Ever look at some of the older people in your life and wonder what the secret to their happiness is.{#blank#}1{#/blank#} It isn't that they've uncovered some mystical secret, they've merely made a bunch of simple life realizations later in life. Yet you do not need to be older in order to set some new rules and boundaries. These simple rules will help you to slow down and enjoy more of your everyday life.

    Live your own life.

    Things really aren't always what they seem and comparing your life goals to those of your friends will only make you anxious. Everyone experiences ups and downs.{#blank#}2{#/blank#}Those Facebook friends who seem to have it all are only showing their highest moments.

    Focus on one task at a time.

    Most of us are not good at multi-tasking, which makes things harder.{#blank#}3{#/blank#}You may be surprised at how much easier and faster your tasks become when you stop trying to do more than your brain can comfortably handle.

    Disconnect a little.

    {#blank#}4{#/blank#}However, have you ever noticed that people who didn't grow up with it? They may not be connected by the millennial's definition of the word. However they are still maintaining relationships and enjoying life without at-your-fingertips information. Give it a break from time to time when you don't need it for work or studies, even if just for a couple of hours a day.

    There is no standard for when in your life you should decide you are happy and satisfied. Instead of reaching for the distant future, try enhancing your now.{#blank#}5{#/blank#}That is one secret to their happiness. Learning to slow down sooner rather than later will help you to enjoy today and tomorrow.

A. The unhurried life is worth pursuing.

B. Technology is a huge part of modern life.

C. Why are they so calm, relaxed, and unhurried?

D. Old souls have learned about living in the moment.

E. Give your brain a break and focus on j ust one thing at a time.

F. There is no need to chase after a new goal simply to live in someone else, s life.

G. It is a bad habit to keep your life full of busy schedules from sunrise to sundown.

Rich and Famous

    Twenty years ago the most common ambition of American children was to be a teacher, followed by working in banking and finance, and then medicine. But today's situation is quite different.{#blank#}1{#/blank#}Instead they most commonly say they want to be a sports star, a pop star, or an actor—in other words, they hope to become a celebrity (名人).

    According to experts, young people desire these jobs largely because of the wealth and the fame.{#blank#}2{#/blank#} Let's take athletes and singers as an example. Their careers are short-lived. Many athletes' best time only lasts a few years and singers can have a very limited career. The field that was once the focus of their lives becomes something they have little or no involvement in. As a result, they'll have a feeling of worthlessness and a lack of control{#blank#}3{#/blank#}The truth is quite simple: they have been so far removed from it for so long.

    In spite of these disadvantages, there is greater ambition than ever among young people to achieve that status. They are not satisfied just making a living—they want to be rich and famous. Globally, more and more TV shows provide talent competitions where winners can achieve their goals in just a few weeks or months{#blank#}4{#/blank#}They unrealistically believe that this lifestyle is easily obtained and leads to great satisfaction.

    While many people argue that there is nothing wrong with having such ambitions, others feel that this trend will finally lead to dissatisfaction as more and more people are unable to reach their goals{#blank#}5{#/blank#} That means they ignore the simple fact that great effort is needed before success. As a result, many people won't realize their childhood dreams, which could have a negative effect on their happiness.

A. The younger generation don't favor these professions any more.

B. In many ways this has been brought about by the celebrity culture.

C. Unfortunately, they do not always have a positive effect on people's life.

D. Besides, it can be difficult for them to adapt back to a normal everyday life.

E. People no longer have a sense of satisfaction once their goals have been achieved.

F. This quick way of gaining wealth and fame creates a celebrity culture among people.

G. The reason is that they don't realize it takes talent and hard work to be rich and famous.

    Do you know how to pick a good book you'll really like? Here are some tips.

Start With Your Interest. {#blank#}1{#/blank#}. You can pick something that you love to read, not for school. They can be ancient martial (武术) arts, computers, or fashion design. You name it, there are books about it.

    What's Your Type? Do you prefer fiction or nonfiction (or both)? Fiction books, like novels, can transport you to another world or help you imagine something beyond your own experience. Nonfiction books give you the who, what, when, and why of something. {#blank#}2{#/blank#}. Many of them read like novels from start to finish.

       Read the description. The reviews and quotes on the back and inside covers of many books give you an idea of what the book is about. They can also help you pick future books, too. If you find a book you really like, take a minute to read the quotes and see which authors praised the book. {#blank#}3{#/blank#}.

    Find a Family Favorite. Which book did your mother love best when she was at your age? {#blank#}4{#/blank#}. Find out and give them a read — then you can share your thoughts about the book.

    Finally, you'll probably enjoy what you're reading a lot more if you find a quiet place and make time for the book.{#blank#}5{#/blank#}. You can put on some good music, get yourself some tea and let yourself be carried away by the book. You'll see that time does fly when you're reading something you love!

A. How about your brothers and sisters?

B. They tell stories using facts — but that doesn't mean they're boring.

C. Reading is a good way to improve your English.

D. Most reading is best enjoyed when you can concentrate (全神贯注) on it.

E. Often, they'll have similar styles and you might find books you like by those authors, too.

F. So you should read as much as possible when you are free.

G. Reading on your own isn't like reading for school.

    You cannot choose your child's friends for him, but you can help him learn to choose friends wisely. {#blank#}1{#/blank#} Here are a few ways to help your child make friends.

•Build your child's selfconfidence.

    When he succeeds or has made a great choice, tell him you're proud of him. {#blank#}2{#/blank#}Your middle school student is going through many changes and may feel like he isn't" good enough". Building his selfconfidence will help him feel more confident and will make it easier for him to form healthy friendships.

    {#blank#}3{#/blank#} 

    Give him your full attention when he talks, and really listen to what he has to say.

    Discuss the qualities in a friend with your child.

    Discuss with your child the qualities that matter most, such as being reliable and kind, and making good choices when it comes to avoiding alcohol and tobacco.

    Get to know your child's friends.

    {#blank#}4{#/blank#}It's more important to talk with them and find out what they like to do. Allow your child to invite his friends over and get to know them better.

    {#blank#}5{#/blank#}

    Afterschool clubs and sports programs are good places for meeting new people. Be open to exploring different activities with your child to find something that he enjoys.

A. Friends are very important for us.

B. Introduce your child to new groups of people.

C. Talk with your child every day and listen to his concerns.

D. Try not to judge your child's friends based on how they dress.

E. When he does not succeed, help him feel better and keep trying.

F. You can teach him ways to find friends who will have a positive influence on him.

G. There are many types of friends and we should be careful when making our choices.

How the Elderly Are Treated Around the World

    How cultures view and treat their elderly is closely linked to their most prized values and qualities. {#blank#}1{#/blank#}

    In the US and UK, Protestantism (新教) is at play. Western cultures tend to be youth-centric, stressing qualities like independence. {#blank#}2{#/blank#} It ties a person's value to his or her ability to work – something that becomes weaker in old age. As their health becomes worse, the elderly in these cultures often move to old people's homes and nursing homes.

    In France, parents are protected by law. It is difficult to imagine an Elderly Rights Law being a focus in the laws of many Western cultures. France did, however, pass a similar law in 2004. {#blank#}3{#/blank#} One was a group of official statistics showing France had the highest rate of pensioner suicides in Europe, and the other was the aftermath of a heat wave that killed 15,000 people, most of whom were elderly and had been dead for weeks before they were found.

     {#blank#}4{#/blank#} Native American cultures traditionally accept death as a fact of life. In many Native American areas, elders are respected for their wisdom and life experiences. Within Native American families, it's common for the elders to be expected to pass down their learning to younger members of the family.

    The way to care for Chinese elders is changing. Chinese families traditionally view respect for one's elders as the highest virtue, according to the Confucian tradition. Adult children are generally expected to care for their parents in their old age. {#blank#}5{#/blank#} Nursing homes are beginning to become a more socially acceptable option for elderly care.

A. However, this tradition is beginning to break down due to rising lifetime and an aging population.

B. In the African-American area, death is seen as an opportunity to celebrate life.

C. Here's what we can learn from other cultures about treating the elderly.

D. But China faces the unique problem of tending to an increasingly elderly population.

E. Native American elders pass down their knowledge.

F. It was only passed following two disturbing events, though.

G. This relates back to the Protestant work rules.

Make a difference

    I love to make a difference to others. {#blank#}1{#/blank#} Do you want to contribute to other people's lives, helping them in small and big ways? If the answer is yes, but you are frustrated not being able to follow through, keep reading.

    {#blank#}2{#/blank#} It includes service, time, ideas and methods, leaving your mark on people so that if they were interviewed, they would say, yes, that person made a positive difference in my life.

    Being inspired to make a difference 'really increases your energy. {#blank#}3{#/blank#} But that's not the point! The problem is that we often don't think we have enough time or resources to make a difference—we're too busy living our lives or earning a living. Actually we can afford to spend time on it.

    {#blank#}4{#/blank#} In fact, other than the challenge of finding the time to do this, I can't think of a single disadvantage to this inspiration.

    This is truly one of my favorite tools to attract more enthusiasm in an easy way into my life. More importantly, I love making a difference in other people's lives. That's why I do it. Attracting enthusiasm is just the "side" benefit.

    We have all learned from Law of Attraction teachers that we will receive more of what we are "broadcasting" to the Universe. {#blank#}5{#/blank#}

A. It is one of my top values.

B. It will help you attract more efforts and enthusiasm into your life.

C. Making a difference will help you attract more attention.

D. So get inspired to make a difference and your life will improve.

E. To make a difference, you can contribute something you have

F. If you want to make a difference, your energy will change when you focus there.

G. There is nothing but positive consequences when you focus on making a difference.