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 September. We hope you enjoy them as much as we did!
Emiro Urdanet, Walmart HVFC #4124, Lebanon, TN
“I’ve played softball since I was a small child, and getting back to my passion is amazing. I’ve made good friends, and I play with my team twice a week. I love it. It’s great exercise, and it’s competitive, but we have a lot of laughter and fun too. When I’m on the field, I’m not thinking about my worries, I’m much less stressed.”
Bruce McClelland, Walmart Supercenter #2027, Lavale, MD
“I’ve realized that taking some time to reset helps me be more productive when I get back to work. I set a timer, and then I either take a stroll around the neighborhood or a short hike in one of the local parks in our area. The combination of fresh air, serene surroundings, and physical activity is so good for my mind.”
Emily Viloria, Walmart FC #4124, Lebanon, TN
“I tell myself, ‘I am beautiful, I am strong, and I have a bright future ahead of me.’ They make a big difference to my confidence and self-esteem. Repeating them reminds me that I am a valuable person deserving of love, and they help me become more resilient.”
Jennifer Craine, Walmart Distribution Center # 6014, Laurens, SC
“I’ve always put everyone else first and now I’m doing things for myself that I enjoy. I go for walks with my dogs and I love riding my motorcycle. At home I enjoy drawing and coloring. My secret hobby: when no one is around I dance to hip hop. I may look silly, but it’s fun and good exercise, so I don’t care!”
Jesse Swanson, Walmart Division 1 Store #1843, McMinnville, OR
“I started to do one thing at a time instead of multitasking, and it became easier to do my job and focus on my schoolwork. I asked for support when I needed it, and when I doubted myself, my colleagues reminded me that I’m smart and capable. I passed my exams, I got my promotion, and I’m now a certified pharmacy technician. I love my job.”
Amanda Bilbo, Walmart DC #7561, Carrollton, GA
“I’m more active with my boyfriend, Derrick. We play tennis together — I’m not great, but it’s good exercise and something we enjoy doing together. I feel motivated to try new sports too. We’re going to give pickleball a try next. I just went kayaking with my friend Sierra. It was our first time and it was so much fun.”
Genisis Ramos, Walmart FC #4087, Bethlehem, PA
“Working at a desk job makes it hard to exercise, but I started watching some of the Resets on the Thrive app that guide you through 60-second movements, like a forearm massage you can do at your desk. It helped alleviate some tightness I had in my arms from typing at my computer all day.”
Christy Faber, Walmart Distribution Center #7055, Gas City, IN
“Having to start from scratch after my divorce was really stressful for me. Things haven’t been easy –– but everything is looking up now, and I just want to be headed in the right direction for my girls. I look at money completely differently now and I’m more positive about the future.”
Harley Greenwood, Walmart Distribution Center #7055, Gas City, IN
“I love the Microstep about choosing a go-to recharge strategy. I have a place set up in my house where I go to just put in some headphones and relax at the end of the day. It’s helped me sleep better and feel better in the morning.”
Dex Bracken, Walmart Distribution Center #7422, Bethlehem, PA
“My first Microstep was sitting down for a financial check-in with my partner. I never used to feel comfortable talking about money, and I discovered that asking my partner for support, and reciprocating that support, was a powerful tool. Having open conversations brought us closer together.”
Serena Thompson, Walmart Home Office, Bentonville, AR
“Short walks around my neighborhood are a chance to release my stress from the day and have time away from my busy life. While I’m out, I often jam out and dance to Taylor Swift! I also put her on in my office during breaks — I’ll shake my shoulders and my hips and bob my head!”
Teri Summers, Walmart FC #8972, McCordsville, IN
“By eating better and cutting down on alcohol, I’ve lost 13 pounds. My daughter’s getting married soon, and I bought a glittery, sleeveless dress for the wedding. When I put it on, I was thrilled that my hard work had paid off. Thrive helps me stay motivated, and I’m looking forward to my 50s. I have so much energy and confidence.”
Jason Cloutier, Walmart PDC #3010, Wellford, SC
“I get out my drum set after work. I listen to Christian music on my headphones and play along with the songs. I sometimes play with a band at church. Using my musical talents to give back to the community feels good.”
Kristie Earl, Walmart Supercenter #4865, Sioux Falls, SD
“I started going for short, brisk walks, then I added a little running to my daily routine. I gradually built up my endurance, and in July I completed a half marathon with my husband and son cheering me on. Next year, I’ll be running in the Boston marathon in honor of my mom, who lost her battle with cancer, and I know she’d be proud of me.”
Yolimar Garcia Calderon, Walmart DC #4125, Lebanon, TN
“I started talking to people at work, and they were very friendly, and happy to help me with my English. I also started studying phonetics, and my English has improved. We go out for dinner and to concerts together. Having friends makes a big difference to my life.”
Karina Castillo, Walmart RC #153, Waco, TX
“Nothing is more fun than kicking a ball around with the whole family and scoring goals. I’m even teaching the kids tricks! Everyone joins in, even our 4-year-old daughter, Delilah. My next goal is to join a moms’ soccer team.”
Javon McDaniel, Walmart DC #6014, Laurens, SC
“Getting ready for bed has become a ritual I look forward to. I have a warm shower, then I use lavender body lotion, and I mix it with almond oil. I put on my pajamas and I’m in a full state of relaxation. I’ll watch a Thrive Reset to end my evening.”
Andrew Wilcox, Walmart ICC #3930, Minooka, IL
“On the weekend, I have the energy to go hiking with my 14-year-old daughter, Charlotte. We enjoy being in nature together in the state parks close to our home, looking at the flowers and plants.”