We worked hard to build all we had created. We were safe from most external attacks. We stuck together. We protected each other. No nearby or remote comments, whatever they were, could harm us. We could exist, work and live together without fear and without harm, facing the tricky stuff together, coming out stronger; wiser.
That was until Popularity and Recognition began to accompany us. Initially it seemed great, and they seemed like an extension of the group. Maybe the cracks began to show when we individually feared losing what we’d made. Our reputation had been noticed, elevated, and even exaggerated by those who followed us which just brought more recognition, more value and more rewards.
It got worse as each of us felt the need to be recognised for their part in the success. Internally I think we were all comparing the contributions we each had made. Which was most important? Which ones helped us the most?
Insecurities grew and I knew attitudes about me had shifted (and not in a good way). Suspicion was rife amongst us all. How could I trust them now that I had these persistent, nagging doubts? Tensions grew. To be honest, it all began to break down. It was crumbling, and what had been our strength and had brought our success was disappearing before our eyes. When further attacks from outside came, we inwardly fought. What was, now isn’t.
In unity is strength.
Aesop’s Three Bullocks and a Lion
A lion had been watching three bullocks feeding in an open field. He had tried to attack them several times, but they had kept together, and helped each other drive him off. The lion had little hope of eating them, for he was no match for three strong bullocks with their sharp horns and hoofs. But he could not keep away from that field, for it is hard to resist watching a good meal, even when there is little chance of getting it.
Then one day, the bullocks had a quarrel, and when the hungry lion came to look at them and lick his chops as he was accustomed to do, he found them in separate corners of the field, as far away from one another as they could get.
It was now an easy matter for the lion to attack them one at a time, and this he proceeded to do with the greatest satisfaction and relish.
In unity is strength.
