Growing up, I had to earn the right to speak; my voice had no value. Being the scapegoat in a narcissistic family system came at an emotional cost. Eventually, I learned to speak up and speak out, and writing is a way I right those wrongs. This is an exploration of the words and stories that guide beliefs A single word, a quote, a phrase, a story, a book, an article, song lyrics, wherever words live. Words come into my thoughts on small adventures, places that inspire me. Join me at the dog park, a bench by the lake, or in the quiet spaces of my home. Grab a journal and write with me.