Coalition work has been inspiring

To the editor:

Here we are with a brand-new year, and I know this is going to be the best year of my life.

It has to be, because every year gets better than the year before, and with a brand new outlook on life I only expect improvement with every year.

This new year, I've resolved not to do a new year's resolutions list. I would like to call it new year's solutions list that will most definitely turn into results for a better year.

I decided to change this idea because a resolution list sounds like it's only based on results and not much room for anything else.

Some great little humans I know in Sunday school filled out their new year's resolutions. I have to say, I really dig their answers and this year I'm taking pointers from them. Their lists included but was not limited to: Not doing a resolutions list because they couldn't take it, to do more sleeping, losing weight, and getting better grades.

I personally would be down for all of these. It seems like the kids have a perfect balance of relaxing and goal setting.

When I sat down to write my list, I only focused on things I needed to do better and didn't leave room to relax and enjoy life. I believe with all my heart that these little humans are where I gain the majority of my inspiration and drive to make my life better. A big thank you goes to all of them this year. 

As a peer recovery coach who works with the quick response team for the Jay County Drug Prevention Coalition — say that three times in a row in one breath and you know the struggle is real — finding the silver lining in any situation is my niché and how I find my inner peace.

I work with a team of amazing and hilarious individuals who are compassionate about helping others and making a difference in the community. Part of what we do is work with anyone who is struggling with any type of life obstacle and assist them with formulating a plan to overcome them.

The plan is put together by the individual and we provide resources and encouragement to help them reach their goals, working together as a team on your dreams. 

We are all humans; we all have struggles and we all have embarrassing moments in life. However, many situations can be overcome with grace and humor. These situations can range from doing something in public that is embarrassing to substance use disorders.

Substance use is an area of life I have that contains many embarrassing moments, yet also contain many silver linings. I've learned to gain strength and knowledge from my past mistakes and embarrassing moments. Finding healthy and positive outlets to stress and life's circumstances is also a strength I've developed working as a peer recovery coach with my peers and with my colleagues. Through my substance use and other life incidents, I have become even stronger and better than I could ever imagine.

Thank you to the quick response team, Jay County Drug Prevention Coalition and the peers I've had the privilege to work with thus far. From all of you I've gained love and inspiration. 

Ashley Keen

Jay County Drug Prevention Coalition