In this video, we discuss spirituality and personal growth, highlighting how a spiritual awakening can guide one through difficult times. The conversation also touches on the concept of enlightenment and the process of self improvement, fostering a deeper sense of mindfulness and inner peace. This episode provides valuable insights for anyone on their spiritual journey. 🚀

Laura was born and raised in South Carolina. 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.

In this episode I welcome Laura Bratton, who shares her profound journey of resilience and transformation following a life-altering diagnosis of vision loss at a young age. Laura discusses the importance of time and how it shapes our lives, emphasizing the dual journeys of self-discovery and serving others. She reflects on her childhood, the moment she realized her vision was deteriorating, and the initial denial she faced. Through the support of her family and community, Laura learned to embrace grit and gratitude, which became pivotal in her healing process.

Laura elaborates on how her experiences led her to pursue a degree in psychology and a Master of Divinity, focusing on the mind-body-spirit connection. She highlights the significance of community support in overcoming challenges and how her journey has inspired her to help others navigate their own struggles. The conversation culminates in a discussion about the power of gratitude, not as a superficial positivity, but as a deep acknowledgment of the support and resources that help us through difficult times. Laura's insights serve as a reminder of the strength found in vulnerability and the importance of choosing to respond rather than react to life's challenges.

Chapters

00:00 The Value of Time and Journey

02:36 Understanding Grit and Gratitude

03:58 Facing Diagnosis and Reality

08:51 The Role of Community in Healing

11:11 The Moment of Acceptance

13:50 Pursuing Psychology and Healing

16:59 The Path to Chaplaincy

19:51 Spirituality and Presence

21:25 Embracing the Role of a Servant

23:01 Exploring Grit and Gratitude

26:11 The Power of Gratitude

32:54 Final Thoughts on Grit and Pain

34:47 ThreadsOfEnlightenment_Outro_shortTail.mp4

Takeaways

Time is a precious gift that shapes our lives.

Grit and gratitude are essential for overcoming challenges.

Community support plays a crucial role in healing.

Acknowledging pain allows for a more powerful response.

Gratitude is about recognizing what helps us navigate difficulties.

Sound bites

"Grit and gratitude are essential for overcoming challenges."

"I had to choose, okay, I've had the grit modeled for me."

"Gratitude is based on being thankful for what helps us navigate."

I strongly encourage everyone to follow her, BUY her book: Harnessing Courage:

Overcoming Adversity with Grit & Gratitude, and be transformed by her insights.

Everyone has a story, and this is her story.

Below is a list of the sites that house her works.

https://www.laurabratton.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-bratton-6b520a102/

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