How is it already December 31?

I know, I know…2021 was a long year for many. And I mean looooooooong. I can’t say it hasn’t felt like two years in one for me as well (like, how is that Bernie Sanders Mitten Meme only from this past January?) With that said, I would be lying if I didn’t say parts of it flew by for me. Overall, it was a great year, and I say that for five main reasons:

1. MAKING NEW CONNECTIONS/RECONNECTING

This year brought new friends and long-missed family back into my life. Because I had newfound freedom and flexibility in schedule, I could attend workshops where I met some very-liked-minded (and in a couple of instances, scarily-liked-minded) people who are now my business besties. I have also been able to reconnect with family with whom I struggled to  get together. I am forever grateful for these experiences granted in 2021.

2. VENTURING INTO NEW BUSINESS WORLDS

One of my greatest accomplishments from this past year was opening my product shop, KLP Design Co. One of my favorite things about being a business owner is being able to experiment and strategize, so this adventure from this year will no doubt create opportunities in the next.

3. FLEXING MY CREATIVE MUSCLES

If you know me, you know I am not an athlete. Not at all. My brain is about the only part of my body I exercise regularly, and I loved the ways I was able to work out the left side in 2021. I didn’t do as much as I set out to do, but what I did was awesome. I learned how to do embroidery, I made a hat (well fascinator…but still hat-ish), and I blew glass. The latter was by far my favorite, and I hope to try it again in 2021.

4. MANAGING MY MENTAL HEALTH

I don’t talk much about this struggle, but it’s definitely a real deal in my life. I have dealt with anxiety for much of my adult life. I always figured it was simply cause and effect: A hectic, hustle-filled life. When I really sat down and started to work through the feelings associated with this, it was the opposite: My generalized anxiety made me hid behind hustle. With the help of NOOM Mood, I have been able to address the underlying issues head on, and have found a happier place.

5. BUSTING BIZ GOALS

This was the best year for Kayla Lee Photography. You 2021 couples really set the bar, and I could not be more thankful for you. You have helped me grow by over 30% from last year, and I had some of the best times with you, even though your wedding went through some of the worst of times with rescheduling and replanning, thanks to COVID. You have set the bar, and I am forever grateful to each and every one of you who have entered my life. Thank you again for trusting me with your wedding day.

Kayla Lee is a Minnesota-based wedding and elopement photographer. She provides services to elegant, authentic, sentimental couples who not only choose their own adventures, but also live them to the fullest! See more about the KLP Wedding Experience!

2022 has big shoes to fill, but I am sure it is up to the challenge. What was your greatest moment from 2021–and what are you looking forward to in 2022?