For several of our colleagues, wellbeing isn’t just a concept – it’s a daily commitment to movement, mindfulness, and mutual support. If you visit our Corporate campus in Carthage, MO, you’ll see people walking, soaking up the sunshine, and fitting in some steps during breaks and lunch.
This May, in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, we asked a few team members why they lace up their shoes and head outside. What they shared was honest, motivating, and impactful.
In our Accounts Payable Department, a casual conversation sparked a new routine. Trista Gripka shared with Tonya Cornell her desire to start walking for weight loss. Others took notice and joined in. Now, a dedicated group – including Trista, Tonya, Amanda Gilbird, Erika Mullin, and Michelle Daniels – takes afternoon walks together, aiming for at least a mile.
“With working an office job, we sit a lot,” the group said. “It refreshes our minds and bodies and gives us a break in the day. You can incorporate more movement in your day by taking the stairs, parking farther away from buildings, doing chair exercises, and standing up at your desk once every hour.”
David Young, SVP/Chief Information Officer, walks solo but with unwavering dedication. He walks three times a day, averaging seven fast miles, with the goal of lowering his A1C, losing weight, and enhancing his mental wellbeing. He finds that walking benefits him both physically and emotionally. To stay motivated, he uses a smartwatch to track his progress and make the activity more engaging.
“Make it a habit and get a smartwatch to help record the walks, remind you, and make it fun.”
Translation Services Supervisor, Liliana Cano Montoya, views walking as her personal sanctuary. She often listens to Mass, audiobooks, or the sounds of nature. Her short-term goal is to complete monthly challenges through her Garmin watch, and her long-term goal is to age gracefully with mobility. For Liliana, walking is a celebration of life and a step forward.
“Choose something that makes you happy, not something that feels like a burden. Anyone can start where they are at the moment and move forward. We cannot change the past, but certainly we can make a different ending by changing our here and now.”
These stories highlight that movement is more than just exercise – it’s an investment in health, clarity, and community.
