Timely Takeaways: Learnings from 2023 to Carry Forward
It’s that time of year—taking stock of the past 12 months and taking steps to greet the new year. As 2023 winds down, one of my resolutions is to be more thoughtful about what I move ahead with. What am I carrying forward? What’s optional and what’s essential?
As a self-proclaimed optimist, I freely admit that I go into this exercise in introspection seeking spirit lifters. That’s by choice—my choice, based on the belief that optimism sets the stage for long-term success. So here are three keepers that give me cause for optimism headed in 2024.
Joy of Life in Morocco
In July, my family and I traveled to Morocco. I’d long wanted to go there, and from what we experienced, I’d welcome the chance to return. In the Atlas Mountains last summer, we spent a couple of days as the guests of local Berber families, and the joy of life they shared with us made a lasting impression for which I’m very grateful.
The area we visited was agricultural, with herds of livestock always present and orchards or vineyards covering the slopes. Farming and food production there takes time and a lot of hard work, according to seasonal patterns. Getting a glimpse of the world through their eyes, I saw both the practical necessities for getting things done and a cultural appreciation of daily joys closely connected to the natural rhythms of the place.
Then, shortly after we were there, a 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck the region. The suffering was immense, with UN figures estimating 3,000 dead and 5,500 injured. Yet in the midst of devastation, rebuilding began along with mourning.
I admire perseverance at all times, and I especially admire the resilience of Morocco. This was not the country’s first earthquake, sadly. With heavy hearts, they are rebuilding. Our new friends’ hard work, resilience and joy for life will continue to inspire me.
Standing Ovations in Philadelphia
America’s pastime once again threw us a curveball, this time a feel-good story in the City of Brotherly Love—of all places. I put it that way because in sports, Philadelphia has never once been idealized as a loving venue for competitive athletics. The city has rightfully earned and even embraced its reputation for zero love and snap attack animosity from local fans.
So, when a star shortstop named Trea Turner joined the Philadelphia Phillies last winter on an 11-year, $300 million contract, expectations were high. Unfortunately, he started the season in a dismal slump, far below expectations. The booing—to no one’s surprise—got louder and more heated as summer reached its peak.
That’s when a local sports radio DJ suggested giving the guy a standing ovation every time he came to the plate. Why not? The fan base, perhaps in jest initially, followed through. Amazingly, Turner fed off the energy and rediscovered his mojo, producing 16 homers, 42 RBIs and nine steals in the final 48 games of season. Great numbers. And it helped the Phillies win its way to the National League Championship series.
Way to go, Trea. Way to go, Philadelphia! I view this episode as a reminder that when you want something, encourage it. Cheer for it. Stand up and make your voice heard. Loudly—once more, with feeling. If Phillies fans can bring the love, the rest of us can too.
Boundless Energy from SpartanNash Interns
SpartanNash however, one-upped Philadelphia. Last summer, more than 100 students from 38 colleges worked for 12 weeks as interns here, and we loved it!
The experience was transformative—and not just for our interns. We went into the summer expecting it to change the lives of these young professionals. Instead, they changed ours.
Youthful energy infused our workdays. Questions were asked. Some were repeated—and encouraged. We answered as best we could and pulled together to win as a team.
To all our interns and their mentors, thank you! Yes, I am aware that our Associate ice cream machines ran out nearly every afternoon once the program got underway. But I promise you, we will be back better than before in 2024!
So let’s call it a wrap. It’s time, and that’s a key takeaway from 2023. As each year passes, I realize more and more that time is what you make of it, moment by moment, always wherever you’re at. Whether it’s living in sync with the age-old rhythms of a place, finding a new groove in a game in progress or adapting to new generational tempos in 12 short weeks, time is a gift that’s ours for the taking but always in motion. Let us choose wisely, then, this year and all that follow.
