I went to this gathering/picnic organised by a guy my friend knew from Couchsurfing. It was a beautiful day and the Seine was full of colour and excitement. People were relaxed, enjoying the sun and talking to new people. I was sitting right by the river, looking at the different colours of the water, fighting myself not to jump into the water when a guy started to talk to me. He was French, but spoke perfect English, and was a head of a motorcycle club. He seemed like a nice guy and we talked for a while. We talked about many things and the occasion being held by a member of Couchsurfing, we began to talk about traveling. He told me the places he has been to and I was surprised by the variety of places he has been to. He has already been to all of the European countries except two, and also has been to other continents like North and South America and Africa. Then he told me that he rode his motorcycle across South America. I was dazzled. There are actually people like him, taking all these adventures, enjoying their lives to the fullest. Crossing a continent with a motorbike. Just imagine it. How beautiful and exotic it will be. Then I told him that I would never be able to do that because 'my mom would freak out.' Yes, that was not the coolest thing to say but that's the first thing that came out from my mouth. Then he said, with a little bit of I-can't-believe-what-you-said look in his eyes, 'but that is not important.' The rest of the conversation, I don't remember. I just kept thinking about what I said. The first thing that came up to my mind is my mom getting angry at me. I could not believe it but then I also understood why it came out. This made me think a lot. I have been always like this. When I had to take a challenge or an adventure, I always stepped back saying, 'my mom wouldn't allow this.' Well, to be fair, it was true in the beginning. Since I was young, my mom has been quite strict and protective. I even had curfew at 10pm when I was in Korea, and I was 20. But I cannot blame her forever and not do anything adventurous. Now it seems like I have made that an excuse for not doing anything crazy. I was never the cause, it was my mom. But after this conversation, I have realized that I should stop this whole thing. I have lived my life all for her, and for her not to worry and at some point it grew like a giant tree in my mind, roots too deep to take out. It has to change now. I really need to think more about myself, and what makes me happy. Stop using her as my excuse.