At Thrive, we believe one of the most important ways to fight burnout is to find purpose and meaning in the work you do every day. Our partnership with Walmart enables us to see the power of Thrive’s behavior change platform in action every day. Through small better choices that build momentum over time, Walmart associates (and their friends and family) are able to make changes that drastically improve their lives and the lives of those around them.
Each month, we award 18 winners with a cash prize for their accomplishments in the Thrive Challenge. Reading through their stories and learning how each of them overcame everyday struggles gives us so much inspiration and passion for the work that we do.
Below, read the stories of our 18 winners for the month of August. We hope you enjoy them as much as we did!
Wesley Fortune, Walmart Distribution Center #7055, Gas City, IN
“It was helpful to talk about our goals and make a budget. We’ve started thrifting — it’s a fun hobby. You can find kids’ clothes for just a few dollars, which is great because they outgrow them so quickly. We’re also decluttering, selling, and recycling clothes; it’s a good way to make a little money and help the environment.”
Danelle Agena, Walmart Supercenter #935, Denham Springs, LA
“We have a beautiful flower bed at the front of our house with sunflowers, roses, and calla lilies. We set up raised beds in the backyard where we’re growing bell peppers, squash, sweet potatoes, and other veggies. We also have honeydew melon and strawberries. Eating food we’ve grown is wonderful — it tastes so good.”
Darrall Alcorn, Walmart Distribution Center #6018, Searcy, AR
“About an hour before bed, I started tucking away all phones, tablets, and laptops, and instead opted for a relaxing bath or good book. Now, I wake up feeling refreshed and energized, and I’ll try to do a quick meditation and a light workout. I’m even more focused now that I’m not so tired all the time.”
Andres Guedez, Walmart Fulfillment Center #4124, Nashville, TN
“Some co-workers invited me to join a Sunday soccer league. I’ve played ever since I was a kid growing up in Venezuela, and I love it. Soccer is challenging and makes me very happy, and I’ve made good friends. I met my girlfriend at a Nashville Soccer Club game. She likes the sport as much as I do.”
Syeda Zahra, Walmart Distribution Center #6020, Tampa, FL
“I’ve started setting a bedtime reminder 45 minutes before sleep, and I do things that help me recharge, like decluttering my room, lighting candles, meditating, and doing some box breathing. Now, I’m waking up less during the night, and waking up with more energy.”
Rachel Popp, Walmart Specialty Pharmacy #5315, Orlando, FL
“Once I got up and started swaying to the music, I found it became addictive. My two cats join in the action, and we have a lot of fun! My favorite singer is Dolly Parton. Her music is so powerful and always inspires me to move. I can honestly say now that cardio is fun! You would never have heard me say that a few months ago.”
Patricia Holland, Walmart Supercenter #0593, Douglas, GA
“My grandkids are the lights of my life. We go to the park and play frisbee or football. We ride bikes or we just play and run around. I think about my grandma a lot, but the grieving is easier. I kept a plant from her funeral, which reminds me of her. I know she’s in a better place and I feel more peaceful.”
Dana Waters, Walmart Distribution Center #6014, Laurens, SC
“I listen to gospel music and schedule fun girls’ nights with my sisters. I’m also making time for yard work. I’ve planted beautiful sunflowers at the front of our house. Recently, I’ve found I’m more present with my family. We choose a different activity to do every Sunday, like skating, bowling, and movie nights.”
Garek Antonio, Walmart Distribution Center #6084, Los Lunas, NM
“I’m jumping on the trampoline with the boys, and I don’t get out of breath anymore. We’re going for family adventures to the zoo and aquarium. We’ll pack our lunch and spend a few hours walking around looking at the animals or the fish. I don’t feel as stressed. I’ve lost 10 pounds and I’m enjoying being an active dad.”
Andrea Bregenza, Walmart Distribution Center # 6068, Sanger, TX
“We decided to make our journey fun, so we all sit down to write a weekly grocery list together. Everyone has a say in what we buy. We make our meals from scratch. We all love our delicious Super Salad with avocado, carrots, cucumber, and bacon bits. Our 7-year-old daughter likes to help mix the salad and serve dinner.”
Vickie Hicks, Walmart Return Center #9153, Waco, TX
“Every evening I take a long shower, which makes a huge difference to the way I sleep. I’ll put on soul music like Jill Scott or H.E.R., step into the shower, and feel the cares of the day leave my body as I completely relax. I love using orange and ginger aromatherapy steamer balls, which smell amazing. I feel like I’m in a luxurious spa.”
Tricia Marshall, Walmart Fulfillment Center #4087, Bethlehem, PA
“I love running on a country road with a nice breeze — it’s a great stress reliever. I competed in a 5K for cancer research, and my grandkids and I did a children’s charity run. Getting back to my hobby has been amazing. I’m more relaxed and I’m happier.”
Jazbelle Vázquez, Walmart Supercenter #2302, Barceloneta, PR
“Before the Challenge, my biggest struggle was being able to give my children what they needed. I wanted to be healthy and energetic for them, but my diet and sleep habits were all over the place. Joining Thrive was a turning point. Soon, I’ll be a grandmother, and I know I will be healthier and more present for that precious phase of my life.”
Logan Sensabaugh, Walmart Supercenter, #2027, LaVale, MD
“I recently started talking to myself in the mirror in the morning, giving myself little pep talks. I’ll say something like, ‘You can overcome any obstacle that comes your way,’ or ‘You’re doing great.’”
Ralph Rose, Walmart Walmart Distribution Center # 6014, Laurens, SC
“I picked up my drumsticks again and now I play every day. After a long day at work, I come home, and go straight to my drum set. I’ll have a song or beat stuck in my head and I bring it to life by playing it. Drumming brings me joy. It’s an excellent way to release stress, and it’s the one gift I have that I’m most grateful for.”
Christina Morrison, Walmart Store #1178, Bedford, TX
“I was instantly drawn to the Microstep ‘Choose a go-to strategy that works for you in moments of overwhelm.’ It made me start thinking about the little things that calm me down, like going for a quick walk, or taking a minute just to breathe.”
Timothy Keo, Walmart Automated Consolidation Center, #6561, Colton, CA
“For so many years, money has been my biggest source of stress. But now, I’m finally taking action, which feels so rewarding. I want to stay consistent with my Microsteps and continue saving for debt repayment, housing, health and education expenses, and even a vacation down the line. I’m slowly getting there, and I’m proud of that.”
Kaitlyn Creager, Walmart Store #6064, Cleburne, TX
“My father lives nearby and has some exercise equipment at his house, so we go over there a couple times a week and I walk on the treadmill, lift some light weights, and take a long swim in the pool with Cora.”