Well folks, it's about that time of year again where every basic blogger on the internet reflects back on all that the last year was. Now- don't get me wrong, I think self-reflection is a beautiful thing. It's just comical that we all do it at the ending of a calendar year specifically. (And here I am, shouting into the void as well, how fun!)

When I step back from my present circumstances and look at 2017, all I can say is w-o-w. What a year I have been given. Instead of trying to talk about all of the amazing things I've experienced (that's what Instagram is for, after all) and all the thoughts I've thought (check my old posts, peeps), I thought I would talk about the 17 things I've learned in 2017.

*As a disclaimer, I thought this was a cute title and didn't actually sit down and plan out 17 things I've learned, so I sincerely apologize in advance if these are not enlightening to you at all.*

Life update.

I haven't creeped into this little corner of the internet in a little while, but something about finals time always brings me back. Maybe it's the sheer procrastination kicking into overdrive, but this season of the semester always has me feeling reflective, inspired, and stressed.

Though I can't quite bring myself to justify working on the three post ideas that I have for this little space, I'm pulling myself away from my research revisions just long enough to update everyone on what the heck has been going on inside my little world. Side bar- does anyone remember when I used to do 'Monday Musings' every week to tell y'all what was going on in my week? Good times...

Loved.

A couple of weeks ago, I had a close friend share a core lie he believes about himself to be true. It came out of nowhere, without any pretense, as much of our conversations do. Naturally, this caught me off guard and took me by surprise- what the heck is a core lie, and how did we get on the subject?

Prim & pampered.

Moving back to school, starting classes, and falling back into a school routine can be stressful. So when Maple Holistics reached out to me just as I was moving back to campus, I was excited about the opportunity to test out one of their amazing products.

Hayley, one of their wonderful reps, asked if I would be interested in trying out their tea tree oil shampoos, and I could not have been more stoked about it. I am a huge fan of essential oils, and the thought of my hair smelling wonderfully of tea tree oil was a dream. I was extremely excited to try this product, so let's just jump right into my thoughts!

Favorite Worship Songs

Music just hits the soul in a way that sometimes words cannot. Below I've rounded up some songs that set my heart on fire. 

This.

{Grand Canyon / July 2017}

I never want to forget this moment.

Looking out across the Grand Canyon, there were so many emotions and thoughts speeding through my mind.

I felt small. I felt the gravity weighing down on me, keeping me fixed in this spot.

I felt the absolute, undeniable LOVE of God.

Vulnerable.

If you ever want to feel vulnerable, take a ride in an airplane.

There’s something about being 3000 feet up above the ground, relying on a pair of pilots to get you to your destination safely.