Choosing Joy Today, Tomorrow and Every Day

At the start of every year, I make it a point to pause and reflect on personal and professional goals I have for the year ahead. Over the years, I have found it to be highly beneficial for my own well-being – it allows me to reflect on how I’m striving to integrate all aspects of life. Given the pandemic year challenges, at the start of this year, I decided it would help to frame the year in a word. In 2023, I choose JOY!??

When you look up the definition, joy is the “feeling of great pleasure or happiness that comes from success, good fortune or a sense of well-being.” It’s an everyday choice to do things that bring great joy — and in my case, this year I have been striving to make an impact in all aspects of my life and prioritizing the boundaries to invest in what brings happiness and well-being.???

Six months into the year, I’m happy about the progress in my personal and professional life.?

• Personally: I have been working to become more deliberate in connections with family and friends, even when it is appreciation for a text or exchange on future plans. I have found that JOY has emerged in anticipation of upcoming celebrations, in particular the upcoming celebration of our niece’s wedding, and a future visit to see my parents in Canada. I’m investing in my well-being, focusing on what I eat and prioritizing sleep. I’m realizing my weekends are making up on the exercise front, but there is always opportunity ahead in the next six months. I have given myself grace — it is the quality, not the quantity, of time that matters.?
• Professionally: There has been a lot of joy in what we’re accomplishing as a team at Walmart. We’ve focused on establishing our company as a destination for talent — from our front-line associates to our campus associates. One of my proudest moments so far this year was reaching our goal of being certified as a Great Place to Work at 沃尔玛 and Sam's Club in the U.S. We’ve also made a positive impact for more than 1,300 associate families who have accessed our Family Building Benefits — associates like Tyler Welch and his wife, Chelsea. Next, we’re on an exciting journey to identify how GenAI can augment the work within our team and across the enterprise.?

Overall, my greatest joy has been in interactions with people, which there is no shortage of at Walmart with 2.1 million associates. I’ve met amazing associates and learned so much about our business as I’ve connected with people across the U.S., Canada, India and Mexico. It has only reinforced I’m at the right company and in the right role. Walmart is people led, tech powered and it’s so heartwarming to know our associates truly do make the difference for our customers and members around the world!?

While only six months in, this year is revealing joy truly is a choice. We can focus on the good in our lives, even when things are tough. We can choose to be kind and compassionate to others. We can decide to be grateful for our blessings. When we make these choices, we open ourselves to the benefits.??

I’m so excited about the next six months — and for each of you. Remember: It’s never too late to choose joy. Based on my experiences, doing so can propel you for the rest of the year ahead.?