Learning to Love Midlife Audiobook By Chip Conley cover art

Learning to Love Midlife

12 Reasons Why Life Gets Better with Age

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Learning to Love Midlife

By: Chip Conley
Narrated by: Chip Conley
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About this listen

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.

©2024 Chip Conley (P)2024 Little, Brown Spark
Aging & Longevity Personal Development Personal Success Relationships Funny Inspiring

Critic reviews

“Rarely have I read a book that so succinctly captures the upside of midlife, a life stage that is more an opportunity than a crisis. Chip Conley reminds us all to savor the wisdom, self-knowledge, and joy that accompanies this time in our lives.” —Father Richard Rohr, bestselling author, speaker and spiritual thought leader
“Does aging give you a sense of dread? If so, you need to read Learning to Love Midlife right now. In this wonderful book, Chip Conley will show you that aging is a superpower, capable of changing you (and our world) for the better.”—Arthur C. Brooks, Professor, Harvard Kennedy School and Harvard Business School, and #1 New York Times bestselling author of From Strength to Strength
“If we are lucky enough, midlife will find us all, but that doesn’t mean crisis has to accompany it. The brilliant and beloved Conley reminds us that with transition and uncertainty comes possibility. No, our doors are not closed after forty, fifty, sixty: in many ways, they are more open than ever. Read this book to reimagine every stage of midlife.” —Esther Perel, psychotherapist, author and host of Where Should We Begin
Inspiring Stories • Beautiful Philosophies • Poetic Wit • Insightful Guide • Practical Wisdom
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I really appreciated the stories that guided me through what it looks like in midlife. The gentle guidance helped me a lot to notice the changes and not be afraid.

Loved this book!

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This is an insightful and practical guide to reframing your life and tapping into your own unique wisdom. Then harnessing that wisdom to transition to a fulfilling and meaningful life.

The author, Chip Conley recounts a variety of inspiring stories, expertly weaving them all into beautiful philosophies of what it means to live a meaningful life and grow “while”, not old.

The Perfect Antidote to the Gettin Old Blues!

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I found this information very calming and reassuring of this journey we are lucky to experience!! Thank you!

that this is a time of life to embrace

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Inspiring paradigm shifts and honest, vulnerable views on how this time of life offers immense opportunities and freedom.

Great perspective

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This is a beautiful book, and such an important perspective. I love that Chip is bringing the wisdom of our ancestors into the modern world. Indigenous communities have always understood that our lives are largely a reflection of how well we navigate transitions and integrate the wisdom we can gain from them. I’m so grateful that Chip and MEA are spearheading this movement!

A true modern elder

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Wow. At age 43 I can say this the book that I’d always wished was written but I’d never found. This book has completely revamped my perspective on life and has given me hope for the future. I’ll be sharing this book with many others. 🙏

An ABSOLUTE MUST LISTEN if you’re over 35

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I really like the stories and new perspectives shared. I loved the story about how a child vs an adult looks at birthday and getting older.

Embracing Aging

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What a great book on a great subject. Easy to listen to, and really enjoyable.

Super relatable!

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Overall an enlightening book on midlife. Though a bit slow at times it had nuggets of ideas that made me think of how I can view my transition through this life stage in a positive and accepting way. Great narration by Chip!

Thought-provoking and encouraging

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I really appreciate the way the author put his honesty, raw feelings about aging into a new frame for me. He took me from dreading the inevitable doom of the mid-life whole, to a renewed energy for what comes next.

Age is just a number that says nothing about you except how long you've been in this earth. Thank you, Chip, for giving me permission to shake off the chains of society and let me hair go gray!

A new perspective on aging that frees us from mid-life jail.

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