Your Life Is Better Than You Think
The undeniable popularity of self-help books, wellness podcasts, and happiness workshops reflects the constant human desire to make life better.
While we may have a loving family, a good place to live, and a decent job, we often fail to notice those things. It’s not because we are ungrateful or stupid, but it’s because of a basic feature of our brain, known as habituation.
Habituation is the tendency of neurons to fire less and less in response to things that are constant. You enter a room filled with roses and after a short while, you cannot detect their scent any longer; and just as you get used to the smell of fresh flowers, you also get used to a loving relationship, to a promotion, to a nice home, to a wonderful work of art. Like the front page of a daily newspaper, your brain cares about what recently changed, not about what remained the same.
The key is taking small breaks from your daily life. For example, when people return home from a long business trip, they often find their old life has “reshined.” Ordinary things suddenly seem amazing. If something is constant, we often assume (perhaps unconsciously) that it is there to stay, and as a result, we focus our attention and effort on the next thing on our list.
| A．And so, what once took your breath away becomes part of life’s furniture. |
| B．But could it be that many of our lives are already better than we recognize? |
| C．Habituation to the good drives you to move forward and progress. |
| D．But if we can make the constant less so, our attention will naturally turn back to it. |
| E．Rather than focus on how to see our life better, we need to learn to better our life. |
| F．The good news is that you can dishabituate. |
相似题推荐
【推荐1】Making art can reduce stress and anxiety and improve your mood. But you don't have to be a full-time artist to get in on those health benefits.
We tend to think that only people who are very skilled at art can call themselves artists.
You can think about making art like any healthy habit, such as eating well or exercising. Just as you make time to work, exercise and hang out with family and friends, you should make time for your artistic attempts. Doing just 10 minutes of art each day can do wonders. In addition to carving out time, carve out a physical space in your home for art.
The more you're able to make art a regular habit the more you’re likely to get this great reward: this wonderful thing that happens when you're in the zone.
| A．Scientists call it "flow". |
| B．It's good to figure out your mode of creative expression. |
| C．All you need to do is just make art. |
| D．It frees one up to explore new ideas. |
| E．Set up a corner table for your art supplies. |
| F．Making art helps us to refresh ourselves. |
| G．But really, anyone can be an artist |
【推荐2】Chancing the entire world is a seemingly impossible task, but, here at BYUtv’'s Random Acts, we believe change starts small, one person at a time.
◆Do the dirty work for someone else.
Everyone has tasks that they absolutely fear doing, but, as life has it, those tasks need to get done either way.
◆ Start a conversation with someone。
Whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert, having a good conversation that connects you to someone feels great. So try to have a conversation this Sunday with someone you normally wouldn't.
◆
This Sunday, be aware of your surroundings. If you see something, do something. Too many times we notice someone has dropped something and we simply keep walking. This time, help them out! Whether you hold the door for someone or treat a stranger to a cup of coffee, you will make an influence--------or at least make that persons day a little brighter.
◆ Share your talents！
Whether your talent is singing, giving good advice, cooking, or eating hot dogs really fast… your talent is meant to be shared! You may not think your talent is that interesting, but repeat after us: Your talent makes the world a better place.
| A．Help a stranger |
| B．Lose yourself in work |
| C．Here’s how you can change the world this Sunday |
| D．Therefore, Sunday is the best one among a certain week. |
| E．Think of a task that your loved one hates, and do it for them! |
| F．It can be a volunteer, an elderly person, or someone who needs some support during a tough time |
| G．Just take one look at BYU’s Vocal Point sharing their talent of singing with a nursing home and you’ll be sold! |
【推荐3】Friends are gifts and treasures. When asked to point out one or two things that are most important to themselves, many put friends ahead of homes, jobs, clothes and cars.
A true friendship carries a long history of experience that determines who we are and keeps us connected. It is a treasure we should protect. Unfortunately, the better friends you are, the more probably you’ll have disagreements. And the result can be what you don’t want — an end to the relationship.
The good news is that most troubled friendships can be mended. First, don’t’ let your pride get in your way. Most of us can forgive each other when differences are brought out in the open. Second, apologize when you’re wrong — even if you’ve been wronged. Over the course of a friendship, even the best people make mistakes. Sometimes, it may be best if the wronged person takes the lead and apologizes. When you apologize, give your friend a chance to admit that he has been wrong. Third, see things from your friend’s point of view. And finally, accept that friendships change as our needs and lifestyle change. Making friends can sometimes seem easy. The hard part is keeping the connections strong during the natural ups and downs that have an effect on all relationships. My suggestion: Consider friendship an honor and a gift, and worth the effort to treasure and nurture.
1. The “wronged person” underlined in the text refers to a person _______.| A．who has been mistaken for another |
| B．who has been blamed unfairly |
| C．who has treated friends badly |
| D．who has admitted his mistakes |
| A．we have much in common |
| B．we know our friends’ mistakes |
| C．we treat our disagreements wisely |
| D．we have known one another for long |
| A．Stick to our own points of view | B．Avoid making mistakes |
| C．Make an apology first | D．Change our lifestyles |
| A．Easy Ways to Make Friends |
| B．Ups and Downs in Friendship |
| C．How to Mend a Troubled Friendship |
| D．How to Take the Lead in Making Friends |
