Learning to Love Midlife: 12 Reasons Why Life Gets Better with Age

4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars | 241 ratings

Price: 12.96

Last update: 08-24-2024


About this item

New York Times bestselling author and co-founder/CEO of The Modern Elder Academy “reminds us all to savor the wisdom, self-knowledge, and joy that accompanies [the middle decades] of our lives” (Father Richard Rohr) and “provides a clear blueprint for creating the lives we want” (Gretchen Rubin)

The midlife crisis is the butt of so many jokes, but this long-derided life stage has an upside. What if we could reframe our thinking about the natural transition of midlife not as a crisis, but as a chrysalis—a time when something profound awakens in us, as we shed our skin, spread our wings, and pollinate our wisdom to the world?

In Learning to Love Midlife, Chip Conley offers an alternative narrative to the way we commonly think of our 40s, 50s and 60s. Drawing on the latest social science research, inspiring stories, and timeless wisdom, he reveals 12 reasons why life gets better with age. They include:

  • The relief of “my body doesn’t define me:” We finally grow comfortable in our own skin
  • Stepping off the treadmill: We redefine what a successful life looks like
  • The “Great Midlife Edit:” We let go of our emotional baggage, mindsets, and obligations that no longer serve us
  • Growing whole: We begin to feel a part of something bigger than ourselves

No matter where you are in your midlife journey, this perspective‑shifting guide will inspire you to find joy, purpose and success in the years that lie ahead—and how those years can be your best ones yet.


Top reviews from the United States

Jane Tishkoff
5.0 out of 5 stars Can't help but think this will enhance everyone's life if they read it!
Reviewed in the United States on April 13, 2024
I couldn't wait for this book to be published. I had already attended a workshop with Chip where we covered some of the material. Yet, reading the book was a total treat because I could read parts, and then go back and reread them to really take them in.
From the first time I went to MEA after I retired at 67 until now, I feel like I am living my best life. I can't help but attribute much of that to Chip and MEA. From joyously stepping off that treadmill after 35 years as a corporate lawyer, to starting to finally experience time affluence after raising my children and taking care of elderly parents, I relish the time I have to do precisely what I want to do, not what is expected of me, or what someone else wants me to do. Discovering more of my spirit and soul after walking three Caminos, and going back for a fourth in a couple of weeks, I feel as though I am integrating all of the best parts of myself and becoming whole. And, as Chip often says, quoting David Viscott, "The purpose of life is to discover your gift; the work of life is to develop it; and the meaning of life is to give your gift away." Chip not only embodies this notion, but he helps to describe it in an accessible way in this book so that everyone may benefit from his gift.
M. Montoya
5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring and a refreshing narrative. So helpful! Already buying for friends
Reviewed in the United States on January 18, 2024
I rarely leave review, this one deserved it. This book is a game-changer, it's a refreshing and insightful guide that challenges the conventional narrative of the midlife crisis.

As someone navigating the twists and turns of my 40s, this book felt like a personal guide to finding joy, purpose, and success in this often misunderstood phase of life.

Conley's perspective on midlife as a chrysalis, not a crisis, is a breath of fresh air. The 12 reasons he presents for why life gets better with age hit close to home. From the liberation of feeling comfortable in our own skin to the transformative power of letting go, each insight resonated with my own experiences.

What sets this book apart is Chip's relatable storytelling. It's not just about research and wisdom; it's about real people navigating midlife with grace and wisdom. His words inspire a genuine sense of optimism about the years that lie ahead.

Now I want to go to his workshop at his academy, MEA. I want more of this!
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M. Montoya
5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring and a refreshing narrative. So helpful! Already buying for friends
Reviewed in the United States on January 18, 2024
I rarely leave review, this one deserved it. This book is a game-changer, it's a refreshing and insightful guide that challenges the conventional narrative of the midlife crisis.

As someone navigating the twists and turns of my 40s, this book felt like a personal guide to finding joy, purpose, and success in this often misunderstood phase of life.

Conley's perspective on midlife as a chrysalis, not a crisis, is a breath of fresh air. The 12 reasons he presents for why life gets better with age hit close to home. From the liberation of feeling comfortable in our own skin to the transformative power of letting go, each insight resonated with my own experiences.

What sets this book apart is Chip's relatable storytelling. It's not just about research and wisdom; it's about real people navigating midlife with grace and wisdom. His words inspire a genuine sense of optimism about the years that lie ahead.

Now I want to go to his workshop at his academy, MEA. I want more of this!
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Ginger Hudock
4.0 out of 5 stars Good examination of the “Third Act” of life
Reviewed in the United States on January 21, 2024
This book is targeted to the 40 plus person who may be uncertain about their future life. I am a Baby-Boomer who is only a couple of years older than Conley, but am culturally very different from him. Even so, this book gives good insights into things to examine in this phase of life. Each chapter has some suggestions for the reader to contemplate their life while also learning about the author as well as other individuals going through this phase of life. As one of the founders of the Modern Elder Academy, Chip Conley holds workshops that help people examine their current and future life's purpose. This book can enable those who can't afford the cost of attendance at MEA access to some of that content. I received an advanced digital copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
Queen
5.0 out of 5 stars Good book
Reviewed in the United States on July 28, 2024
Nice book to read.
Tom Collins
5.0 out of 5 stars Another important book from Chip Conley
Reviewed in the United States on May 23, 2024
As you can see I'm a fan of Chip Conley's books. But this one is special. Picking up on the kernel from Wisdom@Work on how to stay valuable in your work roles as you age, he's now expanded to cover -- as the Learning to Love Midlife subtitle says -- 12 Reasons Why Life Gets BETTER with AGE. As a full-time business owner at 73, I found invaluable and inspiring his ideas for making the most of every aspect of life as I grow elder. Becca Levy's book, Breaking the Age Code, provides the science behind it. Conley gives you the how!
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Tom Collins
5.0 out of 5 stars Another important book from Chip Conley
Reviewed in the United States on May 23, 2024
As you can see I'm a fan of Chip Conley's books. But this one is special. Picking up on the kernel from Wisdom@Work on how to stay valuable in your work roles as you age, he's now expanded to cover -- as the Learning to Love Midlife subtitle says -- 12 Reasons Why Life Gets BETTER with AGE. As a full-time business owner at 73, I found invaluable and inspiring his ideas for making the most of every aspect of life as I grow elder. Becca Levy's book, Breaking the Age Code, provides the science behind it. Conley gives you the how!
Images in this review
Customer image
LPB
5.0 out of 5 stars Best Book of 2024 and a Must-Read! ????????????
Reviewed in the United States on January 16, 2024
Learning to Love Midlife, Chip Conley's seventh book, has quickly become a global bestseller, and for good reason. After reading this captivating book in just one night, I can confidently declare it my favorite for 2024! Conley imparts invaluable wisdom, backed by fascinating research and enhanced by enlightening experiences. His gifted spirit and engaging writing style make the book a must-read for everyone, regardless of age.

Conley's work not only provides profound insights but also motivated me to take immediate action, bringing positive changes to my physical, emotional, mental, vocational, and spiritual life! Learning to Love Midlife is not just a book; it's a journey toward a more fulfilling and enriched life experience.
Customer image
LPB
5.0 out of 5 stars Best Book of 2024 and a Must-Read! ????????????
Reviewed in the United States on January 16, 2024
Learning to Love Midlife, Chip Conley's seventh book, has quickly become a global bestseller, and for good reason. After reading this captivating book in just one night, I can confidently declare it my favorite for 2024! Conley imparts invaluable wisdom, backed by fascinating research and enhanced by enlightening experiences. His gifted spirit and engaging writing style make the book a must-read for everyone, regardless of age.

Conley's work not only provides profound insights but also motivated me to take immediate action, bringing positive changes to my physical, emotional, mental, vocational, and spiritual life! Learning to Love Midlife is not just a book; it's a journey toward a more fulfilling and enriched life experience.
Images in this review
Customer image
Dalai Drama
5.0 out of 5 stars The Perfect Message for Those with Anxiety about Aging
Reviewed in the United States on January 20, 2024
Chip Conley is uniquely gifted in calming our often anxiety-filled emotions as we age through his simple lessons, and he's done it again in spades with Learning to Love Midlife. "Pro-aging" and the "midlife chrysalis" are just two of the terms Conley uses to counter long-held beliefs that aging has to be a long downward slide from adulthood into decrepitude and unhappiness. Using his own life experience, combined with wisdom from well known thought leaders like Richard Rohr, Arthur Brooks, Barbara Waxman, and many others, Conley explains how having a growth mindset, while shedding possessions and relationships that no longer serve us, and replacing them with a learner's curiosity can not only add years to our lives but greatly improve the quality of those years. These lessons are life changing.

I have become a big fan of Chip's writings and teachings. A co-founder of Modern Elder Academy, Chip is transforming how we should look at aging and helps us to see that later years can be our best years. Learning to Love Midlife is a must-read; highly recommended.

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