Meaning Making: Learning to Be Human Halfway through Life

by Chris Field

This is a book for people who have done some living . . .

People who have won some and lost some, climbed a few mountains, and crossed a few valleys.

People who are sure about a few things and a lot less sure about everything else.

People who realize that being alive is not the same as actually living.

Meaning Making is for those who have laughed and cried and loved and lost and are now staring down the decades that remain, wondering how to ensure they don’t miss out on the exquisite chaos of the here and now.

No one is broken, everyone is worthy of being known, and we’re all a collection of complex, beautiful messes. These are the core truths that drive this gritty and authentic book forward. It’s about becoming fully human, one moment at a time—no matter what age you are.

This is not memoir or self-help. Chris acknowledges he doesn’t have all the answers (or many at all). He doesn’t offer five-step action plans, earth-shattering advice, or a promise to change your life.

Instead, he shares seemingly ordinary anecdotes, mundane moments that become formative life lessons—but only if we choose to make meaning from them. Vulnerable, heartfelt, and relatable, Meaning Making is about Chris’s commitment to embracing the second half of life—and inviting you to do the same.

208 pages, Hardcover

Published August 6, 2024

Reviews

[Fayelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book isn't going to blow your socks off. It's not going to make you cry. It may make you smile and chuckle. It'll make you nod. And sigh. And It'll warm your heart while also making you stop and consider. I love how Chris just uses everyday snippets of life to "teach us" if you will, but more of a noticing. A perspective shift or a "Hey, this has been under your nose all along." This didn't make me feel lacking. It helped me see how easy and beautiful life can be, especially when I'm part of it. Thanks for this Chris, I treasure it.

Also? I feel like this book and Shannan Martin's books would be bffs.

[Bill Peel · Rating 5 out of 5]

In “Meaning Making,” author Chris Field reveals the essence of the first forty years of his life with a candid and convicting glimpse into his vision for the next forty years. It is crisp, concise, catalytic, and compassionate. You’ll be taken from laughter to tears as Chris shares slices of his life in entertaining and engaging stories. Don’t just buy one copy! You’ll be gifting this book to family and friends for years to come.

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read if you’re wanting a daily dose of something positive to challenge you to be a better version of yourself. The format is short chapters that can stand alone and give you something to chew on if you only have a few minutes.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I highlighted or underlined all my favorite parts and great nuggets of wisdom I wanted to remember, the whole book would be marked up! This is one I will read time after time. The chapters are short and applicable to make this book a quick, enjoyable way to make positive personal growth!

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic read that was incredibly relatable.

[Candice Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Reminder to slow down...

[Ashlie Hogan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book because it’s short chapters made it easy to read, easy to digest, and easy to ponder what the author was saying.

So many of us need the short words of:
I am not broken. I am worthy of being known. I embrace beautiful messiness.

Definitely worth the read!!