2014英语四级考试快速阅读练习（3）_大学英语阅读

2014英语四级考试快速阅读练习（3）

　　And yet we all know people who are filled with joy, despite the unpleasant circumstances of their lives. Even as a child, I observed people who were poor, or disabled, or ill, but who nonetheless faced life with optimism and vigor. Consider Laura Hillenbrand, who despite an extremely weak body, wrote the best-seller Seabiscuit. Hillenbrand barely had enough physical energy to drag herself out of bed to write. But she was fueled by having a story she wanted to share. It was emotional energy that helped her succeed.

　　Unlike physical energy, which is finite and diminishes with age, emotional energy is unlimited and has nothing to do with genes or upbringing. So how do you get it? You can t simply tell yourself to be positive. You must take action. Here are six practical strategies that work.

　　1. Do something new.

　　Very little that s new occurs in our lives. The impact of this sameness on our emotional energy is gradual, but huge: It s like a tire with a slow leak. You don t notice it at first, but eventually you ll get a flat. It s up to you to plug the leak even though there are always a dozen reasons to stay stuck in your dull routines of life. That s where Maura, 36, a waitress, found herself a year ago.

　　Fortunately, Maura had a lifeline a group of women friends who meet regularly to discuss their lives. Their lively discussions spurred Maura to make small but nevertheless life altering changes. She joined a gym in the next town. She changed her look with a short haircut and new black T-shirts. Eventually, Maura gathered the courage to quit her job and start her own business.