I am single mom of two boys. My oldest is 13 years old and my little one is 3 years old. I have always gone out for rides as a passenger, but a few months ago a guy I've been talking to for about six months bought a motorcycle and we went out riding. I absolutely loved the feeling of total euphoria it gave me, with all the daily stress just being able to exhale and feel relaxed and free was addicting. But it sucked having to depend upon on him to go out riding. He had nothing else to offer and I had to be honest with myself, and move on. But ever since our first ride out I already started doing my research to learn how to ride my own bike, what gear I would need, the do’s and don'ts, etc.

I have always done everything for everyone else, but after the horrible end of my last relationship my therapist, who truly helped me with years of shit and gave me the tools to work through, grow, and become a better me, asked me a simple question; “What makes you happy?” Of course I answered with all the things I do to make everyone else happy. She replied, “That’s great you always think and do for everyone, but again, what makes you happy? What do you do to make you happy?”

Honestly, I was stuck and confused. She then asked me the simple question, "How can you truly make anyone around you happy if you don’t do anything to make yourself happy first?” I responded, "isn’t that a selfish way of thinking?" She made me realize there is nothing wrong to think of yourself first every now and then, that my happiness counts just as much as the happiness of my kids, family and friends.

I am always putting everyone before me, but I need to make myself happy before I can make anyone around me happy, and I honestly I stopped caring about others' opinions. I live one day at a time; yesterday is gone and I can’t change it, tomorrow is unwritten, but today is my day to be a better version of myself than I was yesterday and to carry over to tomorrow.

With that being said, I am going to do what makes me happy — I enrolled for a beginner's course to get my endorsement. I figure if it is meant to be, then it will be.

I want to ride because of how it makes me feel inside. I want to exhale and truly smile because I know I’m happy. Even better when I have my own bike to go out on whenever I want to. I really love my independence! No more drama and definitely no more stress. I've got one life to live, I'm sure gonna live it to the fullest!

Verushka
Miami, FL
Wednesday, January 3, 2018

I have always wanted to ride, but put it off because of having a child and a busy life. Always loved riding with my husband, and we had talked about it in passing. Finally when my daughter was old enough I took to two wheels on a small scooter. That made me want to go on bigger adventures, so I took a motorcycle course. I never dreamed how much I would love it!

I decided during my novice course I would eventually become a motorcycle instructor to share the dream with other new riders. I waited three years to become a fully certified instructor. I love mentoring new riders and watching their skill progression and see them blossom into safe, competent riders. I am also selfish because it is my one thing I do purely for adventure and self discovery. I love it—it truly brings me zen.

Dar
Victoria, Canada
Friday, August 18, 2017