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

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

Is it luck?

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.

Let me share a quick story.

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?

Or were you ready for it?

Let me ask you a question.

When was the last time you felt lucky?

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.

Here is an example.

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.

That moment felt magical.

Did it solve all my problems?

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

So, start noticing the small things.

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.

What's their secret?

It's gratitude.

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.

Try this.

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.

So, why not?

Just try it right now.

Have you thought about creating your own luck?

Does that sound strange?

Isn't luck meant to be random?

Not always.

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.

But her first few jobs didn't go well.

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.

So, how can you create your own luck?

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.

We've all had bad days.

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.

But here's the truth.

Bad moments happen to everyone.

They're a normal part of life.

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

It's like a spice in life.

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.

It's the way you see things.

Imagine two friends walking in the rain.

One says, I'm wet and unhappy.

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

Who feels luckier?

The key is how you see things.

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

Here's an example.

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.

Missed your bus?

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

How you view things matters.

It can make tough days feel a bit lighter.

Instead of thinking, why is this happening to me?

Ask yourself, what can I learn from this?

Every challenge is a chance to grow stronger and wiser.

Let me share a story.

A friend of mine once lost her wallet on the way to work.

She was upset, thinking her day was ruined.

But a few hours later, she got a call.

A stranger had found her wallet and returned it with everything inside.

She felt incredibly lucky, not just because she got her wallet back, but because it reminded her that there are kind people in the world.

Think about your own life.

When have you felt lucky?

Maybe it was finding something you lost, meeting someone who changed your life, or even just having a great day with friends.

These moments remind us that luck is all around us.

If you have time, write down one of your lucky stories.

Share it with a friend or keep it as a reminder that life is full of surprises.

So, are you a lucky person?

Maybe you've realized that luck isn't just about chance.

It's about how you see the world, how you prepare for opportunities, and how you handle life's challenges.

Luck is like a small seed.

With care and attention it grows into something beautiful.

By practicing gratitude, staying positive, and working hard, you can create your own luck and make life feel more rewarding.

Remember, you don't have to wait for luck to find you.

You can make it happen.

Stay ready, stay hopeful, and know that even in tough times, you are luckier than you think.

So when you think about luck, don't just see it as something that happens by chance.

Think of it as a result of your actions, your mindset, and how prepared you are for life's surprises.

So why not grow a lucky tree of your own?

It will create amazing things that you may not realize right now.

But trust me, in the future, you will have your own answer.

Thank you for watching.