. enjoy B. change

C. create D. neglect

4.What should you do to put yourself in a good mood?

A. Make time for simple pleasures.

B. Learn from successful people.

C. Focus on your future goals.

D. Create chance to learn more.

Have you ever noticed that the more you have the more you want? Let’s face it. Thinking our life is good enough doesn’t come naturally to many people. When we have high expectations of everything in life we will run into disappointment. Only when we are aware that needs are different from desires can we live with satisfaction. Here are a few ideas to help you be happier with what you have and who you are.

Focus on what you are thankful for. Most people want things to be better than they are, or when things are going well, we forget to appreciate what we have. Learn to reflect on how much better things are than they could be. Focus on what you are thankful for. Write down 5 things you are grateful for right now.

When we hold onto regrets from decisions we have made, it can really poison our well-being. Many people regret something they can no longer change, which ends up holding them back from moving forward in a more positive manner. What happened in the past is done and gone, so work to stay present and be mindful of the current moment to find more joy and fulfillment.

When we use other people as the measuring stick for our personal success and quality of life we are likely to be less satisfied. Social comparisons can provide useful information when we try to learn from others, but they also hold our perspective in a discontented position. Compare yourself less with others so you can be satisfied more.

When you are focused on your big ambitions and future goals you might elide the daily pleasures that surround you. Learn to slow down and absorb the wonder and beauty around you. Stay present and focus on the task you’re undertaking at the moment. Don’t let the life pass you by because you’re always on the go and distracted by ambition.

Practice looking at life through the lens of contentment and it will become more natural.

1.How can we live with contentment?

A. To change our lifestyle.

B. To have a motivation in life.

C. To give less attention to what we are grateful for.

D. To realize the difference between needs and desires.

2.What’s the main idea of Paragraph 3?

A. Make wise decisions.

B. Know the present situation

C. Let go of regrets.

D. Remember the past.

3.The underlined word “elide”(in Paragraph 5) probably means “__”.

A. enjoy B. change C. create D. neglect

4.What should you do to put yourself in a good mood?

A. Make time for simple pleasures.

B. Learn from successful people.

C. Focus on your future goals.

D. Create chance to learn more.

Have you ever noticed that the more you have the more you want? Let’s face it. Thinking our life is good enough doesn’t come naturally to many people. When we have high expectations of everything in life we will run into disappointment. Only when we are aware that needs are different from desires can we live with satisfaction. Here are a few ideas to help you be happier with what you have and who you are.

Focus on what you are thankful for. Most people want things to be better than they are, or when things are going well, we forget to appreciate what we have. Learn to reflect on how much better things are than they could be. Focus on what you are thankful for. Write down 5 things you are grateful for right now.

When we hold onto regrets from decisions we have made, it can really poison our well-being. Many people regret something they can no longer change, which ends up holding them back from moving forward in a more positive manner. What happened in the past is done and gone, so work to stay present and be mindful of the current moment to find more joy and fulfillment.

When we use other people as the measuring stick for our personal success and quality of life we are likely to be less satisfied. Social comparisons can provide useful information when we try to learn from others, but they also hold our perspective in a discontented position. Compare yourself less with others so you can be satisfied more.

When you are focused on your big ambitions and future goals you might elide the daily pleasures that surround you. Learn to slow down and absorb the wonder and beauty around you. Stay present and focus on the task you’re undertaking at the moment. Don’t let the life pass you by because you’re always on the go and distracted by ambition.

Practice looking at life through the lens of contentment and it will become more natural.

1.How can we live with contentment?

A. To change our lifestyle.

B. To have a motivation in life.

C. To give less attention to what we are grateful for.

D. To realize the difference between needs and desires.

2.What’s the main idea of Paragraph 3?

A. Make wise decisions. B. Know the present situation

C. Let go of regrets. D. Remember the past.

3.The underlined word “elide”(in Paragraph 5) probably means “__”.

A. enjoy B. change C. create D. neglect

4.What should you do to put yourself in a good mood?

A. Make time for simple pleasures. B. Learn from successful people.

C. Focus on your future goals. D. Create chance to learn more.

阅读理解。

Have you ever noticed that the more you have, the more you want? Let's face it.Thinking our life is good enough doesn't come naturally to many people.When we have high expectations of everything in life we will run into disappointment.Only when we are aware that needs are different from desires can we live with satisfaction.Here are a few ideas to help you be happier with what you have and who you are.

Focus on what you are thankful for.Most people want things to be better than they are, or when things are going well, we forget to appreciate what we have.Learn to reflect on how much better things are than they could be.Focus on what you are thankful for.Write down 5 things you are grateful for right now.

When we hold onto regrets from decisions we have made, it can really poison our well­being.Many people regret something they can no longer change, which ends up holding them back from moving forward in a more positive manner.What happened in the past is done and gone, so work to stay present and be mindful of the current moment to find more joy and fulfillment.

When we use other people as the measuring stick for our personal success and quality of life we are likely to be less satisfied.Social comparisons can provide useful information when we try to learn from others, but they also hold our perspective in a discontented position.Compare yourself less with others so you can be satisfied more.

When you are focused on your big ambitions and future goals you might elide the daily pleasures that surround you.Learn to slow down and absorb the wonder and beauty around you.Stay present and focus on the task you're unde­rtaking at the moment.Don't let the life pass you by because you're always on the goal and distracted by ambition.

Practice looking at life through the lens of contentment and it will become more natural.

1.How can we live with contentment?

A．To change our lifestyle.

B．To have a motivation in life.

C．To give less attention to what we are grateful for.

D．To realize the difference between needs and desires.

2.What's the main idea of Paragraph 3?

A．Make wise decisions.

B．Know the present situation.

C．Let go of regrets.

D．Remember the past.

3.The underlined word “elide”(in Paragraph 5) probably means “________”．

A．enjoy B．change

C．create D．neglect

4.What should you do to put yourself in a good mood?

A．Make time for simple pleasures.

B．Learn from successful people.

C．Focus on your future goals.

D．Create chance to learn more.

Have you ever noticed that the more you have the more you want? Let’s face it．Thinking our life is good enough doesn’t come naturally to many people．When we have high expectations of everything in life we will run into disappointment．Only when we are aware that needs are different from desires can we live with satisfaction．Here are a few ideas to help you be happier with what you have and who you are．

Focus on what you are thankful for．Most people want things to be better than they are, or when things are going well, we forget to appreciate what we have．Learn to reflect on how much better things are than they could be．Focus on what you are thankful for．Write down 5 things you are grateful for right now．

When we hold onto regrets from decisions we have made, it can really poison our well-being．Many people regret something they can no longer change, which ends up holding them back from moving forward in a more positive manner．What happened in the past is done and gone, so work to stay present and be mindful of the current moment to find more joy and fulfillment．

When we use other people as the measuring stick for our personal success and quality of life we are likely to be less satisfied．Social comparisons can provide useful information when we try to learn from others, but they also hold our perspective in a discontented position．Compare yourself less with others so you can be satisfied more．

When you are focused on your big ambitions and future goals you might elide the daily pleasures that surround you．Learn to slow down and absorb the wonder and beauty around you．Stay present and focus on the task you’re undertaking at the moment．Don’t let the life pass you by because you’re always on the go and distracted by ambition．

Practice looking at life through the lens of contentment and it will become more natural．

1.How can we live with contentment?

A． To change our lifestyle．

B． To have a motivation in life．

C． To give less attention to what we are grateful for．

D． To realize the difference between needs and desires．

2.What’s the main idea of Paragraph 3?

A． Make wise decisions

B． Know the present situation

C． Let go of regrets

D． Remember the past

3.The underlined word “elide”(in Paragraph 5) probably means “______”．

A．enjoy B．change C．create D．neglect

4.What should you do to put yourself in a good mood?

A． Make time for simple pleasures．

B． Learn from successful people．

C． Focus on your future goals．

D． Create chance to learn more．

Have you ever noticed that the more you have the more you want? Let’s face it．Thinking our life is good enough doesn’t come naturally to many people．When we have high expectations of everything in life we will run into disappointment．Only when we are aware that needs are different from desires can we live with satisfaction．Here are a few ideas to help you be happier with what you have and who you are．

Focus on what you are thankful for．Most people want things to be better than they are, or when things are going well, we forget to appreciate what we have．Learn to reflect on how much better things are than they could be．Focus on what you are thankful for．Write down 5 things you are grateful for right now．

When we hold onto regrets from decisions we have made, it can really poison our well-being．Many people regret something they can no longer change, which ends up holding them back from moving forward in a more positive manner．What happened in the past is done and gone, so work to stay present and be mindful of the current moment to find more joy and fulfillment．

When we use other people as the measuring stick for our personal success and quality of life we are likely to be less satisfied．Social comparisons can provide useful information when we try to learn from others, but they also hold our perspective in a discontented position．Compare yourself less with others so you can be satisfied more．

When you are focused on your big ambitions and future goals you might elide the daily pleasures that surround you．Learn to slow down and absorb the wonder and beauty around you．Stay present and focus on the task you’re undertaking at the moment．Don’t let the life pass you by because you’re always on the go and distracted by ambition．

Practice looking at life through the lens of contentment and it will become more natural．

1.How can we live with contentment?

A．To change our lifestyle．

B．To have a motivation in life．

C．To give less attention to what we are grateful for．

D．To realize the difference between needs and desires．

2.What’s the main idea of Paragraph 3?

A．Make wise decisions

B．Know the present situation

C．Let go of regrets

D．Remember the past

3.The underlined word “elide”(in Paragraph 5) probably means “______”．

A．enjoy B．change C．create D．neglect

4.What should you do to put yourself in a good mood?

A．Make time for simple pleasures．

B．Learn from successful people．

C．Focus on your future goals．

D．Create chance to learn more．

Have you ever noticed that the more you have the more you want? Let’s face it．Thinking our life is good enough doesn’t come naturally to many people．When we have high expectations of everything in life we will run into disappointment．Only when we are aware that needs are different from desires can we live with satisfaction．Here are a few ideas to help you be happier with what you have and who you are．

Focus on what you are thankful for．Most people want things to be better than they are, or when things are going well, we forget to appreciate what we have．Learn to reflect on how much better things are than they could be．Focus on what you are thankful for．Write down 5 things you are grateful for right now．

When we hold onto regrets from decisions we have made, it can really poison our well-being．Many people regret something they can no longer change, which ends up holding them back from moving forward in a more positive manner．What happened in the past is done and gone, so work to stay present and be mindful of the current moment to find more joy and fulfillment．

When we use other people as the measuring stick for our personal success and quality of life we are likely to be less satisfied．Social comparisons can provide useful information when we try to learn from others, but they also hold our perspective in a discontented position．Compare yourself less with others so you can be satisfied more．

When you are focused on your big ambitions and future goals you might elide the daily pleasures that surround you．Learn to slow down and absorb the wonder and beauty around you．Stay present and focus on the task you’re undertaking at the moment．Don’t let the life pass you by because you’re always on the go and distracted by ambition．

Practice looking at life through the lens of contentment and it will become more natural．

1.How can we live with contentment?

A．To change our lifestyle．

B．To have a motivation in life．

C．To give less attention to what we are grateful for．

D．To realize the difference between needs and desires．

2.What’s the main idea of Paragraph 3?

A．Make wise decisions

B．Know the present situation

C．Let go of regrets

D．Remember the past

3.The underlined word “elide”(in Paragraph 5) probably means “______”．

A．enjoy B．change C．create D．neglect

4.What should you do to put yourself in a good mood?

A．Make time for simple pleasures．

B．Learn from successful people．

C．Focus on your future goals．

D．Create chance to learn more．