Before the Thrive Challenge, I was working too much and wasn’t finding time for my friends and family. One of the first prompts I saw in the app was to send a small gift to someone, or reach out and see if someone needs anything. So I sent a gift in the mail to a few friends. They reached out to me and told me they really appreciated it. We ended up connecting over it.
I’m also a lot closer to my siblings now. We took a trip to the mountains where it was just family. We really connected that weekend, and it was great to be able to get away from the chaos of everything and just be in each other’s presence.
“I’ve been eating healthier.”
I’ve always enjoyed fitness, but Thrive pushes me to do even more to stay healthy and in shape. There was a prompt to try something new that you’ve always wanted to do, so I picked up rollerblading. My goal was to rollerblade 15 miles and I reached that last month. My next goal is to do 20 miles on a trail near here. So, not only did the app get me to be more active, it also got me to do something I’ve always wanted to do. I’ve been eating healthier, too. There’s a spicy green bean recipe I came across that I love. And I’m drinking more water.
“I don’t worry as much as I used to.”
I sleep eight hours a night now. About 30 minutes to an hour before bed, I set an alarm on my phone and turn off pretty much all of my electronic devices and the T.V. Then I’ll start reading a book and head off to sleep after that. I can definitely say my body feels better.
I’ve saved a lot — $15,000 now — so I’m really proud of myself for that. My husband and I are saving up for a house, so we’ve been putting a lot into our savings, setting ourselves up for the future. And now I don’t worry as much as I used to about emergencies.
“Thrive helps me realize what’s important.”
The experience has made me more thankful this year. I take time to just reflect from week to week on all the positivity and good things in my life. I also do photography, and try to get pictures when I’m with friends or family, so that way I can look back on those moments and be thankful.
Thrive helps me realize what’s important and put everything into perspective. It challenges you to look at things differently in your life, and make sure that you’re recognizing the people who mean a lot to you, because it’s easy to let ourselves get consumed by so many other things.
The Thrive Challenge helps create a better version of yourself through small steps that anyone can do.
—Michael Vicario, Supercenter #3371; Charlotte, N.C.; $5K Winner
Small daily choices can lead to life-changing results. Download the Thrive App today to improve your well-being. For more inspiring stories, follow Thrive on Facebook and Instagram.