I’m a millennial and this is what I do with my luck.
My name is Anita Wing Lee. I know that I’m lucky. You’re lucky too. We’re really lucky. So I try to use my luck to do something good and meaningful with my life. I may not always succeed, but I’m trying.
I’m lucky that I was born and raised in Canada. In a land where women have equal rights and were allowed to go to school. I can drive.
I can read.
I can do math.
I can send email.
I can use an Internet browser.
These are not things I take for granted.

I’m lucky that I didn’t have a traumatic childhood. I didn’t get raped, assaulted, or abused. My parents didn’t get divorced. I didn’t have leukaemia like all the kids I read about in Chicken Soup For the Soul. My problems seem so small in comparison. So I do my best to rise and shine over my obstacles.
When I’m broken, I can heal.
When I’m hurt, I can grow.
When I’m down, I can get up.
Did I choose to have a nice childhood? No, this was grace.
so I try to use my luck to help others.
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I’m lucky that I know how to use the Internet. I know there are people who still use little Nokia flip phones and text with T9. I may not have the best camera or the latest drone, but I’m hell bent on doing the best I can with what I have.
I refuse to complain about algorithms or social media overload, because it’s my job to have the discipline.
I’m lucky that I get to use tools like Instagram and Youtube for free.
I’m lucky I was born in the Age of Wifi and smartphones.
so I try to use my luck to spread positivity.
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I’m lucky that I can truly do anything I want with my life. I can travel the world for the next 30 years. I can have kids, or not have kids. I can get a job, and quit a job. I can be a writer, a dentist, an accountant, a musician or a lawyer if I wanted.
So I picked the thing that felt most meaningful to me. There are a million ways to make a difference and I chose to make media.
I chose not to sit in an office and work for a big company with a boss.
I chose to use my life force energy to make the things that feel most meaningful to me: these exact photos, writing and videos.
I have limitless opportunities.
So I try to use my luck and do something I’m really passionate about.
Because my passion means that we’ll go even further
and do even more good.
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I’m lucky that I’m in good health. I can run, do yoga, dance, jump and swim. I don’t have an autoimmune disease. I don’t have asthma. I don’t have cancer.
So I do my best not to waste my health.
I take care of my body so I can give even more.
When I run, it’s to feel the wind in my hair.
When I work on my handstand, it’s to build my own strength.
When I push deeper into my splits, it’s to expand my own limits.
So that when I get mean comments on the Internet, I’m strong enough to handle it.
I try to use my luck to build others up.
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I’m lucky to have a Canadian passport. I remember looking into the eyes of my brothers and sisters in Africa and realizing just what it means to have a passport that lets you travel anywhere.
So I make hella good use of my passport. I fill it with stamps, visas and plane tickets — to share the beauty of our planet Earth with you.
Not to flash some luxurious lifestyle.
Honestly, it’s just life. It’s simple. I eat. I film. I write. I cry. I miss people. I get lost. I find my way back. I sit. I walk. I wait. I go. I return.
I try to use my luck to remind us that it’s all paradise.
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I’m lucky to have a voice. Through the Internet. Through my writing. Thought my videos. I can say what I want and no is going to kill me for being a woman, and speaking up.
So I use my voice to try to bring people together.
Not break people apart.
To promote what I love and not bash what I hate.
I try to use my luck to make the world a little more kind and compassionate.
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I’m lucky to have friends who get me and support me. I know what it’s like to feel alone and afraid. Like you don’t belong anywhere and no one understands you.
So through my sparks on the Internet I try to find you in your darkest hours and let you know that you’re not alone.
So I try to use my luck to be a good friend for others.
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I’m lucky I have loving parents. Maybe we didn’t always see eye-to-eye, but now they get me more. I made it through that scary chapter of coming into my own, so I try to share that story. Giving a light at the end of the tunnel to those who are still walking.
I try to use the all the luck I’ve been given to share my blessings. In the hopes that through this Internet, some of this light will reach you.
And wash your days with glimmers of hope, courage and resilience.
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I try to use my luck to give you even more chances at a beautiful life. I refuse to get stuck thinking I’m insignificant.
I’m not skinny enough.
My pictures aren’t good enough.
My camera’s not good enough.
The Internet doesn’t need me.
There’s already a millions girls like me making videos.
Who am I to start now?
Why bother?
I refuse to listen to those voices.
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I remember that I’m lucky. So I use my luck to wake up and live the best life I can.
and I share it with you
so that together
We can live the best life possible.
Am I perfect at all this?
Nope.
But I’m trying.
We’re lucky.
We’re really lucky.
Photo by Mark Anthony Diaz
Hi Soul Sibling, if we haven’t met yet, I’m Anita Wing Lee. Filmmaker, writer, content creator, world traveler + untameable spirit. Plug into my web of online creations for more:
Instagram: @anitawinglee
Youtube: Anita Wing Lee
Periscope: @AnitaWingLee
Website: http://www.anitawinglee.com/If you find regular courage or inspiration from my work, I’d be honored to have your support on Patreon. As a thank you, you receive bonus content, mad love + resources from my creative process: https://www.patreon.com/anitawinglee
