Learning to Love Midlife
by Chip Conley
Presented by: Pat Whitty
In Learning to Love Midlife, bestselling author and entrepreneur Chip Conley challenges one of our culture’s most persistent assumptions: that midlife is primarily a period of crisis, decline, and diminishing possibilities. Instead, Conley argues that the years roughly between 35 and 75 can become a remarkably rich period of growth, reinvention, wisdom, and happiness.
Drawing on research, personal experience, and lessons from his work with thousands of people navigating midlife, Conley explores 12 reasons life can actually get better as we age. While youth may offer physical vitality and seemingly unlimited possibilities, midlife brings advantages of its own. We often become more comfortable with who we are, less concerned with impressing others, more emotionally resilient, and increasingly able to distinguish what truly matters from what doesn’t.
Conley examines topics ranging from relationships and purpose to physical changes, career transitions, spirituality, and our evolving relationship with time. Rather than denying the genuine challenges of aging, he encourages readers to approach them with curiosity. Some things inevitably decline, but other qualities—including wisdom, emotional intelligence, perspective, gratitude, and the ability to recognize patterns—can continue to grow.
A central idea is the importance of shifting from accumulating to editing. Earlier in life, we may focus on acquiring accomplishments, possessions, relationships, and experiences. Midlife offers an opportunity to thoughtfully decide what deserves our limited time and attention—and what we are ready to leave behind.
Ultimately, Learning to Love Midlife invites readers to replace the idea of a “midlife crisis” with a midlife awakening. Rather than looking backward at opportunities lost, Conley encourages us to recognize the possibilities still ahead.
For lifelong learners in particular, it’s an optimistic reminder that growing older doesn’t have to mean growing stagnant. We can continue learning, changing, contributing, and becoming more fully ourselves throughout our lives.
WHEN:
Wednesday, October 21, 2026
Meet and Greet: 5:30 PM – 5:45 PM (US Central Time)
Presentation: 5:45 PM – 7:00 PM (US Central Time)
Meet Life Long Learners and Open Discussion:
7:00 PM – 7:30 PM (US Central Time)
WHERE (either):
In Person
CHRISTUS Heritage Hall, The Village at Incarnate Word
Braodway at Burr Road
San Antonio, TX 78209
or VIA ZOOM
Presentation:
5:45 PM – 7:00 PM (US Central Time)
**You must register to receive the Zoom Link**
You do not need to have read the book to attend the event.
If you would like to invite other colleagues to join this conference, have them visit the website at www.ExecutiveBookReview.com to find out more about this and future events.