Whether art imitates life, or vice versa, there is an indisputable connection between our lives and the soundtracks to which we live them. Soul Train Viewpoints are contributions by writers who examine life through the context of music.
With artists like Beyoncé, T.I. and Mary J. Blige embracing their alter egos, the remainder of the common world is suddenly finding it sociably acceptable to embrace theirs. Scientific research has long demonstrated the power of suggestion in perception as well as the strong effects of expectations.
Some of us are so comfortable with the perception of who we are, that we begin projecting it over our reality. Come on, we’re all guilty of acting like someone we desire to be, but haven’t quite attained. That’s not to say that having a role model is wrong, but how many times have you heard a guy claim to be an actor, but he was actually an unpaid extra in an unreleased film? Or a lady claim to be a model because she posts amateur photos on some social networking site? It is okay to dream, but even sexier to live out those dreams.
Showing your soul requires a constant look in the mirror, not a physical one, but the one that reflects our soul and the true essence of who we are. Some of us allow the image of who we are perceived to be define who we are. At this point, we are more comfortable living as our image, or alter ego, than accepting our own realities.
You are where you are in life for a reason. It’s okay that you’re 33 years old and still haven’t made much progress on your life goals. Thirty is the new 20. It’s okay that you buy the most expensive clothes but you’re late on your mortgage. I’m not blaming you for life’s addictions. All of these scenarios are okay because they can all be changed.
Progress is sexy; don’t make an ass out of yourself. Leave the “ass” inside of “assessment.” This is not your lifestyle. It is important, as a lady and a gentleman, to always project your best image, but that image must coincide with who you really are.
True ladies and gentlemen do not put on a front. You are who you are if you do what you say. If you are taking a course in audio engineering, you are not a music producer yet—but you will be if you continue working hard at it. Be true to who you are and even truer to who you desire to become. Hard work, dedication, and prayer will get you anywhere you want to be, so be encouraged. Don’t settle for just looking good on paper. Show us your soul.
Pleasantries.
– Enitan Bereola, II
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Bereola is the go-to style and etiquette impresario, public speaker and entrepreneur. He is also the author of the critically acclaimed BEREOLAESQUE: The Contemporary Gentleman & Etiquette book for the Urban Sophisticate. He is working on his follow-up, Guide to Ladies’ Etiquette from a Gentleman’s Perspective. Find him at www.twitter.com/Bereolaesque and at www.facebook.com/Bereolaesque
