Recently my family and I decided to embark on a one day trip to Yosemite National Park. Now trust me, I know this isn't the right way to do it nor is it the most efficient but when you have parents who work 24/7, you take any trip no matter how last minute or how short. So with this crazy idea in mind and next to zero planning we were on our way. I knew this trip was going to be both epic and tiring but after a full day of walking, driving, and endless picture taking at one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen, I'm contemplating what I learned today. Here it is.

1. I'm a good navigator

Now I'm not trying to brag or anything but come on! Driving all the way from LA to Yosemite with only one wrong turn calls for some pretty good GPS skills. I had never been to Yosemite prior to this and somehow managed to not get my whole family stranded in the middle of nowhere. Plus we got some amazing picture, I mean what more could you ask for?

2. God is awesome

To be clear, I already was aware of this but seeing His wonderful creations at Yosemite was something completely different. If my God can create beautiful landscapes that left me in utter and complete awe, He can do anything. My problems are nothing to Him. So why should I worry? He's got it all under control and all I need to do is trust Him.

3. That one environmental class was worth it

I am so grateful to have taken an environmental course during my freshmen year of college. The class was all about food and sustainability, which quite honestly changed the way I see the world (super cliche but it totally did). Talking about the environment and conserving it and seeing pictures on a textbook or a slideshow is one thing but actually experiencing it is completely different. Being surrounded by nature and seeing just how amazing it is gives it whole new level of importance. This trip has sparked a desire to do more to help conserve our planet and all the beauty it beholds; thanks to my environmental class I can do that.

4. I am terribly afraid of standing on edges

Like seriously afraid. I got vertigo standing at the edge of so many mountains and literally cried when my sister jumped for a picture at the edge of a cliff. It's different from being afraid of heights because plane rides and roller coasters don't scare me, but standing at the edge of any steep mountain or cliff—I cannot.

5. There's nothing better than family

After a year of being away from home and living on my own in my college dorm, I have a newfound appreciation for my family. This trip just made that even more clear. There is no one else I would've wanted to take this trip with. With my dad's funky road trip playlist, my mom's jokes, and my sister's company, it was a trip to remember forever.