2023届高考英语二轮复习外刊阅读训练：希望之路

23年高考英语外刊阅读理解训练——希望之路 ——改编自Trail of Hope The author of this story has just experienced the empty nest syndrome after raising her children and moving to a new place where she feels isolated. However, she begins to take walks with her husband and discovers a paved trail where she encounters several kinds of people and animals. The author observes how these ordinary individuals, despite facing difficulties, make efforts to move forward. She admires their stories and energy, and is ultimately inspired by an elderly woman who sprints past her without letting age or any other barrier hold her back. This encounter motivates the author to fill her empty nest with abundance and to move forward in life. The empty nest syndrome is a common phenomenon that parents experience when their children move out of home. It may lead to feelings of loneliness, sadness, or purposelessness. Often, individuals in this situation look for ways to reconnect with themselves and their partners. Taking up new hobbies or engaging in physical activity can be an effective way to do this. In the case of the author, walking on a trail provided her with an opportunity to exercise while also observing ordinary individuals doing the same. The author's observations suggest that despite personal or global challenges, individuals continue to push forward and find joy in simple things. Some use creative ways to overcome barriers, such as the man with a prosthetic leg cycling effortlessly down the trail. Others teach their children to ride a bike or take their toddlers fishing. Each of these activities requires effort but rewards participants with small joys. The elderly woman sprinting down the trail is a symbol of resilience, determination, and fearlessness. She acts as an inspiration for the author, who realizes that she too can move forward in life and fill her empty nest with abundance. Looking at others' lives, thoughts, and stories, we can learn valuable lessons about resilience, optimism, diversity,