Ringing in Year 23 + Honoring Year 22

Dear 22,

I know I say this every year about the age I just lived, but this was my favorite year yet. Truly it feels that life is just getting better each year!

22, I do have so many reasons to call you my favorite, as it was the year I got married, the year I opened my second coffee shop, the year I got to spend so much intentional time with the community I have prayed for.

I could probably write a whole book on this year + all the things I have learned, so for the sake of keeping this blog post succinct, here are the 22 things I learned this year about life, the world, Jesus + about myself:

  1. Time spent working ON the business is just as important as time working IN the business.

  2. Jesus is my standard of love + my heavenly groom. Life with my earthly groom is a bonus of the Lord’s faithfulness + kindness.

  3. Friends that I can just pick up where I left off with are really special to me.

  4. Being discipled/mentored is essential. Having someone you trust to hold you accountable is pivotal to sanctification, growth + spiritual maturity. (Maia, I love you)

  5. I am a textbook enneagram 3, the Achiever. This is not inherently a bad thing, but there are certain aspects of the need to achieve that are sinful + that I am actively praying + working through.

  6. Taking time off (especially as a business owner + leader) is really healthy. It is good for me, and in turn, makes me a better leader for the business.

  7. They always said this one so it sounds cliche, but I truly did learn it myself this year… marriage is hard work!

  8. Don’t buy a truck that previously used a fifth-wheel trailer for hauling horses… the transmission will eventually quit + it’s cheaper to buy a whole new truck than to repair it.

  9. Being a business owner is so much more attainable when you learn to delegate.

  10. I have quite a passion for weddings + it turns out I am pretty good at planning + coordinating them too.

  11. How to say no! I have learned the hard way that saying yes to something means saying no to something else. Boundaries!

  12. To be more intentional in enjoying the little things. (weekly reports were born from this!)

  13. Health — been learning a lot about the toxins that have become so widely accepted in our society that are detrimental. (looking at you, seed oils…)

  14. Marrying your best friend is the best advice. Be able to have silly fun together!

  15. Your morning + night routine has a big impact on your days. The way you wind down + wake up can really affect your productivity + your attitude throughout the day.

  16. Don’t cheap out on an espresso grinder for your coffee shop…

  17. If a construction crew tells you it’ll be done in 2 weeks, plan for at least 4.

  18. Having a team you trust + respect is essential to not only the company culture, but the customer experience as well.

  19. Joy + hardship can coexist.

  20. You learn who your people are when wedding planning…

  21. Even though I’m married, I will still call my dad for car help. + Mom is still my best friend.

  22. True, abundant life is found in life with Jesus.

Year 22, you were a gift, a challenge, a learning opportunity. I was sanctified, pushed outside of my comfort zone, and relied on Jesus in new ways. I am so thankful for 22 years of life + I feel blessed to walk into the 23rd year.

In gratitude,

Annika Baylis

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