Relish and Release

April 16, 2025

The first half of our life, we accumulate; the second half, we edit. But, before we edit, we need to appreciate, whether it’s a friendship that’s run its course, a personal identity that defines your past but not your future, or a career path that’s led to a dead-end.

Rather than feeling befuddled or stuck, maybe it’s time to relish and release. Both of these words come from the “relaxare” French and Latin root. Relish is about loosening into joy or letting a pleasure linger. Release is about letting go of what you’ve savored. Holding on (relish) and letting go with relief (release): this is the essence of midlife.

Is there a part of your life that deserves a little gratitude before you let it go? How can you relish it one last time before you release it?

The key is to love and appreciate how these things once served you, granting them the respect they deserve before letting go.

-Chip