“ My personal 2023 New Year ’ s resolutions is to become more active in the local community ,” said Bryan Haught , Morale , Welfare , Recreation Director at NAS Meridian . “ Meridian welcomed me with open arms when I moved here 10 years ago and I would like to begin to say thank you and give back to the community by working and volunteering with local organizations . My professional resolution is to help develop more recreational opportunities for the entire military family . Too often our military members have to spend long periods of time away from loved ones and I would like NAS Meridian MWR to provide an outlet for our military members , with their entire family , can participate in fun and relaxing recreational events and activities .”
“ My New Year ’ s Resolution is to practice mindfulness and live in each and every moment God blesses me with ,” said Emily Luke , a paralegal with Glover , Young , Hammack , Walton & Simmons , PLLC
“ I am a huge proponent of reflecting and establishing goals- both short and long-term ,” said Victor Gilstrap , Asst . Superintendent of Lauderdale County Schools . “ This upcoming year I have 5 short-term goals : Grow spiritually ; lose at least 15 pounds in the first 6 months of the year ; volunteer , with my family , at a local food , homeless shelter , or agency where direct aid is needed before Spring Break ; improve my communication skills ; and be vulnerable enough to accept criticism and open enough to lead and mentor others .”
“ My 2023 New Year ’ s Resolution is to have peace on earth , especially to my hometown ,” said Cheyenne Trussell , Athletic Director for the Meridian Public School District . “ My goal is to exercise more to improve overall health and fitness . I want to spend more time with family and friends and practice self-care and be more attentive to my mental wellness .”
“ I probably push myself harder than anyone else ,” said Lela W . Tisdale , Corporate Communications Specialist , Citizens National Bank . “ So , I ’ m going to try to keep on giving myself a little more grace and tackle major goals one step at a time , while celebrating small victories along the way . Over the past year , I ’ ve also come to really appreciate people who have taken the time to encourage me when I needed it the most . I ’ m going to try and stay on the lookout for others who need a kind word or someone to listen to them . That ’ s because it truly makes a difference when someone goes out of their way to simply be there for you and let you know they care . I want to keep paying it forward .”
“ My resolution for the New Year is not to tell , but to show my friends and family how appreciative I am to have them in my life ,” said Kelvin Jackson , the Lauderdale County School Board President .
“ I plan to get back in playing shape ,” said Chad Acton , Meridian High School trainer and special teams football coach .
“ Time is the most precious , valuable thing on the face of the planet ,” said Maj . Sabrina Dalton , who has two roles in public affairs for the 186th Air Refueling Unit at Key Field and the U . S . Army Corps of Engineers Vicksburg District . Between the two , she said downtime can be hard to come by . That ’ s why , in 2023 , Dalton ’ s New Years Resolution is to spend more time with her family . Time is valuable , she said , and it needs to be spend wisely . “ That ’ s the one thing I ’ ve learned doing what I do . You can ’ t buy it back .”
“ This New Year to me is personal ,” said Kaila Lawson , who works in admissions at Anderson Regional Medical Center . “ The number 23 signifies new beginnings , revolution and transformation . My resolutions would be putting myself first and making my dreams into my reality . Speaking positivity into my life and striving for excellence . This year , I will be going back to school and perfecting my craft for my business .”
12 • MERIDIAN LIFE