Stop Thinking: Trip with friends to Canary Islands
Stop Thinking and Just Take the Trip: A Canary Islands Story
Life moves pretty fast. One day, you’re sitting in a college dorm, scrolling through TikToks about dreamy vacations, and the next, you’re boarding a plane to a place you’d only ever seen on Google Earth. That’s exactly what happened when my friends and I decided to stop overthinking and just go.
It started like any other night during college—a random conversation that spiraled into one of the most unforgettable trips of my life. One of my friends lives in the Canary Islands, and as we sat there talking, we realized there was nothing stopping us from making it happen. No spreadsheets, no detailed itineraries—just an impulsive decision to buy plane tickets right then and there.
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step
The Power of Taking the First Step
It’s simple, but for so many of us, that first step feels impossible. We spend so much time dreaming, planning, and imagining our ideal adventures that we psych ourselves out. That was me a few months ago—obsessively researching “Top 10 Places to Visit in Europe” and saving TikToks about perfect travel itineraries, yet never actually booking anything.
But here’s the thing: sometimes you just have to leap. Shut out all the doubts, ignore the “what ifs,” and click that confirm purchase button. Because once you take that first step, everything else falls into place. And no matter where you go or what you do, the memories you make will remind you why you should’ve been doing this all along.
The Trip That Changed Everything
The Canary Islands turned out to be so much more than a vacation; it was a wake-up call. From the moment we landed, the experience felt surreal. Stunning coastlines, vibrant culture, and a group of friends I’d only known for a few months—but who already felt like family.
We explored the islands, shared laughs, and made memories that I’ll carry with me forever. It wasn’t about having the perfect itinerary or checking off every tourist attraction. It was about being there, living in the moment, and realizing how much of life’s magic comes from the unplanned.
What I Learned
This trip taught me more than I ever expected—about myself, about life, and about what really matters. We spend so much time chasing achievements: doing well in school, landing a good job, building a secure future. But what are we really working toward? Are we saving up for a life we’ll never get around to living?
I don’t want to look back one day and realize I let life slip by while I waited for the “right time” to travel. There will always be reasons to wait: work commitments, financial worries, or the fear of stepping out of your comfort zone. But none of those excuses will matter in the end. What will matter are the people you met, the places you saw, and the memories you made.
Yesterday you said tomorrow
Your Turn to Take the Leap
If there’s one thing I hope you take away from this, it’s this: stop waiting. Stop thinking about what might go wrong, and start focusing on what could go right. As cliché as it sounds, you’ll never regret the things you did—only the things you didn’t do.
A Nike ad phrases it perfectly: “Yesterday you said tomorrow.” Don’t wait for the perfect opportunity or ideal timing—it may never come. Pave the path to your dream life, take that first step, and watch how the world opens up for you.
Stop Thinking
I created a short docu film about this adventure with my friends, highlighting the experiences and lessons learned throughout the journey. It offers a glimpse into our travels and the moments that made it memorable. Go give it a watch on YouTube and let me know your thoughts.
