Book Review
Midlife often arrives as a quiet, yet insistent moment when the life we’ve built no longer feels fully aligned. In Living Between Two Worlds, James Hollis uses Jungian psychology to illuminate this threshold, exploring shadow integration, individuation, and the reclaiming of authentic identity. He frames midlife as a summons from the soul rather than a crisis. The book offers insight and guidance for anyone navigating midlife transitions, helping transform restlessness into opportunities for growth, wholeness, and alignment with one’s true self.
Hollis shows that the restlessness many experience in midlife is not a flaw, but a signal that deeper growth, reflection, and self-integration are required. Key themes include:
- Threshold Between Adaptation and Authenticity – noticing the dissonance between who we have been and who we are meant to become.
- Shadow Integration – embracing disowned parts of ourselves to reclaim vitality, creativity, and wholeness.
- Individuation – aligning life choices, relationships, and roles with the authentic self, rather than external expectations.
Reflection and Application
Hollis encourages readers to ask: Which parts of ourselves have been left unacknowledged? How can we integrate our experiences to live more fully in the present? How do we align our choices with our authentic values? The book is rich with insight and practical prompts for navigating midlife transitions with courage and depth.
Bridging to The Midlife Homecoming Series
For readers inspired by Hollis’ exploration of midlife, the Midlife Homecoming series offers a reflective lens to reclaim wholeness and integrate the past into present life. Across eight posts, the series guides readers in:
- Reconnecting with younger selves and untended wounds
- Developing differentiation and sovereign selfhood
- Aligning creative passions, work, and relationships with evolving values
- Cultivating inner stability and resilience while navigating life transitions
The series transforms midlife restlessness from a source of regret into an invitation to wholeness, providing exercises, reflections, and prompts for intentional, soul-guided living.
