“Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate…” (2 Corinthians 6:17a). While this Biblical message calls for believers to detach themselves from worldly influences and remain distinct, the need to “be separate” is also key in achieving your life goals and living a purposeful and fulfilling life. Let’s reflect on separating yourself from what’s not enhancing your progress.
Do you know that your progress is limited or enhanced by what or who you’re connected to? Do you recognize that habits you cherish or certain relationships you maintain can actually be the pitfalls on your path of life? As much as you try, the reality is that your elevation will be hampered if you don’t separate yourself from certain people, habits, situations, environments, etc. Sometimes, you may recognize parasitic and other unhelpful relationships but become emotionally attached to them and invest much resources to sustain the relationship. Such investments may even become distractions to your focus, particularly if they are not yielding the desired results. To such, Roy Bennett noted, “Instead of worrying about what you cannot control, shift your energy to what you can create.” Some people hold onto what may be destroying them for fear of “insecurity,” being vulnerable, or what lies next if they separate. To such, Isabel Allende shared, “We don’t even know how strong we are until we are forced to bring that hidden strength forward.”
So, enhance your capacity to separate yourself from unhelpful and detrimental habits, associations, and entanglements. As a source advised, “Separate yourself from the negative to rise to your potential!” Make a conscious effort to detach from situations or people that are not serving your well-being. Don’t let the fear of the pain of anticipated heartbreak, “what will people say,” “where will I go from here,” etc. block you from separating from unhelpful relationships or establishing necessary boundaries to enhance your personal growth, health, and purposeful living. As Elizabeth Berg noted, “There is love in holding, and there is love in letting go.” Separate from what denigrates your personality, belittles you, drives your low self-esteem, limits your capacity to think wide and explore new horizons, pushes you into debt, gluttony, alcoholism, etc, inhibits your potentials, detains you in the prison of your ugly past, holds back your virtues but promotes your vices, and generally works against living a fulfilled life.
As you step out, be bold to free yourself from what may be pulling you down. Listen to Roy Bennett’s counsel: “Don’t be pushed around by the fears in your mind. Be led by the dreams in your heart.” Never forget, as a source alluded: “If you don’t separate yourself from your distractions, your distractions will separate you from your goal and the life you want.”
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Prof. (Engr.) Esang Esitikot is a professor of occupational health and safety, a COREN-registed chemical engineer, public affairs analyst, UN Ambassador for Peace, certified management consultant, World Safety Organization Ambassador, recognized Environmental Ambassador, marriage counsellor, youth mentor, reviewer for some international research journals and volunteer lecturer at the Institute of Health, Safety, Security and Environment, University of Uyo. He is a manager in the oil and gas industry and was recognized by Highstone Global University, USA as the occupational health and safety personality of 2024. He can be contacted via 08035103559 (Whatsapp only) or email (esitikot@gmail.com).
