Normally my word of the year arrives in December. In 2024, it didn’t show up until the first week of January.
There had been a few words floating around in my head but, I hadn’t received the divine download yet. I told a friend that I was sure it was something that I have been experiencing throughout the year (in the background) that hadn’t made its way into my conscious mind in a concrete way. The 3 words that kept coming up were transformation, overflow, and breakthrough. All good words but none of the were the one.
Regeneration – spiritual renewal or revival; the reproduction of a part which has been removed or destroyed; renewal or restoration of a body, bodily part, or biological system (such as a forest) after injury or as a normal process; the act of regenerating
You may know that I’ve been happily working with an amazing organization that uses regenerative agriculture/farming so I’ve heard and spoken this word multiple dozens of times over the last year plus.
As you can see from the definition above, the word also has a spiritual meaning. A few random times during the year, I would very clearly recall Bishop TD Jakes speaking on regeneration at a leadership session a few years ago.
Since I speak, hear, and type the word regeneration or regenerative often and our smartphones are stalkers, I kept seeing an ad on Facebook/Instagram for the 2023 book release ‘Regenerative Business: How to Align Your Business with Nature for More Abundance, Fulfillment, and Impact’ by Samantha Garcia. As an entrepreneur who loves spending time in nature, I ordered the book…and loved it. I’m currently reading ‘The Regenerative Business: Redesign Work, Cultivate Human Potential, Achieve Extraordinary Outcomes’ by Carol Sanford from 2017.
I was talking to one of my mentees and told her about the books and that regeneration was also on the shortlist and she very plainly said, “Well, regeneration stands out to me, and it seems like that might be your word.” And I felt it deep in my soul. She was correct. It was there all the time Just waiting for me to acknowledge and accept it.
Since 2023 was filled with a lot of blessings but also a lot of foolishness, regeneration is even more relevant. This is my year of restoration, revival, rebirth, and renewal. In 2024, I am regenerating peace, love, joy, and abundance along with authenticity, elevation, completion, and victory. Each will be restored to a better, higher, or more worthy state in 2024.
Do you have a word of theme for the year? What does it mean for you?
2024 – Regeneration
2023 – Authenticity
2022 – Elevation
2021 – Completion
2020 – Victory
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Nicki Sanders, MSW, is committed to career development, professional development, and organizational development. As Founder and CEO of Nicki Sanders Leadership Consulting, her mission is simple – to eliminate toxic workplaces by developing skilled, empathetic, and goal-oriented leaders who have the vision, support, and resources to create a culture where business prospers, and employees thrive individually and collectively. Nicki supports high-performing women of color in social work leadership in developing careers that feed their hearts, minds, and wallets. She has an extensive background in nonprofit management leading high-functioning, multi-disciplinary teams, volunteer recruitment and retention, and social impact programming. Nicki is an accomplished professor, coach, trainer, and group facilitator who has combined her gift for authentic relationships, Master of Social Work degree, and over 20 years of diverse work experience to create a life and career aligned with her values and purpose. She is a lover of cupcakes, travel, and 80’s hip hop and R&B music.
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