Life is filled with ups and downs. When you feel like you're experiencing more downs than ups，sometimes it helps to get a little tough love. That's why we put together this list of five harsh（残酷的）truths that will help you grow.

1. Life isn't fair.

Life will hand you lemons，often when you least expect it. 【小题1】

2. The first step is always the hardest.

Changing bad habits is tough. Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu once said，" 【小题2】"So if you want to change something，start with small steps.

3. You may be better off without some of the people you currently care about.

Chances are that there's someone in your life you care about deeply who is holding you back. 【小题3】However，there comes a time when you need to make the tough decision to say no to people who can't help you grow.

4. 【小题4】

If you don't take risks you will have a hard time accomplishing what you want in life. People who truly change the world are the biggest risk-takers. And they treat each failure as an opportunity to grow and get better.

5. You are the only thing to hold yourself back from greatness.

Often we get so caught up in hoping for the next great thing that we don't realize what's unfolding right in front of our faces. 【小题5】 Instead, focus on the positive things you have in your life. Choose to be happy right now.

   Everyone needs a break, and vacations are not meant for serious study. 【小题1】 The Spring Festival is coming up so this is the perfect time to discuss some great English language literature to take on a long train journey.

Before getting into the recommendation, you need to determine your English reading comprehension level. If you’re at the beginner level, there are two options: reading a children’s book or reading a book that you’ve read in Chinese translation. 【小题2】 If you’re at the intermediate level, popular books like pop fiction, mysteries and thrillers are good options. For advanced readers, classic works of literature or modern prize winners (Nobel, Pulitzer) are good options.

【小题3】 When I pick up a book I like, even though the first few chapters are really hard to get through, I would try to get accustomed to the language the author uses. Generally, after the first few chapters, things get a lot easier, especially if I get involved in the story.

Another great way to keep yourself motivated is to find a friend who’s interested in reading the same book. You can make goals that you both want to achieve. 【小题4】

Some quick recommendations: Harry Potter, start with the first book and go on from there; the Narnia series; anything by US writer Michael Crichton; and if you like horror, US writer Stephen King is always unusual and fun. 【小题5】 Happy reading!

   More than 40 million Americans move each year, but not always by choice. Whether you’re moving because of work or schooling or for better chances, adjusting (适应) to the life in a new place can be difficult. 【小题1】 Here are some tips to help you adjust to your new home.

Treat it as an adventure.

【小题2】 So stay positive, get out there and explore! Taste the local food and visit famous places and museums. Try local activities that aren’t popular in your former city, such as skating if you come from a beach town or surfing if you lived in the mountains. You may discover a talent or interest you never knew you had.

Get involved (参与) with your neighbors.

Introduce yourself to neighbors and everyone else you meet. 【小题3】 This is the best way to get advice about living in your area, and to make new friends. Attend local events that interest you, visit the markets or yard sales, take classes and so on. All of these things will help you meet more people and feel connected.

【小题4】.

It takes time to get to know a new place, so don’t expect to feel comfortable right away. 【小题5】 To help make the process easier you can meet new people, find a support group near you. A fresh move is also a fresh start. It is therefore a great time to start fulfilling a dream you’ve had, whether it is going back to school, starting a new career, or finishing a novel.

Four Ways to Make Your Shoes Feel Better

According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, the vast majority of people experience foot pain at some point in their lives. The reason for most foot pain is that shoes fit poorly or force the feet into unnatural shapes. 【小题1】 . Aside from carefully selecting the right shoes, there are some easy measures you can take to keep foot pain at bay.

1. Stretch Your Shoes

If your feet are rubbing against your shoes, this could indicate that you need more width, length or both. However, sometimes going to the next larger size is not an option, as the next size may be too large. 【小题2】 .

2. Using Shoe Inserts

Both podiatrists (足病医生) and those in the shoe repair industry often recommend inserts to increase shoe comfort. 【小题3】 . Determining the best insert for your shoes depends on what hurts.

3. 【小题4】

The way you lace (用带子系紧) your shoes can make a world of difference in their comfort. Lacing them too tightly or incorrectly can make your feet hurt. Cramped toes, rubbing on the top of the foot, and pressure on the big toe can likely be relieved if you place your shoes differently.

4. Wearing Socks

【小题5】 . They are usually made of cotton or nylon. Not only do they add an extra layer of cushion to your shoes but they also keep your feet from sweating. This prevents moisture (水汽) from forming in the shoes. Moisture in your shoes can cause blisters and calluses on your feet.