We often hear that it’s not what happens to us in life, but how we choose to respond that defines our destiny. Recently, I had the absolute honor of being interviewed by Kate Gladdin on her podcast, Okay, Now What? It was an uplifting, real, and eye-opening conversation—literally—about how I lost my sight at 17, discovered unexpected ways to “see” again, and found my true purpose in the world.

 

Below, I’m sharing some of the biggest takeaways from that interview, in hopes they’ll inspire you to overcome whatever barriers you’re facing. And if you want the full, unfiltered story (including a hilarious chat about Outback Steakhouse!), be sure to listen to the entire interview—you won’t regret it!

 

The Unexpected Turn That Changed Everything

Soon after the start of my junior year of high school, I was diagnosed with a life-threatening brain tumor. As scary as it may have seemed, the surgeon reassured me that everything would be just fine. He'd perform a "routine surgery" to remove the tumor, and I’d be back to school in three weeks. But instead, everything changed. The surgery saved my life, the tumor was removed, but at a cost no one ever expected. I was left completely blind.

 

Life Can Change Overnight

Even the best-laid plans can be disrupted in an instant. When the unexpected strikes, the first step toward healing is accepting the fact that sometimes life just really sucks. There's no reason to sugarcoat it. But it's vital to remember, that even the worst of times will not last forever. Don't give up.

 

Holding On to Faith and Family

In the dark aftermath of surgery, every morning I woke up to the same reality: a world without sight. What kept me going were two constants—my faith and my family. These two forces became my rock, my source of strength, my source of purpose and drive.

 

"Faith + Family = A Life Worth Living" would become my motto, my life's equation.

 

Find Your Own Equation

Faith and family were my anchors, but yours might be different. It could be friends, a passion project, or any source of strength that helps you navigate life's storms. Identify what grounds you, and let it be your guiding light when hope seems lost.

 

Discovering a New Way to See with Echolocation

Fourteen years after losing my sight, I would learn how to see again, just in a whole new way! Harnessing the power of a technique we thought was only reserved for bats and dolphins, I retrained my brain to see through sound. Yes, I'm telling you that I now see by using echolocation!

 

Creativity Leads to Breakthroughs

Innovation often emerges when we refuse to let limitations define us. Stay curious and open to unconventional solutions; sometimes the key to overcoming obstacles lies in a new perspective or approach.

 

A Pivot into Podcasting

I entered into the world of entrepreneurship with the opening of my own travel agency in January 2013. Seven years later, when COVID-19 forced travel to a halt and my business collapsed, it led me to explore new opportunities. It was here, locked away in our homes, that I found a new passion: PODCASTING!

 

Closed Doors Can Point to New Paths

When life derails your plans, it may feel like a failure—but often, it’s a redirection toward something even more fulfilling. Embrace these unexpected pivots; what seems like an ending might just be the beginning of a new amazing chapter in your story!

 

Embracing My Purpose

Launching my podcast, Grit, Grace, & Inspiration, and taking the leap of faith by stepping on stage as an inspirational speaker - has allowed me to share my journey and inspire others. Whether I’m speaking on stage or recording an episode, my mission is clear: to turn hard experiences into sources of hope and strength for those who need it most.

 

Your Story Can Lift Someone Else

Every struggle has the potential to be a powerful lesson for someone else. By sharing your story, you create a space for connection and healing. Don't be afraid to let your vulnerabilities shine—they might just be the beacon that guides someone else through their darkness.

 

Listen to the Full Interview

Curious about the full story—including that interesting Outback Steakhouse tradition? Tune in to Episode 34 of Okay, Now What? - with Kate Gladdin!

 

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