四、阅读理解
A
Every time I saw my friends in relationships share their holidays on social media while I went home to visit my family, I thought, “I’ll be happy when I finally find someone who will go to Iceland with me.” Iceland was a symbol of a lot of things for me. It was also a thing I believed I needed to do with a partner.
As the years passed, I realized this habit of saying “I’ll be happy when ...” is far more damaging than it seems on the surface. In our pursuit (追求) of happiness, we end up
postponing joy. We put off trips until we have the right partner to go with. But then as we scroll through our social media feed, it feels like everyone else is living their lives while we’re just sitting on the sidelines.
I decided to stop waiting for happiness.
In 2019, I booked a New Year’s trip to Iceland—by myself. What do you think happened when I finally took that trip to Iceland after nearly 10 years of thinking about it? I found joy!
I watched the fireworks explode over Reykjavik with three generations of Icelanders. I ate fish and chips and scribbled (草草记下) in my journal. I booked a trip to Snaefellsnes, which ended with hot chocolate and carol singing (唱颂歌) with a crowd of farmers in a hotel. And the highlight of this trip was seeing the Northern Lights, which were more magical than I had imagined.
What I have learnt about living in the present rather than waiting for the future is that something unexpected always happens. Sometimes it is an adventure, and then you are left with memories you would never have had if you’d just waited for happiness to find you. Other times, you find new friends, new opportunities and new inspiration—things that may actually help you get to the happiness you are seeking faster or help you uncover a new definition of happiness.
Now, when I catch myself saying some version of “I’ll be happy when ...”, I try to imagine myself in the future, looking back on right now and asking myself: what are you waiting for?
(
B
) 36. What was the author like at first?
A. She hated to travel by herself.
B. She desired to have an ideal partner.
C. She valued her family above her friends.
D. She disliked sharing her holidays online.
(
D
) 37. What does the underlined word “postponing” in paragraph 2 mean?
A. Creating. B. Destroying. C. Waiting. D. Putting off.
(
A
) 38. What did the author think was most impressive during her trip to Iceland?
A. Seeing the Northern Lights.
B. Trying many different kinds of local food.
C. Celebrating New Year with Icelanders.
D. Spending time in a hotel in Snaefellsnes.
(
C
) 39. What did the author learn from her Iceland trip?
A. A joy that’s shared is a joy made double.
B. Happiness doesn’t depend on what happens.
C. Don’t wait for happiness to come; just live your life in the present.
D. Don’t rely on others for your happiness; create it on your own.
(
B
) 40. How does the author now handle thoughts of “I’ll be happy when ...”?
A. She immediately books another international trip.
B. She imagines her future self regretting present inaction.
C. She posts on social media to seek travel companions.
D. She lowers her expectations to avoid disappointment.
