One sentence can change the way you carry loss—and for our guest Laura Bratton, that sentence was, “I want to give you permission to grieve.”

In this deeply moving conversation, Laura—an author, speaker, and resilience coach—shares how she learned to move forward without denying the pain of what she had lost. After beginning to lose her sight at age nine and becoming completely blind by the end of high school, she faced depression, daily panic attacks, and the difficult work of rebuilding her identity and independence.

Laura reveals why she initially rejected gratitude and how one simple daily practice eventually transformed her mindset: writing down three things she was grateful for. This wasn’t about being thankful for the hardship. It was about recognizing the support, tools, relationships, and resources that helped her navigate it—including the guide dog that restored a powerful sense of freedom.

We also explore mindfulness as a practical tool for interrupting anxiety, learning to recognize that thoughts are not always facts, and responding to fear with greater awareness. Laura offers a refreshing definition of grit—not as pushing through pain or “getting over it,” but as combining self-compassion with the courage to take the next step.

If you are navigating grief, trauma, anxiety, disability, or an unexpected life transition, this episode offers an honest and hopeful approach to resilience. You’ll discover how gratitude, mindfulness, and self-compassion can help you carry what happened without allowing it to define what happens next.

Subscribe to the V.I.B.E. Living Podcast, share this episode with someone who needs encouragement, and leave a review telling us the insight you’re choosing to carry forward.

Bio

At the age of nine, Laura was diagnosed with an eye disease and faced the difficult reality that she would become blind. Over the next ten years she experienced the traumatic transition of adjusting to life without sight. Laura adjusted to her new normal and was able to move forward in life as she graduated from Arizona State University with a BA in psychology. She then was the first blind student to receive her Masters of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary. She is the author of the book, Harnessing Courage. Laura founded Ubi Global, which is an organization that provides speaking and coaching to empower all people to overcome challenges and obstacles with grit and gratitude.

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Have you ever felt like you've changed—but the world still sees the old version of you?

For many women over 40, life brings a season of reinvention. Whether you're starting a business, changing careers, pursuing a long-forgotten dream, or simply stepping into a new chapter, one question quietly lingers: How do I help others see the woman I've become?

The answer may be something you've never considered—your personal brand. It's not about becoming an influencer or creating a polished online image. It's about making sure your voice, values, experience, and purpose are reflected in the way the world sees you. In today's crowded digital landscape, learning how to communicate who you are authentically may be one of the most important investments you can make in your next chapter.

In this inspiring episode of the V.I.B.E. Living Podcast, I'm joined by Chanoa Inez, creator of MAGNETIZE YOUR PERSONAL BRAND™ and author of Dream On: How to Create the New Life of Your Dreams After Upheaval and Loss.

Together, we unpack what personal branding really means—and why it's far more than a logo, polished headshot, or perfectly curated social media feed. A magnetic personal brand begins on the inside. It's built on confidence, clarity, boundaries, authenticity, and the courage to own your story before you ever market yourself.

If you've been showing up online but still feel invisible... if you've wondered why others seem to attract opportunities while you're working twice as hard... or if you're standing at the edge of a midlife pivot wondering how to confidently introduce this next version of yourself, this conversation is for you.

We also explore:
• How to build a memorable personal brand without pretending to be someone you're not.
• The difference between authenticity and oversharing.
• Why visibility creates trust faster than words alone.
• How to overcome the fear that often accompanies career transitions and midlife reinvention.
• The one thing AI—and your competitors—can never duplicate: your unique voice, values, and life experience.

Whether you're launching a business, growing your influence, changing careers, starting a podcast, or simply rediscovering who you are after 40, this episode will inspire you to step into your next chapter with greater confidence and purpose.

If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to follow the V.I.B.E. Living Podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with another woman who is ready to stop blending in and start becoming unforgettable.

Bio

Chanoa Inez is the author of Dream On: How to create the new life of your dreams after upheaval or loss. She's also the creator of MAGNETIZE YOUR PERSONAL BRAND™, a program that combines personal transformation and personal branding to help clients enrich their lives and attract better opportunities.

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Please Patronize Our Sponsors

Healthy aging starts from the inside out. Great Lakes Wellness Collagen is made with clean, grass-fed collagen peptides that are iGen Non-GMO tested, dissolve effortlessly in hot or cold liquids, and fit seamlessly into your daily routine. I personally use it to support healthy skin, stronger hair, joint comfort, and gut health. If you're looking for a simple way to nourish your body after 40, this is one of my favorite daily wellness essentials.

Learn more by clicking here. Special Discount Code: VIBEWELLNESSWOMAN

If you're curious about supporting your metabolism naturally, check out Ora Organic's GLP-1 Up. It's a plant-based supplement formulated with four clinically studied botanical ingredients that help support your body's natural GLP-1 production, healthy blood sugar response, appetite regulation, and energy balance.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

If you are ready to try natural HRT check out VITAFEM - A doctor-formulated menopause supplement built for all 5 hormones.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION