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 solid 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 genuinely love and support one another.
The saying, “United we stand, divided we fall”, holds for individuals who stand together to support justice.
To form strong connections with others, it is essential to trust that they have your back and will not betray you.
Forming a strong connection with individuals consumed by jealousy, selfishness, and envy is impossible, as they will constantly be vying for superiority.
You wouldn’t seek friendship with someone who harbours animosity towards you.
Trust has always been a struggle, but I have learned to recognise the people and places where I can genuinely be myself.
I prefer not to associate with individuals who have badly impacted my life and limit my time spent with them to just a few hours.
I appreciate them, but I prioritise my 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 know when it’s time to bow out when things start feeling awkward gracefully.
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, knowing you better than anyone else. They are not just a friend but a confidante who understands you.
There may be one friend from school or church with whom you’ve stuck and maintained a strong bond over the years.
I never formed any close friendships throughout my childhood and into my adult years. I struggled to understand how to be a supportive and loyal friend, ultimately leaving me feeling isolated and disconnected from those around me.
Some individuals 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 be fully open for fear of becoming entangled in a situation that would ultimately lead to heartbreak.
My selfishness peaked when I entered relationships with others only to run away whenever they opened up 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 separate homes.
It’s natural for younger individuals to grow and change together since they are more adaptable. Still, as someone in middle age, accepting someone else’s bad habits becomes challenging and 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 reflects the values instilled in me from a young age – never settle for anything less than the best.
In my world, forming a deep connection with another person is often best explored through fantasy. Here, you have the freedom to select your character and craft your unique story, making the experience of unity with another individual 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.
Unfortunately, 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 can find someone who complements me, I will not hesitate to be authentic.
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 judgment. I will keep my relationships private and only introduce someone when convinced 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 dining out or embarking on exciting escapades filled with laughter and banter.
Not everyone deserves the title “friend,” as our intuition often warns us when someone may not have our best interests at heart and could betray us.
They are merely acquaintances or colleagues, and you would never prioritise spending time with them as they are not on the same page as you.
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 discerning 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 I don’t like something about myself, I will put in the effort to make a change.
I lead my life according to my 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 you genuinely connect with, your strength in unity resides.
In everything, there must be a balance.
Natalie M Bleau
Scripture of Balance
