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When we are young, life seems endless, days last forever and we feel invincible. As the years creep by, and you hit those twilight years the days ahead are shorter, move faster and you feel anxious because you are running out of time and have not accomplished all you wanted to do.
A few years ago, I was in a serious car accident. My car was going uncontrollably fast off the interstate towards a large tree. My life quickly running through my head, I thought of my family whom I would be leaving prematurely. Then I reconciled and said, “Lord, I am yours.” At that very moment, it was if God spun the car so that the impact was on the side and not head-on. As I hung on tightly and squeezed my eyes shut, I felt the car roll and roll and roll. Suddenly I heard the voice of a truck driver, yelling for me to get out of the car, that it was smoking and would catch on fire. I escaped with only minor eye lacerations from the broken glass.
After the accident, I wondered about the meaning of my life. What was I spared to do? If I only had one day left, what words of wisdom would I pass on to humanity? I have often wondered about this question. What can I leave behind to improve people’s lives on earth?
These words are what come to mind: “Impossible” is for those people who do not have determination to make it possible.
You are only limited by the restrictions you place on yourself. As a parent, I always instructed my children that “can’t” is not a word in their vocabulary. That has remained etched in their minds even to this today. I’ve taken this message to students as I mentored and volunteered with at-risk children in low performing schools. This simple message has encouraged them to excel.
What matters most is to believe in yourself and treat others with respect and compassion. Love who you are and embrace the beautiful creature that God has made. Don’t let naysayers feed your doubts. We all have the God-given power within to overcome challenges and rise above any turmoil to succeed. The key is to believe and have faith that you can. The hard times you go through are just building, strengthening and preparing you for greatness.
Remember that even the most brilliant diamond was created under extreme pressure. Be that diamond that shines brilliantly. With that light you will be able to help others see.
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Jennifer Carroll is the author of When You Get There, a Political Analyst for WJXT CHANNEL News4Jax Jacksonville, Florida, providing unbiased analysis of political issues, ballot initiatives, local and national races and she is currently the Senior Adviser for Global Digital Solutions, Inc. (GDSI) and future President and Chief Operating Officer. She was Florida’s 18th Lieutenant Governor, first female elected as Lieutenant Governor in Florida and the first Black person elected Statewide. She was a state legislator for over seven years, a small business owner, former Executive Director of Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs responsible for over 1.8 million veterans and a 20-year retired Navy veteran. In addition to her duties assisting the Governor with economic development and foreign trade, Carroll oversaw the Florida Department of Military Affairs, Florida Department of Veterans Affairs, and was Chairperson of Space Florida. She was also the Governor’s Designee on the Florida Defense Support Task Force, and Chairperson on the Governor’s Task Force on Citizen Safety and Protection.

For more information, please visit jennifercarroll.com

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This Post Has 14 Comments

  1. Inspirational writeup…the possibilities are endless! G-d has a way of waking us up and kicking us out of our comfort zones when we refuse to live up to the greatness within us!

  2. Peers, coworkers, and individuals that I have met and interacted with tend to gravitate to my positive thinking and I have my mother to thank for that positive way of thinking. I don’t know what any of us would do without you. Everything you have taught me has been applied to my everyday life and to every situation. You taught me to help others, stay strong for what you believe in, and never give up. those are life lessons that I will never negate I love you mom.

  3. Thanks Ms. Jennifer Carroll,

    Perhaps someday I’ll be able to express my gratitude to you in person for the greatness to be unleashed from within my soul, this is not a joke. Your short but truthful writings are exactly what I needed today.

    With love and gratitude,
    Michael A. Stilinovich

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