BONDING WITH OTHERS IN UNITY
What does the significance of the word unity mean to you?
The online dictionary describes the word unity as the state of being joined.
When I think of the concept of unity, I envision it as a state of being joined together as one entity, much like a married couple.
The idea of a tightly knit, united front is often seen as a rare luxury, as few families truly possess that strong bond.
The unity I have discovered is rooted in the bonds of friendship and fellowship where we stand together and uplift one another.
Unity cannot be manufactured; it is a sincere bond shared among individuals who truly love and support one another.
The saying, “United we stand, divided we fall” holds true for individuals who stand together in support of justice.
To form strong connections with others, it is essential to trust that they have your back and will not betray you.
It is impossible to form a strong connection with individuals who are consumed by jealousy, selfishness, and envy, as they will constantly be vying for superiority.
Just as you wouldn’t seek friendship with someone who harbours animosity towards you.
Trust has always been a struggle for me, but I have learned to recognise the people and places where I can truly be myself.
I prefer not to associate with individuals whom I have badly impacted my life and limit my time spent with them to just a few hours, if at all.
I appreciate them, but I prioritise my own well-being. I need to protect myself from reliving the nightmares when I get home.
Just because I don’t have a tight-knit family doesn’t mean I don’t spend time with them. I simply know when it’s time to gracefully bow out when things start to feel awkward.
My Beloved Father and I shared a special bond, filled with meaningful conversations and mutual respect. He was a brilliant and extraordinary man who loved me and never made me feel inferior. In his presence, I felt free to be my authentic self.
A healthy relationship is organic and always maintains equilibrium. When you have a strong bond with someone, you can rely on them to never deceive or harbour animosity towards you.
They view you as their peer and you can always count on receiving impartial and valuable guidance.
I hold the belief that the concept of friendship is expansive and diverse.
Having a lifelong friend from childhood is a true blessing. This person has been by your side throughout knowing you better than anyone else. They are not just a friend, but a confidante who understands you.
There may be that one friend from school or church who you’ve stuck with and maintained a strong bond with over the years.
Throughout my childhood and into my adult years, I never formed any close friendships. I struggled to understand how to be a supportive and loyal friend, which ultimately left me feeling isolated and disconnected from those around me.
There were individuals who desired my companionship as their closest confidant, but I found the pressure stifling and chose not to invest fully in the role.
I have always been cautious in romantic relationships, hesitant to fully be open for fear of becoming entangled in a situation that would ultimately lead to heartbreak.
My selfishness reached its peak when I entered relationships with others only to run away whenever they opened about their feelings or talked about the future.
I have never committed to anything long-term. All I desired was companionship without any obligations. I valued my independence and didn’t want anyone encroaching on my personal space.
I discovered that the most suitable arrangement for me was for each of us to have our own separate homes.
It’s natural for younger individuals to grow and change together since they are more adaptable, but as someone in their middle age, it becomes challenging to accept someone else’s bad habits, which only becomes stressful.
As a young girl, I dreamt of meeting a prince and living out a fairy tale romance. However, as I grew older, I realised that finding someone to spend my life with was not as simple as a storybook ending. I always held myself to high standards and refused to compromise on anything less than what I truly deserved.
It’s ironic to hear this coming from someone who once struggled with self-hatred and low self-esteem. I suppose it’s just a reflection of the values instilled in me from a young age — never settle for anything less than the best.
In my world, the concept of forming a deep connection with another person is often best explored through the realm of fantasy. Here, you have the freedom to select your own character and craft your own unique story, making the experience of unity with another individual both exciting and safe.
However, it’s always possible that one day in the real world your wildest dreams could come true, so never say never.
I currently have diverse circles of friend groups that I enjoy spending time with.
I have never experienced the joy of a genuine romance because I have always portrayed myself as the strong, stoic type.
Receiving flowers left me at a loss for words, unable to convey the overwhelming emotions that welled up inside me, as I had always prided myself on maintaining a tough exterior.
It’s truly unfortunate that I have missed out on the opportunity for a potentially beautiful and loving experience.
I used to think that only fragile women were drawn to such qualities, but now I understand differently. If I am fortunate enough to find someone who complements me, I will not hesitate to simply be my real self.
I had to reevaluate everything I thought I knew about love and relationships. It’s not foolish or vulnerable to open your heart to love. You don’t have to anticipate every negative outcome or listen to the doubts of a pessimistic mindset.
I used to let the opinions of others dictate my relationships, ultimately leading to their demise. But now, I am confident in my own judgment. I will keep my relationships private and only introduce someone when I am certain that I am in it for the long haul.
There’s nothing quite like surrounding yourself with kindred spirits and relishing in the little joys of life, whether it’s dining out or embarking on exciting escapades filled with laughter and banter.
Not everyone is deserving of the title “friend,” as our intuition often warns us when someone may not have our best interests at heart and could potentially betray us.
They are merely acquaintances or colleagues, as you would never prioritise spending time with them as they are not on the same page as you.
I believe that if I have a negative gut feeling about someone, I prefer not to invite them into my inner circle.
I tend to get along well with most individuals, but the true joy lies in being able to discern who is truly authentic.
I don’t dress to impress others; my only competition is in sports and I have no interest in comparing myself to anyone else. I am content with who I am, but if there is something I don’t like about myself, I will put in the effort to make a change.
I lead my life according to my own desires, free from outside influence. I embody the teachings of the wisest person I knew, my Father, and strive to live by what he taught me.
When you find a group of individuals that you truly connect with, that is where your strength in unity resides.
In everything, there must be a balance.
Natalie M Bleau
Scripture of Balance
