Finding Our Common Ground

As I look back on my own personal journey and my struggle with obesity, I am comforted by the fact that we are all capable of change. Our community is in the middle of a crisis the likes of which we have not seen before, but at our core the Dayton community is strong. Those that are grappling with drug addiction are our families, our friends, and our neighbors. I find that when I think about our similarities instead of our differences, it is easy to summon up compassion for their plight.

I personally am a living, breathing example of how any change is possible, and I remain optimistic that together we can overcome our struggles- no matter what they may be.

Each and every one of us has an area in our life which is an affliction or a hardship for us. Trying to find the common ground between us instead of stigmatizing and pushing away drug abusers, will help us to strengthen the humanity and empathy this community was founded on. I personally am a living, breathing example of how any change is possible, and I remain optimistic that together we can overcome our struggles- no matter what they may be.  We all go through periods of darkness in our lives, but that does not mean we cannot come back into the light.  

Thank you to everyone in Dayton and elsewhere for your support. I am so grateful to have a voice in this community.