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Cam's Kids was incredibly honoured to have the opportunity to interview Erik Weihenmayer LIVE on our Instagram page on Wednesday December 16th, at 12pm ET.

Erik has overcome countless challenges in his life, learning to break down barriers, and accomplish what many may have otherwise thought to be "impossible". It is from these experiences that Erik has quickly become one of the most sought after motivational speakers, helping those with challenges break through barriers and find purpose in their life. Which is why Cam's Kids was so incredibly excited to be able to sit down and talk with Erik, and learn valuable life lessons and strategies for those who face "invisible" barriers such as anxiety depression!

Erik's achievements in life are endless. Erik is an:

• adventurer
• best-selling author
• activist
• recipient of the Helen Keller Lifetime Achievement Award
• motivational speaker
• and co-founder of the No Barriers Foundation - an organization committed to helping "individuals with challenges, helping them break through barriers, tap into light of human spirit and find purpose in their lives"

Erik does so all while being blind, having lost his sight at the young age of 13.

Erik lives by the motto that "what lies within us is stronger than what lies in front of us" - having shown this to be true in his life, time and time again. In 2001, Erik became the first blind climber in history to summit Mount Everest - the world's highest mountain. In 2008, he completed his goal of summiting the highest peaks on each of the seven continents. In 2014, Erik kayaked the entire Colorado River, spanning 277 miles through the Grand Canyon. 

Erik's achievements go far beyond what he has accomplished as an adventurer. He has authored three incredibly motivating and captivating books: Touch the Top of the World, The Adversity Advantage, and his most recent - No Barriers.  He has shared the stage with Al Gohr, been interviewed by Oprah, and unsurprisingly - has become one of the most sought after motivational speakers. 

What may be most inspirational about Erik is his commitment and passion for helping others. The No Barriers Foundation is an American-based organization, supporting youth, veterans and people with all types of challenges - physical or "invisible". No Barriers is so much more than a Foundation - it is a movement; a way of living. This movement is centered around 7 "Life Elements" as the Foundations calls them.

The following is taken from the No Barriers Website: 

Vision: Vision is designing a purpose that inspires you to give your best back to the world. Vision is almost like a map that guides us to where we want to be in our lives; it is our purpose and our goals in life. 

Reach: Reach is an element that focuses on moving beyond your comfort zone. It is a call to challenge yourself, to push further than you ever have so that you can grow as a person.

Pioneer: To pioneer through challenges is to use creative thinking and problem solving in order to overcome your barriers.

Rope Team: Your rope team is your support network. It is a team of people that you can collaborate and connect with to build a strong community. Your expedition team will be your rope team while in the field. 

Alchemy: The element of alchemy encourages participants to take their life experiences and turn them into something positive. It means cultivating optimism and resiliency in the face of difficult challenges. 

Summits: Summits are the gifts that we earn through perseverance; acknowledging the work and struggle behind our achievements and victories.

Elevate: To live an elevated life, participants are encouraged to impact the world and those around them by serving as a leader in their communities,  sharing their experiences and what they have learned along the way.

We are so grateful to have been given the opportunity to speak with Erik about how the No Barriers Life Elements can be applied for those who face "invisible" challenges such as anxiety and depression. We hope you checkout the interview over on the Cam's Kids Instagram page!