YOU represent ME...

It is a very beautiful day today. The first Saturday and first weekend of the ember month. Happy new month to you all (I am so sorry it is coming late), and Barka de Sallah to all my Muslim brothers and sisters. I am still expecting my share of the meat (I am really really really serious). I hope this new month brings unfathomable goodness into our lives.

Today is another day, a new day to be awesome and work on developing a positive attitude and mindset. This is very important because our attitude, mannerism, behavior, actions, inactions and mindset in one way or another affect not just us, but others. Most people believe that what they do have an effect on their lives alone. They seem to forget that no man is an Island. In whatever situation we find ourselves, we represent a particular group; be it our family, lineage, village, local government, state, country, continent and most importantly, we represent ourselves.

The fact that you are a representative of a given society and people is reason enough to be careful of your actions and inactions. I am so happy and proud when I hear positive report or news about my people, country, kinsmen, state, continent and so on. This is because it means I have indirectly done something great and I am proud of myself. Everyone wants to associate with success because winning is a good thing. We seem to forget that when one does what is wrong, the person is still a representative of a place and people.

When an individual misbehaves, especially outside his/her country; you are addressed by your continent and country. Without knowing or wanting to know your name, they address you in different ways using insulting and demeaning words and caption. The people around (when the situation happened) see you as a representative of your nation, of your people and make judgements using you as a point of reference to your people and nation. Thus, you disgrace your nation, people and yourself.

Your actions and inactions could be anothers only encounter with your race, culture, nationality, religion, continent and with you. As they say, "First impression matters". I appeal to us all that we should be good representatives wherever and in whatever we do. As this goes a long way in building a good or bad image for ourselves, family, tribe, religion, nationality, and continent.

I am an African. I am proud to be an African. I am a Nigerian. I am proud to be a Nigerian. I am a Yoruba girl. I am proud to be a Yoruba girl. I am from Ekiti state (a.k.a. Ekiti Kete) and I am proud to be from Ekiti state. Most importantly, I am Aribisala Ayobami; and I am proud to be a member of the Aribisala family. As a single individual, I represent so many people and things, so I avoid anything and everything that would taint my image. Instead of tainting it, I try to make this my "all-in-one image" proud and known for greatness. 

I hope you will be able to make your family, friends, state, nation, tribe, continent and whatever in this life you represent proud of what you are and what you are becoming. So please, I am down on my knees and begging you to PLEASE REPRESENT ME WELL.