I was 18 when I first went to sea as a tourist. As a teenager who always looked for novelty and a real adventure, I joined the Merchant Navy immediately after school. I got a round-the-world journey as my first trip we went to South Africa, Australia and New Zealand and sailed down the Panama Canal. Over the next 15 years, I enjoyed a joyful life as a steward, working long hours but playing hard during my time of. Then on the evening of my 33rd birthday in November 1983, we stopped in Trinidad and a group of us went to the land to celebrate. But when I opened my eyes at noon the next day, I knew I was suffering from more than just the typical effects of being drunk and staying up all night-I found I could see nothing.

As I was helped off the ship, I tried to calm down, assuming the situation was temporary. Later, I flew back to the UK and was examined by a specialist. He told me I had a rare serious medical condition,which could make me blind for the rest of my life. I couldn’t process what I’d heard at first; it just didn’t seem to make sense.

In the following months, I felt my life was over. I had lost not only my sight but also my independence-I was trapped in my house with no income. At first, I found it difficult to make my way from one room to another, and the thought of going outside filled me with anxiety.

The turning point came when I went on a camping holiday wit other visually impaired people-it made such a difference to be able to talk to people who understood my situation. Later, I started a two-year course at the Royal National Institute for the Blind, learning new skills. Halfway through the course, I got my first guide dog, Otis, which changed everything. I had a friend who always stayed with me-it was as if all the difficulties had disappeared and the sense of regained freedom was exciting.

Shortly after that, I started working again, and have since enjoyed a rewarding career with organizations that help visually impaired people.

We put limitations on ourselves when the fear of failure grows stronger than our will to succeed. That’s why we all need a push to help us reach further than we ever thought possible.

That is the purpose of NubAbility Athletics Foundation, a nonprofit organization aimed to get “limb (肢体) different” youth — kids who are amputees (被截肢者) — “out of the stands, off the bench, and into mainstream sports.” The organization holds camps around the country, pairing kids and coaches with similar limb differences to help them reach their full physical potential.

Tim, who was born without arms, certainly didn’t believe he could pull off a 20-inch box jump before he joined. This month, the 14-year-old participated in the weight-lifting and training program at a camp and achieved something amazing.

In a video on the Internet, we see Tim’s coach teaching him to jump onto a box. With no arm strength, it seems like a tough task. While Tim pushes through his self-doubt and jumps, he still holds back on his first two tries and doesn’t stick the landing.

Then, the coach pats her hands onto the box, yelling, “All the people who told you you can’t — right here, jump on them. Now!” This time, Tim puts all his energy into the jump. Still, it isn’t enough to make it all the way onto the box. Understandably, Tim grows frustrated and turns away as if to give up. But he’s not done yet. Tim turns back to the box with a look of pure determination, bends his knees… and launches himself onto the box!

As his coaches cheer him on, the victorious teen jumps down and straights into his motivator’s arms, overwhelmed with emotion at what he just achieved. That day, Tim learned he is capable of so much more than he knew.

Tim is living proof that we can all achieve greatness, no matter our limitations. All we have to do is keep trying. Never give up, and never let the word “can’t” hold you back!

“I’m sorry,” the bank teller said. “Your check has bounced (拒付).” Her words took a moment to sink in. This year had brought so much pain. A divorce (离婚), losing my house, then the loss of my job right before the holidays… and now the check for my car insurance had bounced!

Leaving the bank, I wondered what I would do. My unemployment (失业) checks were delayed, and everything seemed to be piling up. How long could I last without money? How I missed my parents in the faraway Los Angeles, whom I had not seen for five years.

December in Michigan meant it was not only dark, but cold and snowy. Despite (尽管) that, I had an urge to take a walk on my favorite trail. Being cold and dark also meant there was a good chance no one else would be out, so I decided to go.

On the trail, I was grateful for sounds of rushing water coming from the little river. They covered my soft sobs while I walked. Tonight, it all felt like too much to bear.

Eventually, when my tears dried up, I headed home. Approaching my apartment (公寓) door, I noticed something bulky hanging on the it. Probably another bill, I thought. While I struggled with my boots, I could see a card with my name on it through the clear plastic bag. Reaching in, I took out a very small, white envelope. Inside the envelope was a beautiful card with no name written on it, but it was stuffed with gift cards --- hundreds of dollars of gift cards that could meet my urgent needs!

I was in shock and awe. The timing of this amazing anonymous (匿名的) gift, arriving at exactly the right moment, was almost too much to comprehend. Again, I began crying, but now they were tears of joy. I felt so loved.

I would go to Los Angeles tomorrow!