Finding Purpose & Connection

Finding Purpose & Connection

Chris Joslin Embraces a No Barriers Life

Chris Joslin, a 60-year-old veteran of the US Army, is on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. After 22 years of dedicated service, Chris retired in 2008. Today he works part-time on military training contracts worldwide. Chris and his wife live in Central Texas and have two grown sons. 

Chris began this year by setting goals to support his mind, body and soul, with an intention to “be the best I can be for me, my family and the people that mean the most to me.” 

As serendipity would have it, Chris came across the No Barriers Warriors Program in an email from the VA and felt a strong pull. “I was already on a journey of re-evaluating where I was, who I was, and where I wanted to be,” he shares. This introspection aligned perfectly with No Barriers’ mission, providing an ideal opportunity. Chris applied for the Basecamp program, was accepted and joined fellow Veterans this summer on a life-changing journey with No Barriers.

No Barriers Warriors Programs span three months, providing an immersive opportunity specifically tailored to enhance the lives of Veterans with disabilities. It introduces them to the No Barriers problem-solving framework (the No Barriers 7 Life Elements), seamlessly blending interactive online components (Phases 1 and 3) with impactful outdoor experiential activities set in natural wilderness settings (Phase 2). 

The holistic experience far exceeded Chris’ expectations. 

“Combined, all of the phases, especially 2 and 3, far exceeded whatever I thought I expected to get from this. I sort of came in with somewhat low expectations – that if all it turned out to be was a neat weekend in the Colorado wilderness, that would be cool,” Chris shares. “Now, I want to be a part of this. It individually and collectively pulls Veterans to higher causes; something more than themselves; something many of us lose when we get out of the service.” 

“It [the No Barriers framework] makes you look inside, take a hard look at your makeup, and look forward to what you want in life. The three phases work, but the basecamp phase…that in-person, be present, for yourself, for your team…is so powerful!”

When asked to describe how his life has been impacted by his No Barriers experience, Chris passionately exclaims, “it’s like jet fuel on a fire. But not haphazardly. Focused. Powerful. Thought provoking.” 

“The biggest realization was that nothing can stop me, but me! I cannot overemphasize the reach and summits I witnessed of team members that inspired me in each event on each day of the basecamp. When I doubted myself on one thing or another, I saw someone just go for it, knowing that if they stumbled the rope team was there. This happened on the obstacle course a few times, and on the hike (for sure), and even fears of water were overcome on the river. It’s direct and cumulative – you can’t NOT be moved by those experiences to believe that, no kidding, the only thing in my way of doing whatever…is me!”

Chris emphasizes the power of honest personal connections as the most important work of No Barriers. The program’s structure provides a methodology familiar to military veterans, making it especially impactful. 

The Framework: No Barriers 7 Life Elements.

Chris was inspired by the elements that make up the No Barriers framework, citing four of them that are particularly impactful and continue to guide his journey each day:

  • Reach: “The need to get out of my comfort zone or not accept less.”
  • Alchemy: “There’s always a way – don’t give up – find a way and do it.”
  • Summits: “Acknowledge successes and know that valleys aren’t failures; they’re part of the journey.”
  • Rope Team: “Nothing substantial can ever be done alone. You need experts, support members, and companions to give you straight info, even when you don’t want to hear it.  And for me, it really isn’t about my rope team; it’s more about how I’m on other peoples’ rope teams. It truly isn’t about me.”
Living a No Barriers Life. 

Since participating in the No Barriers Warriors Program, Chris is intentionally integrating the tools gained and his experience into his everyday life. He has deepened his commitment to his April 2025 goals and has already lost 25 pounds. He no longer takes medicine for diabetes (and is no longer even considered pre-diabetic!) and is on track to improve his overall health even further. 

Chris is consciously choosing what to focus on in his daily life, prioritizing meaningful interactions and personal growth activities like polishing his German, reading, and playing guitar. 

The sense of camaraderie and connection has reshaped Chris’ personal perspective and his relationships. His commitment to being a better husband, father, friend and rope team member is amplified, and he is passionate about offering support to those around him. He emphasizes the importance of accountability and support in his journey, realizing that he is not just on a path for himself but is also a vital member of others’ journeys.

Reflections. 

“It’s not easy!” Chris exclaims, when asked how he would describe the No Barriers Warriors Program. Yet, he goes on to explain, “it was exactly what I needed to kickstart my life reset process. I seriously don’t think I’d be where I am without the experiences, interactions, and knowledge gained with No Barriers.” 

Chris’s story serves as a testament to living a No Barriers Life and to the profound impact that connection, shared struggles, and a commitment to growth can have on one’s life. He is not only redefining his journey but is also a pillar of support for others, proving that personal transformation can happen in a community…especially when we have the support of our rope teams.

“It truly has been a life-improving experience, for me, across the board.”

Thank you, Chris, for showing up, digging in and sharing your No Barriers experience! 

Want to help other Veterans with disabilities learn how to live a No Barriers life? Donate today.

Learn more about No Barriers Veteran Programs.

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MORIAH (MO) LEUTHAUSER

Program Manager

 

Moriah (Mo) Leuthauser grew up in a small town in Western Colorado. There she spent time outside with her family- skiing, backpacking, climbing and camping. She was introduced to adaptive recreation through an internship with a nonprofit organization that offered recumbent cycling tours from Telluride to Moab for disabled veterans. She was inspired to get involved with adaptive recreation after seeing the joy and healing that she had witnessed it bringing.  She attended Grand Canyon University, where she worked as a guide in the outdoor recreation program and received her Wilderness First Responder certification. Then, she worked at the National Ability Center as an adaptive ski instructor and as an adaptive raft guide for multi day rafting trips. During this time, she earned her PSIA Adaptive Level 1 cert and her Swift Water Rescue Level 4 cert. She now works for No Barriers as the Warriors Program Coordinator, but most enjoys opportunities to be in the field. In her free time, she enjoys mountain biking, rock climbing, skiing, board games and gardening. She hopes for a future where outdoor recreation is more accessible for all people and she plans to devote her career to this cause.