{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"A moment of blindness is lined by vision","description":"A SLM conversation with Gerrard Gosens Silver Lining Moments: a space for conversations, thoughts, and ideas that expand love and light \u201cEnter as Strangers, Leave as Friends.\u201d These words welcomed me as I was walked into Chocolate Moments in Brisbane, Australia.  Walking into the store was a serendipitous happenstance that led to this episode with the store\u2019s owner, Gerrard Gosens.   Gerrard Gosens was born with congenital blindness. Even though he has never seen a day in his life, he lives a life full of adventure and experiences. These are some of his accomplishments: Climbed Mount Everest Ran over 2,000 km to raise money for charity \u2013 5 times Represented Australia in the Paralympics \u2013 multiple times Competed on Australia\u2019s Dancing with the Stars Received the Order of Australia Awarded the Fervent Global Love of Life Medal for his humanitarian efforts Makes delicious chocolate As he discusses these experiences and his outlook on life, it becomes clear that: ALTHOUGH HE IS BLIND, HE IS A MAN WITH GREAT VISION In this SLM episode, we discuss: His different adventures and accomplishments How exactly does a blind person swim in open water for a triathlon course, dance with a partner showing passion on his face, and simple activities of everyday life His daily schedule of training three times a day, making chocolate for Chocolate Moments, and working full-time as a project manager His love of the \u201cBad Dad Jokes\u201d and puns His upcoming book \u201cMy Eyes Have a Wet Nose\u201d Trusting in people and situations Looking for the opportunity in every situation I walked into Chocolate Moments as a stranger but I left our SLM conversation as a friend. In my conversation with Gerrard, I realize how: a moment of BLINDNESS is lined by VISION. While many of my SLM guests do charitable work, which I support and applaud, I generally do not promote their fundraising efforts in the podcast. However, I am making the exception with Gerrard. He has spent his life helping others and now he needs some help. https:\/\/www.gofundme.com\/f\/gerrard-gosens-blind-chocolatier Thank you for listening to Silver Lining Moments. By Gerrard sharing and by you listening, together we are: expanding love and light, one person at a time, one story at a time, one Silver Lining Moment at a time.   ","author_name":"Silver Lining Moments with Kerry","author_url":"http:\/\/silverliningmoments.libsyn.com\/website","html":"