Name: Are you a lucky person? | ?Healing podcast | Intermediate
Uploaded: 2024-12-14T02:44:23.000Z
Duration: 10 min 50 s
Description: Thousands of YouTube videos with English-Chinese subtitles! Now you can learn to understand native speakers, expand your vocabulary, and improve your pronunciation...

To-infinitive

Think about a moment when everything seemed to go right for you.

Maybe you were late for the bus, but it arrived just as you reached the stop.

Past simple

Or perhaps you found money in an old jacket you hadn't worn for years.

Some people might say yes, but let's think about it differently.

Luck isn't always about unexpected events like finding money or winning a lottery.

Instead, luck can also mean noticing and appreciating good things in your life.

In Western culture, luck is often seen as a mix of chance and preparation.

Alexander Graham Bell, the inventor of the telephone, once said, When one door closes, another opens.

But we often look so long and regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us.

This reminds us that luck is about being ready to see and use opportunities.

So the next time something good happens, ask yourself, Was it really just luck?

Was it something big, like getting your dream job?

Or something small, like finding the last cookie in the jar?

Luck isn't always about life-changing events.

Often, it's hidden in the small, everyday moments that bring us joy.

A study by Dr. Robert Emmons, a leading researcher on gratitude, found that people who focus on small, positive moments are happier and feel luckier than those who don't.

For instance, noticing a beautiful sunset, hearing your favorite song on the radio, or getting an unexpected smile from a stranger.

These are all small moments of luck that can brighten your day.

I remember a time when I was walking home after a tough day.

Suddenly, I heard a street musician playing a song I loved.

No, but it made me feel lighter, like the universe had sent me a little gift.

A sunny morning, a warm cup of coffee, or a kind message from a friend.

These tiny bits of luck add up, making life feel richer and more meaningful.

Have you ever noticed how some people seem to always feel lucky?

They're not necessarily winning the lottery or finding gold on the street, but they seem really happy.

Being thankful for what you have changes how you see the world.

When you focus on the good things in your life, you naturally start to feel luckier.

There's an interesting study by Dr. Martin Seligman, the father of positive psychology.

He asked participants to write a gratitude letter to someone who had helped them.

After delivering the letter, participants reported feeling happier and more optimistic, even weeks later.

Gratitude doesn't just make others feel good, it changes how we feel about ourselves and our lives.

Tonight, before you go to bed, think about three things you're grateful for.

Maybe it's the meal you had, a funny conversation with a friend, or just the fact that you have a cozy place to sleep.

Over time, this habit can help you notice the good things in your life, making you feel luckier.

This cannot be explained by the science, but we cannot deny its positive influence on our life.

The phrase good luck, or knock on wood, also has a similar meaning.

We all know the meaning of good luck, but what about another one?

Knock on wood is something people say to avoid bad luck after talking about something good or hopeful.

They often touch or tap on a wooden object while saying it, as a way to stay lucky.

It is used in many countries, from Asia to Europe and so on.

Have you thought about creating your own luck?

Think about athletes, musicians, or successful business people.

Do they get lucky, or do they work hard to create opportunities for themselves?

Most of the time, it's the second option.

They practice, prepare, and stay ready for the right moment.

There's a famous story about Oprah Winfrey.

When she was young, she wanted to work in television.

She even got fired from one because her bosses thought she wasn't a good fit.

Instead of giving up, she kept learning and improving.

Later, when an opportunity came to host a talk show, she was ready.

Her preparation turned that chance into a life-changing moment.

Start by setting goals and working toward them.

Learn new skills, meet new people, and keep an open mind.

Opportunities are everywhere, but you need to be ready to grab them.

Maybe you missed a bus, failed an exam, or didn't get the job you wanted.

It's easy to think, I have such bad luck.

When things go wrong, remember that bad things are also chances to grow.

And life must have spicy, sweet, bitter, and so on.

You know, a dish with only one flavor cannot be delicious.

Although spicy or bitter flavors may be harder to eat than sweet flavors, it will give you an interesting change in your dishes.

So next time, just think simple like that and find a clear solution.

Because being upset all the time without calming down and rethinking everything will only make you more tired.

If you're feeling unlucky, try to change your perspective.

The other says, at least I have my umbrella and can enjoy the fresh air.

Focusing on the good can turn a bad moment into a better one.

Dr. Carol Dweck at Stanford found students did better when they saw challenges as learning opportunities, not failures.

This way of thinking, called a growth mindset, makes people feel more confident and lucky.

Next time something goes wrong, look for a positive.

Maybe you'll enjoy a quiet walk or find a new cafe.