[originaltext] Moderator: Hello, ladies and gentlemen. It gives me great

Moderator:
    Hello, ladies and gentlemen. It gives me great pleasure to introduce our speaker for today’s lecture, Dr. David Ford. Dr. Ford, professor of psychology at Stanford University, has written numerous articles about how to keep passionate and optimistic under the great pressure in the modern society, which is the key to success in most situations.
    Dr. Ford:
    Thank you for that introduction. I feel happy to meet you here. Some people choose to tightly grasp on to the past and stay stuck in their story, playing it over and over like a broken record. They, in turn, live with regret, anger, fear and resentment.
    Those who choose to live life with no regrets let go of the past and live joyfully in the present moment. They know that every experience gives birth to lessons and growth, even if it felt painful at the time. They look at all life experiences, both positive and negative, as part of their divine journey. They forgive themselves and others and understand their power is always in the present moment. They are grateful and optimistic, and know whatever they focus their thoughts on is what they attract. They also live by the following important mindsets.
    We all have unique gifts and talents we bring to this earth, accompanied by our distinct personality. We also have a life purpose to pursue—whether it’s to inspire, create, support, protect, or teach. If you pave your own path by following your passions and inner guidance, your life will take on deeper meaning and fulfillment. If you pave your own path with what society and others expect of you, you’ll waste your precious time creating a life of pain, resentment, and regret. Instead of living a life of what you think you should do, try living according to what your inner knowing guides you to do.
    We all know the feeling of being passionate about something. Our eyes light up, our energy increases, we smile, feel fulfilled, in the present, and deeply connected to what we are doing. Too often we allow the pressures of society and fear to steer us into spending our days engaged in activities we feel we should do. Whether it’s working in an unsatisfying job, staying in a bad relationship, or worrying what others think, none of those behaviors serve our higher good. To check whether your passions are guiding your life, write a list of up to 10 experiences you’ve had in your life where you felt the most fulfilled and connected. Then assess how many of these activities you have done in the past twelve months. If it’s not many, then start to reduce the amount of things you feel you have to do and start doing more of what you want to do.
    Hope you enjoy today’s lecture. Thank you!
    Questions 16 to 19 are based on the recording you have just heard.
    16. What does the introduction tell us about Dr. Ford’s articles?
    17. How do positive people think about their past experiences?
    18. What does the speaker say about worrying about others’ opinions?
    19. What does the speaker suggest we do?