Who I am, who I say I am and who others say I am – is that all one and the same thing?
Do I act with high moral values no matter if anyone is watching or not?
Do I operate to feed my ego or to garner accolades?
Am I good for my word (any and all words); do I say what I mean and mean what I say?
Am I dependable?
When I do not follow through on my words and promises, do I feel badly enough to make every effort to rectify the situation immediately?
If I fall short on any one of these, I lack Integrity.
It is easier to wonder about the possible eulogy of the likes of Bernie Madoff rather than my own – yet mine is all I can do something about. So in thinking about MY funeral, I decided to start LIVING my eulogy now. I want there to be a consensus between me, my life portrayed. my life lived and my life perceived . I’d like people who attend my funeral to wear what they look best in even if it’s Bright ORANGE because that’s how I’d like to see them. I’m hoping many of them wear their most outlandish HATS because if I am looking on, I’d be tickled pink!
PS: If you’ve got young ones around, click here for a talk I presented to middle schoolers entitled “Who Am I?”
Marisa Pereira is a mother, fashion designer, currently runs a Design and Image Consulting business in Atlanta, GA, is a freelance writer and volunteers at her church and in the community. She holds a BA in Fashion Design and a BA in French with a minor in Psychology and has worked in the Fashion Industry for over twenty years. Frustrated at her inability to find appropriate church clothes for her 14 year old daughter, she heeded God’s call, and created the stylish but modest, Michaela-Noel clothing collection, now available on-line. Having lived in multiple countries, she is acutely aware of the emphasis cultures place on visual appeal. She analyzes the importance of presenting the best image of ourselves and passionately insists that it starts within. She regularly addresses adult and youth audiences – encouraging and teaching them to make a memorable first impact but more importantly - to create a lasting impression. Her websites are: www.mpcimage.com and michaela-noel.com.
