As you move around your home, take a good look at the things you have. It is likely that your living room will have a television set and a video, and your kitchen a washing machine and a microwave oven. Your bedroom drawers will be filled with almost three times as many clothes as you need. You almost certainly own a car and possibly a home computer, holiday abroad at least once a year and eat out at least once a week.
Now, perhaps, more than ever before, people are wondering what life is all about, and what it is for. Seeking material success is beginning to trouble large numbers of people around the world. They feel that the long hours work culture to make more money to buy more things is eating up their lives, leaving them very little time or energy for family or pastimes. Many are turning to other ways of living and downshifting is one of them.
Six percent of workers in Britain took the decision to downshift last year. One couple who downshifted is Daniel and Liz. They used to work in central London. He was a newspaper reporter and she used to work for an international bank. They would go to work by train every day from their large house in the suburbs (郊區(qū)), leaving their two children with a nanny (保姆). Most evenings Daniel wouldn’t get home until eight or nine o’clock, and nearly twice a month he would have to fly to New York for meetings. They both earned a large amount of money but began to feel that life was passing them by.
Nowadays, they run a farm in the mountains of Wales. “I always wanted to have a farm here,” says Daniel, “and we took almost a year to make the decision to downshift. It’s taken some getting used to, but it has been worthy of. We have to think twice now about spending money on car repairs and we no longer have any holidays. However, I think it’s made us stronger as a family, and the children are a lot happier.”
Liz, however, is not quite sure. “I used to enjoy my job, even though it was hard work and long hours. I’m not really a country girl, but I suppose I’m gradually getting used to looking after the animals. One thing I do like, though, is being able to see more of my children. My advice for other people wanting to do the same is not to think about it too much or you might not do it at all.”
【小題1】What do the first two paragraphs tell us?

A．People seldom work long hours to make money.
B．People hardly buy more things than necessary.
C．People are sure everything they own is in the right place.
D．People realize there is more to life than just making money.
【小題2】 When Daniel was a reporter he _____.
A．lived in central London B．disliked his job
C．missed his childrenD．was well paid
【小題3】 Daniel and Liz both agree that the move to the farm _____.
A．was easy to organizeB．has improved family life
C．was extremely expensiveD．has been a total success
【小題4】 What does the underlined “it” in the last paragraph refer to?
A．Child-caring.B．Liz’s advice.C．Downshifting.D．Liz’s job.

【小題1】D【小題1】D【小題1】B【小題1】C

解析

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Anne responded on May 20, 2009

Julie, most of us are never going to achieve the heights you did as the CEO of a company. I just want to say that I was so touched by your transparency (坦誠). I haven’t been attacked publicly ever like you, but I’ve suffered from depression—just recently in fact. It helps a lot to hear personal stories, and it helped to read how you might have handled things differently.

 

Nancy responded on May 21, 2009

Something in Julie drew her to artwork during a very dark time in her journey. And later she stated that it’s beauty that keeps her going. Beauty and creativity can be very powerful in our lives. And it doesn’t surprise me that Julie was drawn to these naturally. Anne, maybe the artistic kinds of activities Julie used will support you well as you move beyond the depressive feelings you’re dealing with.

 

Anne responded on June 4, 2009

Nancy, thanks so much for taking the time to offer some great ideas for using creativity to help with depression. Actually during this time I’ve found that my creative work has been the one thing that’s brought me a lot of joy.

 

Julie responded on June 2, 2009

Nancy, thank you for your insights (深刻見解). Warmly, Julie.

 

Chris responded on May 31, 2009

I don’t normally comment on blogs, but this was a very insightful and transparent post (帖子). I could really feel that you were open and honest about everything you wrote about. Thanks for sharing and good luck with everything that you do.

 

Julie responded on June 9, 2009

Thanks, Chris.

 

Wendy responded on May 30, 2009

Julie, everything you shared here is inspiring. Thank you for having the courage to be so open. I love what you’re doing here. Keep it up!

 

Julie responded on May 31, 2009

Thank you, Wendy.

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