<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[Derricka Destiny]]></title><description><![CDATA[Author, artist, and foster youth advocate sharing The Path Isn’t Linear, art, and resources on post-foster care growth and mental health.]]></description><link>https://www.derrickadestiny.us/blog</link><generator>RSS for Node</generator><lastBuildDate>Sat, 18 Jul 2026 00:10:05 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://www.derrickadestiny.us/blog-feed.xml" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><item><title><![CDATA[Understanding the Concept of Growing Beyond the System in Personal Development]]></title><description><![CDATA[Growing up in the foster care system shaped much of my early life. It was a world defined by rules, expectations, and limitations that often felt like walls closing in. But the idea of "growing beyond the system" means breaking free from those walls, finding your own path, and creating a life that is not confined by the circumstances you were born into or placed within. This concept applies not only to foster care but to any system where you might feel boxed in. Whether that’s a difficult...]]></description><link>https://www.derrickadestiny.us/post/understanding-the-concept-of-growing-beyond-the-system-in-personal-development</link><guid isPermaLink="false">691627a8f684794b1907ab66</guid><pubDate>Fri, 14 Nov 2025 11:00:18 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/909e4f_28670f5fb1524a139b3f6c9c8fd5275c~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_768,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Dee Speaks</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Power of Sharing Personal Stories]]></title><description><![CDATA[When I first started thinking about the power of personal stories, I didn’t realize just how deeply they could affect not only the teller but also the listener. There’s something profoundly human about opening up and sharing moments from our lives - the struggles, the triumphs, the lessons learned. It’s a way to connect, to heal, and to inspire. For those stepping into independence, especially after challenging experiences, these stories can be a lifeline. I want to take you on a journey...]]></description><link>https://www.derrickadestiny.us/post/the-power-of-sharing-personal-stories</link><guid isPermaLink="false">68f640cfb92c044006f80e6b</guid><pubDate>Thu, 13 Nov 2025 21:00:12 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/909e4f_f12c8bea142c41df9f61b1b8ff60e4ea~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_768,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Dee Speaks</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Men’s Day with HEM Alliance: Building Brotherhood Through Connection]]></title><description><![CDATA[This past Saturday I had the chance to host a Men’s Day event with HEM Alliance, and it was everything I hoped it would be. For five hours the space was filled with sports, laughter, honest conversations, and the smell of something good on the grill. Seeing men come together for connection reminded me exactly why I do this work. HEM Alliance is a community-based organization focused on healing, empowerment, and mentorship. Their mission is to create spaces where men can connect, grow, and...]]></description><link>https://www.derrickadestiny.us/post/men-s-day-with-hem-alliance-building-brotherhood-through-connection</link><guid isPermaLink="false">68ef9f0922f12a68ecce392b</guid><pubDate>Wed, 15 Oct 2025 13:25:16 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/909e4f_7134dc4fa4134cc992dd46bdc030c4c7~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Dee Speaks</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Resilience, Healing, and Hope: My Conversation on The Sisaundra Show]]></title><description><![CDATA[I had the opportunity to spend time on The Sisaundra Show where we talked about my journey before foster care, my experiences while I was...]]></description><link>https://www.derrickadestiny.us/post/resilience-healing-and-hope-my-conversation-on-the-sisaundra-show</link><guid isPermaLink="false">68c503ee1b086e7d4ada276d</guid><pubDate>Sat, 13 Sep 2025 05:52:43 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Dee Speaks</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why I Wrote The Path Isn’t Linear]]></title><description><![CDATA[Curiosity and Understanding: A Journey of Reflection The Spark of Curiosity At about 16, I was filled with curiosity. This curiosity...]]></description><link>https://www.derrickadestiny.us/post/why-i-wrote-the-path-isn-t-linear</link><guid isPermaLink="false">68a2ac8081e6ee2fae593af1</guid><pubDate>Mon, 18 Aug 2025 04:45:31 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/909e4f_fca0c6cf79b7458f8f70c1592b9c8faf~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_576,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Dee Speaks</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Building Community: Resources for Youth Aging Out of Foster Care]]></title><description><![CDATA[Aging out of foster care can be a daunting experience for many young people. As they transition into adulthood, they often face unique...]]></description><link>https://www.derrickadestiny.us/post/building-community-resources-for-youth-aging-out-of-foster-care</link><guid isPermaLink="false">687b50c73b808c020d52ee7e</guid><pubDate>Sat, 19 Jul 2025 08:01:11 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/909e4f_937c5a5f96ce4c589da25baf9209dc16~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_576,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Dee Speaks</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Empowering Youth: Support and Guidance After Foster Care]]></title><description><![CDATA[Transitioning out of foster care can be a daunting experience for many young people. After years of navigating a complex system, they...]]></description><link>https://www.derrickadestiny.us/post/empowering-youth-support-and-guidance-after-foster-care</link><guid isPermaLink="false">687b50c41c88fb1454d91ebd</guid><pubDate>Sat, 19 Jul 2025 08:01:08 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/909e4f_b3d88181c6fd453cb3ce94baa7eb43c7~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_576,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Dee Speaks</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Navigating Life: Tools and Events for Foster Youth Support]]></title><description><![CDATA[Foster youth often face unique challenges as they transition into adulthood. Many of them have experienced instability, trauma, and a...]]></description><link>https://www.derrickadestiny.us/post/navigating-life-tools-and-events-for-foster-youth-support</link><guid isPermaLink="false">687b50bd7a5bc82a935a7ba4</guid><pubDate>Sat, 19 Jul 2025 08:01:01 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/909e4f_37685fddc7b34c25b4d340013201e5ab~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_768,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Dee Speaks</dc:creator></item></channel></rss>