Episode 34: Losing Sight, Finding Strength: Laura Bratton on Resilience, Boundaries, and Empowerment
In this powerful episode of The F.E.E.L. Podcast, we sit down with Laura Bratton, a courageous speaker, advocate, and inspiration whose story redefines resilience, confidence, and self-belief. Discovered through Podmatch, Laura brings a deeply moving perspective shaped by losing her eyesight as a teenager, and by the unwavering support system that empowered her to keep moving forward.
Laura shares how grief and growth can coexist, and how her parents’ refusal to coddle her after vision loss became one of the greatest gifts of her life. Through everyday expectations, boundaries, and belief in her capability, Laura learned independence, confidence, and inner strength, even when she didn’t yet believe in herself.
This episode explores powerful themes like overcoming adversity, living with disability, setting boundaries, breaking stereotypes, and embracing your layered identity. Laura challenges us to replace judgment with curiosity, to stop putting people in boxes, and to give ourselves permission to grieve while still moving forward.
Whether you’re navigating personal loss, redefining your identity, or searching for motivation to keep going, this conversation offers insight, encouragement, and practical wisdom. Laura’s story is not just for the blind community—it’s for anyone committed to growth, courage, and living a meaningful life.
Ways to Engage: Next time you make a snap judgment about someone, change it into curiosity. Ask them a question, talk about their day, or engage in a way that will challenge the way you see the world. Keep moving, keep growing.
Learn more about The F.E.E.L Podcast and our network: www.embracinglayers.com
Want to be a guest on The F.E.E.L. Podcast - Finding Empowerment Embracing Layers? Send Melissa Crook a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/feel2021 or complete our contact form here: https://www.embracinglayers.com/contact
Timestamps:
Prioritizing Self Care - ( 2:34 )
Confidently Setting Boundaries - ( 8:03 )
Taking Care of Your Emotional Health as much as Your Physical Health - ( 9:46 )
Support self & other women unapologetically - ( 22:56 )
Coming Back to Your WHY and Your VALUES - ( 28:45 )
Living Out of Your Own Expectations - ( 32:07 )
Accepting the Layered Aspects of Yourself - ( 36:47 )
Living out FEEL, how does it affect your relationships - ( 40:11 )
5 Activities That Nourish You - ( 45:45 )
5 Words for How You Want to Feel in the Next Six Months - ( 52:59 )
Original FEEL Podcast Theme Music by Rio & Valencia Saint-Louis
✨ Free Download: Embracing a F.E.E.L Fueled Life Sample Freebie ✨
In this empowering bonus resource, we’re giving you a free sneak peek into the Embracing a F.E.E.L Fueled Life course! This downloadable PDF guides you through reconnecting with who you truly are—beyond your roles, responsibilities, and expectations.
Ready for deeper support? Visit embracinglayers.com to schedule a free 15–30 minute session with Melissa or learn more about the FEEL Reset one-on-one empowerment program.
Let 2026 be the year you reset, realign, and reconnect with yourself.
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