After a hiatus, I'm back with an insightful conversation. Today, I sit down with renowned entrepreneur, author, and modern elder Chip Conley to explore the transformative potential of midlife. As the founder of the Modern Elder Academy, Chip has dedicated himself to helping people reimagine and repurpose themselves during this often misunderstood stage of life.
I just had the privilege of spending a week at the MEA in Santa Fe with Chip, Liz Gilbert, and Dr. Terri Trent for a workshop called "Awakening Magic." Through his journey of reinvention and the inspiring stories he's witnessed at the academy, Chip shares a refreshing perspective on aging - one that embraces the wisdom, emotional intelligence, and a sense of purpose that can blossom in the second half of life.
"Midlife is not a crisis; it's a chrysalis - that gooey in-between stage where you transform," Chip explains. He's dedicated himself to helping people see midlife as a time of possibility, not struggle. "If you feel like there's nothing in your life you're a beginner at, then you're fading into the distance. You need to try something new."
Whether you're navigating your own midlife transitions or seeking to support loved ones during this pivotal time, this conversation offers a roadmap for approaching midlife with curiosity, courage, and a renewed sense of possibility. Chip and I dive deep into the keys to thriving in the "third act" of life, from cultivating a supportive community to adopting an "age fluid" mindset that allows you to embrace all the ages you've been and will be.
Chip shares in his new book, "Learning to Love Midlife," there are 12 reasons why life gets better with age - from our growing emotional intelligence to our increasing sense of spiritual curiosity. "Time becomes an increasingly valuable resource as you get older. How you use that time becomes more important."
I encourage you to check out Chip's daily blog at MEAwisdom.com for a "micro-dose of wisdom" to inspire your own midlife journey. You can also follow him on LinkedIn and explore "Learning to Love Midlife" to embrace the opportunities of this transformative life stage. Lean in and let Chip and I guide you towards a more purposeful, fulfilling second half of life.:
Show Notes:
[0:00] Introduction to Chip Conley, founder of the Modern Elder Academy and renowned expert on midlife transitions.
[0:45] Chip's personal journey of reinvention after a "midlife meltdown" in his late 40s and how that led him to create the MEA.
[3:15] Reflections on the "Awakening Magic" workshop Chip, Liz Gilbert, and Dr. Terri Trent led at the MEA in Santa Fe. Chip describes the sense of "moral beauty" and human blossoming he witnessed.
[6:20] The evolving concept of "midlife" - expanding from 40-60 to 35-75 as longevity increases globally.
[8:15] The importance of cultivating community and rites of passage during midlife, which the MEA aims to provide.
[11:30] Advice for younger generations preparing for their own midlife transitions, including the importance of curating your own path and thinking episodically about your life.
[16:45] Chip's new book "Learning to Love Midlife" and the 12 reasons why life gets better with age.
[20:00] Chip's insights on "age fluidity" and how embracing all the ages you've been and will be can unlock new possibilities.
[21:30] The surprising lesson Chip has learned about himself - growing back into being more of an introvert after leading workshops.
[22:15] Chip's favorite question to ask: "What parts of your life are you a beginner these days?"
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