I used to hate my mother because she worked a lot and didn't spend much time with me. Then one Friday morning I took part in a three-day self-help program for teenagers. Whether you believe it or not, that weekend changed my life.
About 100 other teenagers were there. During the first two days I met a lot of great people. I was glad because I made so many friends there.
On Sunday, the leader did an interesting exercise called "Chocolate or Toys". He asked a girl which she liked better, chocolate or toys. She chose chocolate. Then he asked her to choose again between chocolate and chocolate. Of course, she didn't have a choice.
This exercise told us that sometimes we don't have a choice in life, and that sometimes we have to accept something, rather than complaining(抱怨).
A girl stood up and started talking about her mom who was a drug addict (吸毒者) and how much she hated her mother.
"I want a new mom," she cried.
"Unluckily, you can't have one," the leader replied.
"You have to accept the mother that you have."
This hit me hard. I realized that, for better or worse, my mom was my mom. I couldn't choose another mom, but I could try to make the best of the situation.
My grandfather is eighty years old. He always complains about how fast things have changed, and he often says that life used to be better.
"Families aren't the ones the way they used to be. A lot of families have broken up. If husband and wife have problems with their marriage, they no longer stay together. And mothers used to stay at home and take care of their children, but now everyone is busy working. No one has time to look after children at home.
And the cars! No one walks anymore; more and more people drive. We used to walk five miles to school on schooldays, even in winter. But now we don't. And in school, children don't have to think anymore. In math class, for example, we used to add, subtract, multiply and divide（加减乘除） using our heads. But now kids don't use their heads anymore；instead, they use calculators（计算器）.
Most families have computers now. In the past we didn't have computers. We didn't even have lights. My mother used to spend all day cooking in the kitchen. But now we don't often eat home-cooked food.
And people talk less to each other than before. They are too busy to talk, too busy to eat, too busy to think.
Life used to be simple, but it isn't anymore.
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proud exact Europe speak silence |
In the morning, we went camping along a path in Green Natural Park. We were happy it was a sunny day. We were expecting an (enjoy) two-day holiday. On the way, we kept (sing) and making jokes.
, in the afternoon, when we finished our picnic at one o'clock, it was dark and windy. Soon, there was a shower. Unluckily, none of us brought an umbrella. We ran about but we could find no place to hide in.
Twenty minutes passed and it was still (rain). There were hours to go before we could reach the campsite(野营地).It was even (bad) that our small compass showed that we went the wrong way. We had lost our way!
We had to make a quick (decide) as it was raining heavily. Chris said we could set up a tent to hide , so Mary and Tom helped to set up the tent. Chris and I tried to make a fire to keep us warm. But we were (able) to light the fire, as everything was wet. We dried ourselves, chatted and waited inside the tent. At about five o' clock, it stopped raining. We decided to give up the camping trip because all of us had been very tired.
This camping trip may not be very successful but we know each other better. And the most important thing I (learn) from this trip is the importance of team spirit.
How I have changed!
I have changed a lot! I used to be shy, but now I'm outgoing. I used to (造成) a lot of trouble. I always (浪费) my time in the past. I didn't use to (面对)my problems. I always made some (错误). I used to be (害怕的) of the dark. I (慢慢地)realized that I needed to spend more time studying. So I made a (决定) to study hard this term. Now I can (处理) with my problems. I always (将……视为) my problems as challenges. My parents are (自豪的) of me.
You have nothing to .
Although I have grown up, I act like a child sometimes. I don't like growing up to be an adult. Things become more difficult in the world of adults.
One day, I went to buy a Christmas card. After I went into the store, the storekeeper showed me where to find the cards. I met a young mother and her baby there.
There were a lot of toys on the shelf. The young mother stood close by the shelf so that the little girl was able to pick a toy. However, it seemed too difficult for the little girl to pick a toy. Then the young mother stopped. She picked a toy for her child and made her happy.
The big smile on the face of the little girl made me think of my childhood. When I was a small child, my parents came along whenever I needed them. They solved every problem for me. I seemed to be immersed in happy memories. Suddenly, the young mother's words brought me back to the reality (现实) .
"Dear, one day, when you become an adult, I hope you can manage your own life," she said to the little girl.
The words woke me up. I was no longer a small child. I should learn to be independent and face problems bravely by myself. And my parents will certainly be proud of me.
