It does not always come easy to discover oneself. From a young age, I had a strong sense of whom I was to become, 1an accident made me redefine (重新定义) myself.

    To me, skating was above all. There was2else in this world that filled my heart with such joy. I spent twenty— four hours a week practicing my3. Having no social life or interests but skating, my devotion (挚爱) brought me first place medals in nearly every4.

    Unfortunately, in one show, I fell down and hurt myself5. After several X-rays and MRI (磁共振) scans, the6told me that I couldn't return to my sport any more. The pain in my back was hard to bear and even the7daily tasks became difficult.

    As my passion (激情) was8, I had little sense of whom I was to become. After eight months of suffering, something had to9. Instead of wasting my days sitting around painfully, I began to put my10into local community service projects. By volunteering11a swimming teacher and summer reading assistant for kids, I got an idea of whom I12to become. After a few months, I devoted time to my interest in the arts. Little by little, I13out of the shadow (阴影) and rebuilt my confidence.

    Sometimes, some14rocks block (阻碍) our way. We can choose to stay behind or try to climb over. My accident was a rock that15to stop me from reaching success. Today I'm a very confident and optimistic person.

I am really worried that his boss may him the company.

His stupid his parents.

It's not wise of you at this moment.

    Many people want to buy the newest gadget(小玩意), the fastest car and the most expensive watch-but are these things really worth?

    For some people, these things give them status(地位). They're cool because they have a cool car, or they're better at the newest Xbox game. Lots of people say that buying new things makes them happy. They like having new, pretty, impressive things. The problem is that people don't stay happy. The feeling you get when you buy something new disappears. For example, there's a new iPhone. You stop liking your old car. Your friend has a Beats in a different color and it's much nicer! Things get old and outdated. And someone else always has something better.

    So, what can you buy and stay happy with? A study suggests that the best thing to spend your extra(额外的) money on is doing things like traveling, learning to cook and speak a language, skiing or surfing. What about going to the theater, eating at a Michelin starred restaurant or climbing a mountain?

    In the long term (从长远看), people are happier with money they spend on activities than on things. You don't remember what shoes you wore, but you remember running the marathon! When you do new things or things you enjoy, you get life experience and memories. You can share them with people. Even if you don't enjoy the experience, you can learn something and often a little while later you see the good sides of it. At least, it's a story to tell-maybe even a funny one.

    So forget about designer clothes and fancy gadgets-a new skill or experience lasts longer!