Warrior Words | Stories of Hope | Finding Beauty After Battles & Thriving After Surviving Trauma

Are you walking through a storm that feels like it will never end? Do you wonder if life’s storms have stolen the beauty from your life for good? You’re in the right place. My name is Heather and, like you, I’ve been through a storm or two and wondered if life would ever be beautiful again. Here we share Warriors’ Words ~ stories of discovering beauty after battles and the worth in your wounds. Pick up your sword - or boxing gloves - and join the battle. Your words are powerful, my friends. Make them Warrior Words. Become more involved in this journey at @MyWarriorWords and @HeatherGaffneyAuthor on Instagram. I can also be found on X at @HGaffneyAuthor and on YouTube at @warriorwords and @BeautyAfterBattles Join us in our community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/warriorwords

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Episodes

21 hours ago

Welcome to Episode 76 of the Warrior Words podcast!
 
It's the first day of Autism Acceptance Month!
Autism is one of my storms, but it's also one of my blessings. This week, I talk about what happens when our traumas and storms intersect at a point in time as mine did recently.
One of my storms left a permanent change in my reality and how I live my life. The other seems to keep sending surprises to remind me it was once a major part of my life. And then both of those impact how autism fits into my life.
Just because a storm seems like it is in the past, doesn't mean it stays there. There are reminders. There are surprises. There may be decisions that need to be made.
These intersections should cause us to think. But not just think. After that, we must act...
 
Armor Up.
Fight the Good Fight.
Seek Beauty.
Make Your Words Warrior Words.
 
NEW Merch Store: https://heather-clr-shop.fourthwall.com/
 
WARRIOR WORDS FACEBOOK GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/WarriorWords/
Join your fellow Warriors: https://subscribepage.io/pearlsofwisdom
Purchase Art or make a Donation: https://ko-fi.com/warriorwords
YT: https://www.youtube.com/@beautyafterbattlesart
YT: https://www.youtube.com/@warriorwords
IG: https://www.instagram.com/mywarriorwords/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/heathergaffneyauthor/
 
People who helped make this podcast possible:
Editor & Music Composer: AgentSecret24 - https://www.youtube.com/@Agentsecret24
Photographer: Val Westover (He does VIRTUAL photo sessions!) - https://www.valwestoverphotography.com/shop?category=Virtual+Photography&aff=16
Podcast Coach, Stefanie Gass: 
Clarify Your Calling: https://heatherg--stefaniegass.thrivecart.com/clarifyyourcalling/
Podcast Pro University: https://heatherg--stefaniegass.thrivecart.com/podcastprouniversity/
Podcast to Profit: https://heatherg--stefaniegass.thrivecart.com/podcasttoprofitmastermind/
Podbean Podcast Hosting: https://www.podbean.com/WarriorWords
Lilla Rose: https://www.lillarose.com/mamacre8s
 
NOTE: Beliefs, practices, and opinions expressed by guests of the Warrior Words podcast are not necessarily the same as those of the host. One of the purposes of this podcast is to share stories. This cannot be effective if everyone is identical.
* Some of my links are affiliate links. I receive a small commission with your purchase at no additional cost to you if you click through my links.

5 days ago

Welcome to Episode 75 of the Warrior Words podcast!
 
In this short Bits of Biblical Beauty (BoBB) episode, I talk about Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan Woman at the Well. The story could have turned out very differently if she had behaved the way many of us would like to when someone points out our sins...
 
Armor Up.
Fight the Good Fight.
Seek Beauty.
Make Your Words Warrior Words.
 
NEW Merch Store: https://heather-clr-shop.fourthwall.com/
 
WARRIOR WORDS FACEBOOK GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/WarriorWords/
Join your fellow Warriors: https://subscribepage.io/pearlsofwisdom
Purchase Art or make a Donation: https://ko-fi.com/warriorwords
YT: https://www.youtube.com/@beautyafterbattlesart
YT: https://www.youtube.com/@warriorwords
IG: https://www.instagram.com/mywarriorwords/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/heathergaffneyauthor/
 
People who helped make this podcast possible:
Editor & Music Composer: AgentSecret24 - https://www.youtube.com/@Agentsecret24
Photographer: Val Westover (He does VIRTUAL photo sessions!) - https://www.valwestoverphotography.com/shop?category=Virtual+Photography&aff=16
Podcast Coach, Stefanie Gass: 
Clarify Your Calling: https://heatherg--stefaniegass.thrivecart.com/clarifyyourcalling/
Podcast Pro University: https://heatherg--stefaniegass.thrivecart.com/podcastprouniversity/
Podcast to Profit: https://heatherg--stefaniegass.thrivecart.com/podcasttoprofitmastermind/
Podbean Podcast Hosting: https://www.podbean.com/WarriorWords
Lilla Rose: https://www.lillarose.com/mamacre8s
 
NOTE: Beliefs, practices, and opinions expressed by guests of the Warrior Words podcast are not necessarily the same as those of the host. One of the purposes of this podcast is to share stories. This cannot be effective if everyone is identical.
* Some of my links are affiliate links. I receive a small commission with your purchase at no additional cost to you if you click through my links.

Tuesday Mar 25, 2025

Welcome to Episode 74 of the Warrior Words podcast!
 
As promised in episode 70, Jocelyn Abyad is back to talk about a subject that doesn't get the attention it deserves: fathers and siblings also grieve when a baby dies in the womb.
But this episode became a little something more than that. As Jocelyn was sharing about her husband's reactions, she ended up sharing about marriage and she used the image of an umbrella.
It was incredibly beautiful.
While he wasn't present on the mic or camera, I want to thank Fr. Zyad Abyad for his story through Jocelyn and for his example of Christ-like love for and with his wife.
 
Learn more about Jocelyn:
Website: https://www.wecarryyoustill.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559746200629
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wecarryyoustill
 
Armor Up.
Fight the Good Fight.
Seek Beauty.
Make Your Words Warrior Words.
 
WARRIOR WORDS FACEBOOK GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/WarriorWords/
Become a Warrior Words Insider: https://subscribepage.io/pearlsofwisdom
Purchase Art or make a Donation: https://ko-fi.com/warriorwords
NEW Merch Store: https://heather-clr-shop.fourthwall.com
YT: https://www.youtube.com/@beautyafterbattlesart
YT: https://www.youtube.com/@warriorwords
IG: https://www.instagram.com/mywarriorwords/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/heathergaffneyauthor/
 
People who helped make this podcast possible:
Editor & Music Composer: AgentSecret24 - https://www.youtube.com/@Agentsecret24
Photographer: Val Westover (He does VIRTUAL photo sessions!) - https://www.valwestoverphotography.com/shop?category=Virtual+Photography&aff=16
Podcast Coach, Stefanie Gass: 
Clarify Your Calling: https://heatherg--stefaniegass.thrivecart.com/clarifyyourcalling/
Podcast Pro University: https://heatherg--stefaniegass.thrivecart.com/podcastprouniversity/
Podcast to Profit: https://heatherg--stefaniegass.thrivecart.com/podcasttoprofitmastermind/
Podbean Podcast Hosting: https://www.podbean.com/WarriorWords
Lilla Rose: https://www.lillarose.com/mamacre8s
 
NOTE: Beliefs, practices, and opinions expressed by guests of the Warrior Words podcast are not necessarily the same as those of the host. One of the purposes of this podcast is to share stories. This cannot be effective if everyone is identical.
* Some of my links are affiliate links. I receive a small commission with your purchase at no additional cost to you if you click through my links.

Friday Mar 21, 2025

Welcome to Episode 73 of the Warrior Words podcast!
 
In this short Bits of Biblical Beauty (BoBB) episode, I take a look at the beauty in the story of God telling Abram that his descendants will be as the number of the stars in the Heavens. What an amazing promise and gift!
 
Armor Up.
Fight the Good Fight.
Seek Beauty.
Make Your Words Warrior Words.
 
NEW Merch Store: https://heather-clr-shop.fourthwall.com/
 
WARRIOR WORDS FACEBOOK GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/WarriorWords/
Join your fellow Warriors: https://subscribepage.io/pearlsofwisdom
Purchase Art or make a Donation: https://ko-fi.com/warriorwords
YT: https://www.youtube.com/@beautyafterbattlesart
YT: https://www.youtube.com/@warriorwords
IG: https://www.instagram.com/mywarriorwords/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/heathergaffneyauthor/
 
People who helped make this podcast possible:
Editor & Music Composer: AgentSecret24 - https://www.youtube.com/@Agentsecret24
Photographer: Val Westover (He does VIRTUAL photo sessions!) - https://www.valwestoverphotography.com/shop?category=Virtual+Photography&aff=16
Podcast Coach, Stefanie Gass: 
Clarify Your Calling: https://heatherg--stefaniegass.thrivecart.com/clarifyyourcalling/
Podcast Pro University: https://heatherg--stefaniegass.thrivecart.com/podcastprouniversity/
Podcast to Profit: https://heatherg--stefaniegass.thrivecart.com/podcasttoprofitmastermind/
Podbean Podcast Hosting: https://www.podbean.com/WarriorWords
Lilla Rose: https://www.lillarose.com/mamacre8s
 
NOTE: Beliefs, practices, and opinions expressed by guests of the Warrior Words podcast are not necessarily the same as those of the host. One of the purposes of this podcast is to share stories. This cannot be effective if everyone is identical.
* Some of my links are affiliate links. I receive a small commission with your purchase at no additional cost to you if you click through my links.

Tuesday Mar 18, 2025

Welcome to Episode 72 of the Warrior Words podcast!
 
I am flying solo this week! Something Jocelyn said in last week's episode made me recall something my kids and I did as we were walking through a storm together.
While your walk may be entirely different, the concept can be the same.
I talk about maintaining some form of consistency. It gives you something to hold onto in a situation where it seems like nothing is the same anymore.
 
Armor Up.
Fight the Good Fight.
Seek Beauty.
Make Your Words Warrior Words.
 
NEW Merch Store: https://heather-clr-shop.fourthwall.com/
 
WARRIOR WORDS FACEBOOK GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/WarriorWords/
Join your fellow Warriors: https://subscribepage.io/pearlsofwisdom
Purchase Art or make a Donation: https://ko-fi.com/warriorwords
YT: https://www.youtube.com/@beautyafterbattlesart
YT: https://www.youtube.com/@warriorwords
IG: https://www.instagram.com/mywarriorwords/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/heathergaffneyauthor/
 
People who helped make this podcast possible:
Editor & Music Composer: AgentSecret24 - https://www.youtube.com/@Agentsecret24
Photographer: Val Westover (He does VIRTUAL photo sessions!) - https://www.valwestoverphotography.com/shop?category=Virtual+Photography&aff=16
Podcast Coach, Stefanie Gass: 
Clarify Your Calling: https://heatherg--stefaniegass.thrivecart.com/clarifyyourcalling/
Podcast Pro University: https://heatherg--stefaniegass.thrivecart.com/podcastprouniversity/
Podcast to Profit: https://heatherg--stefaniegass.thrivecart.com/podcasttoprofitmastermind/
Podbean Podcast Hosting: https://www.podbean.com/WarriorWords
Lilla Rose: https://www.lillarose.com/mamacre8s
 
NOTE: Beliefs, practices, and opinions expressed by guests of the Warrior Words podcast are not necessarily the same as those of the host. One of the purposes of this podcast is to share stories. This cannot be effective if everyone is identical.
* Some of my links are affiliate links. I receive a small commission with your purchase at no additional cost to you if you click through my links.

Friday Mar 14, 2025

Welcome to Episode 71 of the Warrior Words podcast!
 
In this short Bits of Biblical Beauty (BoBB) episode, I am talking about fasting again. This time, I talk about results - and beauty - that can come from your fasts. Essentially, how can your fasts create beauty in the life of someone else?
 
Armor Up.
Fight the Good Fight.
Seek Beauty.
Make Your Words Warrior Words.
 
NEW Merch Store: https://heather-clr-shop.fourthwall.com/
 
WARRIOR WORDS FACEBOOK GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/WarriorWords/
Join your fellow Warriors: https://subscribepage.io/pearlsofwisdom
Purchase Art or make a Donation: https://ko-fi.com/warriorwords
YT: https://www.youtube.com/@beautyafterbattlesart
YT: https://www.youtube.com/@warriorwords
IG: https://www.instagram.com/mywarriorwords/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/heathergaffneyauthor/
 
People who helped make this podcast possible:
Editor & Music Composer: AgentSecret24 - https://www.youtube.com/@Agentsecret24
Photographer: Val Westover (He does VIRTUAL photo sessions!) - https://www.valwestoverphotography.com/shop?category=Virtual+Photography&aff=16
Podcast Coach, Stefanie Gass: 
Clarify Your Calling: https://heatherg--stefaniegass.thrivecart.com/clarifyyourcalling/
Podcast Pro University: https://heatherg--stefaniegass.thrivecart.com/podcastprouniversity/
Podcast to Profit: https://heatherg--stefaniegass.thrivecart.com/podcasttoprofitmastermind/
Podbean Podcast Hosting: https://www.podbean.com/WarriorWords
Lilla Rose: https://www.lillarose.com/mamacre8s
 
NOTE: Beliefs, practices, and opinions expressed by guests of the Warrior Words podcast are not necessarily the same as those of the host. One of the purposes of this podcast is to share stories. This cannot be effective if everyone is identical.
* Some of my links are affiliate links. I receive a small commission with your purchase at no additional cost to you if you click through my links.

Tuesday Mar 11, 2025

Welcome to Episode 70 of the Warrior Words podcast!
 
It never ceases to amaze - though I've seen it so many times - how our deepest sorrows, pains, struggles, and traumas prove to be such fertile ground for the growth of beauty.
This week, I sit down with Jocelyn who experienced unspeakable pain, not once, not twice, but three times in succession.
She could have allowed this intense grief to take over her life; and she struggled for a time, but instead, she ended up using the experience and the knowledge she gained to give birth to an incredible ministry to help other families.
Listen in to hear her courageous journey.
 
Learn more about Jocelyn:
Website: https://www.wecarryyoustill.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559746200629
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wecarryyoustill
 
Armor Up.
Fight the Good Fight.
Seek Beauty.
Make Your Words Warrior Words.
 
WARRIOR WORDS FACEBOOK GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/WarriorWords/
Become a Warrior Words Insider: https://subscribepage.io/pearlsofwisdom
Purchase Art or make a Donation: https://ko-fi.com/warriorwords
NEW Merch Store: https://heather-clr-shop.fourthwall.com
YT: https://www.youtube.com/@beautyafterbattlesart
YT: https://www.youtube.com/@warriorwords
IG: https://www.instagram.com/mywarriorwords/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/heathergaffneyauthor/
 
People who helped make this podcast possible:
Editor & Music Composer: AgentSecret24 - https://www.youtube.com/@Agentsecret24
Photographer: Val Westover (He does VIRTUAL photo sessions!) - https://www.valwestoverphotography.com/shop?category=Virtual+Photography&aff=16
Podcast Coach, Stefanie Gass: 
Clarify Your Calling: https://heatherg--stefaniegass.thrivecart.com/clarifyyourcalling/
Podcast Pro University: https://heatherg--stefaniegass.thrivecart.com/podcastprouniversity/
Podcast to Profit: https://heatherg--stefaniegass.thrivecart.com/podcasttoprofitmastermind/
Podbean Podcast Hosting: https://www.podbean.com/WarriorWords
Lilla Rose: https://www.lillarose.com/mamacre8s
 
NOTE: Beliefs, practices, and opinions expressed by guests of the Warrior Words podcast are not necessarily the same as those of the host. One of the purposes of this podcast is to share stories. This cannot be effective if everyone is identical.
* Some of my links are affiliate links. I receive a small commission with your purchase at no additional cost to you if you click through my links.

69. Beauty In Fasting (BoBB)

Friday Mar 07, 2025

Friday Mar 07, 2025

Welcome to Episode 69 of the Warrior Words podcast!
 
In this short Bits of Biblical Beauty (BoBB) episode, I am talking about fasting. That word can imply health benefits, physical beauty, and denying yourself. It can cause feelings of angst and suffering. But is there beauty in our fasting?
 
Armor Up.
Fight the Good Fight.
Seek Beauty.
Make Your Words Warrior Words.
 
NEW Merch Store: https://heather-clr-shop.fourthwall.com/
 
WARRIOR WORDS FACEBOOK GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/WarriorWords/
Join your fellow Warriors: https://subscribepage.io/pearlsofwisdom
Purchase Art or make a Donation: https://ko-fi.com/warriorwords
YT: https://www.youtube.com/@beautyafterbattlesart
YT: https://www.youtube.com/@warriorwords
IG: https://www.instagram.com/mywarriorwords/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/heathergaffneyauthor/
 
People who helped make this podcast possible:
Editor & Music Composer: AgentSecret24 - https://www.youtube.com/@Agentsecret24
Photographer: Val Westover (He does VIRTUAL photo sessions!) - https://www.valwestoverphotography.com/shop?category=Virtual+Photography&aff=16
Podcast Coach, Stefanie Gass: 
Clarify Your Calling: https://heatherg--stefaniegass.thrivecart.com/clarifyyourcalling/
Podcast Pro University: https://heatherg--stefaniegass.thrivecart.com/podcastprouniversity/
Podcast to Profit: https://heatherg--stefaniegass.thrivecart.com/podcasttoprofitmastermind/
Podbean Podcast Hosting: https://www.podbean.com/WarriorWords
Lilla Rose: https://www.lillarose.com/mamacre8s
 
NOTE: Beliefs, practices, and opinions expressed by guests of the Warrior Words podcast are not necessarily the same as those of the host. One of the purposes of this podcast is to share stories. This cannot be effective if everyone is identical.
* Some of my links are affiliate links. I receive a small commission with your purchase at no additional cost to you if you click through my links.

Tuesday Mar 04, 2025

Welcome to Episode 68 of the Warrior Words podcast!
 
This week, I'm thrilled to share the mic with Author, Speaker, and Coach, Belinda Terro Mooney. She shares about addictions and bipolar disorder and how they impacted her, her marriage, and her children.
But she also shares about how she escaped and learned to find the well of joy that exists inside her.
She became a credible witness in how she lives her life and helps others today.
 
Learn more about Belinda:
Website: www.belindaterromooney.com/ 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/belindaterromooney/
Facebook: https://facebook.com/belindaterromooney/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/belindaterromooney/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdXvux59JZU_QsQhW-2BZZw
Belinda's Recent Book Pray with Us: A Saint for Every Day - https://amzn.to/41GsV2n
Belinda's Poetry Book A Look at Life - https://amzn.to/3DcxGHt
 
Armor Up.
Fight the Good Fight.
Seek Beauty.
Make Your Words Warrior Words.
 
WARRIOR WORDS FACEBOOK GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/WarriorWords/
Become a Warrior Words Insider: https://subscribepage.io/pearlsofwisdom
Purchase Art or make a Donation: https://ko-fi.com/warriorwords
NEW Merch Store: https://heather-clr-shop.fourthwall.com
YT: https://www.youtube.com/@beautyafterbattlesart
YT: https://www.youtube.com/@warriorwords
IG: https://www.instagram.com/mywarriorwords/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/heathergaffneyauthor/
 
People who helped make this podcast possible:
Editor & Music Composer: AgentSecret24 - https://www.youtube.com/@Agentsecret24
Photographer: Val Westover (He does VIRTUAL photo sessions!) - https://www.valwestoverphotography.com/shop?category=Virtual+Photography&aff=16
Podcast Coach, Stefanie Gass: 
Clarify Your Calling: https://heatherg--stefaniegass.thrivecart.com/clarifyyourcalling/
Podcast Pro University: https://heatherg--stefaniegass.thrivecart.com/podcastprouniversity/
Podcast to Profit: https://heatherg--stefaniegass.thrivecart.com/podcasttoprofitmastermind/
Podbean Podcast Hosting: https://www.podbean.com/WarriorWords
Lilla Rose: https://www.lillarose.com/mamacre8s
Creative Memories: https://www.creativememories.com/cm/HeatherGaffney
 
NOTE: Beliefs, practices, and opinions expressed by guests of the Warrior Words podcast are not necessarily the same as those of the host. One of the purposes of this podcast is to share stories. This cannot be effective if everyone is identical.
* Some of my links are affiliate links. I receive a small commission with your purchase at no additional cost to you if you click through my links.

Friday Feb 28, 2025

Welcome to Episode 67 of the Warrior Words podcast!
 
In this short Bits of Biblical Beauty (BoBB) episode, I end the month of love with some observations on the Sacred Heart of Jesus - the most perfect love that exists. The only perfect love that exists.
 
Some of the resources I used:
https://www.catholiccompany.com/magazine/what-you-didnt-know-sacred-heart-of-jesus-5584
https://www.catholic.com/tract/the-sacred-heart-of-jesus-catholic-answers-guide
https://youtu.be/SESbOlniung?si=GD_PqLxbPc_RItIS
 
Armor Up.
Fight the Good Fight.
Seek Beauty.
Make Your Words Warrior Words.
 
NEW Merch Store: https://heather-clr-shop.fourthwall.com/
 
WARRIOR WORDS FACEBOOK GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/WarriorWords/
Become a Warrior Words Insider: https://subscribepage.io/pearlsofwisdom
Purchase Art or make a Donation: https://ko-fi.com/warriorwords
YT: https://www.youtube.com/@beautyafterbattlesart
YT: https://www.youtube.com/@warriorwords
IG: https://www.instagram.com/mywarriorwords/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/heathergaffneyauthor/
 
People who helped make this podcast possible:
Editor & Music Composer: AgentSecret24 - https://www.youtube.com/@Agentsecret24
Photographer: Val Westover (He does VIRTUAL photo sessions!) - https://www.valwestoverphotography.com/shop?category=Virtual+Photography&aff=16
Podcast Coach, Stefanie Gass: 
Clarify Your Calling: https://heatherg--stefaniegass.thrivecart.com/clarifyyourcalling/
Podcast Pro University: https://heatherg--stefaniegass.thrivecart.com/podcastprouniversity/
Podcast to Profit: https://heatherg--stefaniegass.thrivecart.com/podcasttoprofitmastermind/
Podbean Podcast Hosting: https://www.podbean.com/WarriorWords
Lilla Rose: https://www.lillarose.com/mamacre8s
Creative Memories: https://www.creativememories.com/cm/HeatherGaffney
 
NOTE: Beliefs, practices, and opinions expressed by guests of the Warrior Words podcast are not necessarily the same as those of the host. One of the purposes of this podcast is to share stories. This cannot be effective if everyone is identical.
* Some of my links are affiliate links. I receive a small commission with your purchase at no additional cost to you if you click through my links.

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