EILEEN MCDARGH'S
Resiliency Report
Published monthly and when the mood strikes.
Update from Eileen
Southern California is at an almost balmy 70 degrees. Flowers are still blooming, and I have a light blanket on the bed.
So, what the heck is “freezing”—“functional freezing”?
It’s a term for finding myself going through the motions, keeping up the appearance of normalcy, but feeling stuck and disassociated from the world around me.
Let’s call it election anxiety. We all have it regardless of where you fall on the political spectrum. I’ve been putting in tremendous time, energy, and money to preserve this democracy, the rule of law, the constitution, and kindness.
My Mom flew for the military in WWII (a WASP: Women’s Airforce Service Pilot.) It’s her voice I hear. It’s Dad proclaiming that voting is a privilege. And it’s linking arms with my brother and sister as we try and live through the hatred, the rhetoric, and the dismissal of others who look different than we do, who pray differently than we do.
By the time this ezine is out, the election will work through our system. My immediate task is to unfreeze so I can become productive and forward-thinking. Here’s my immediate plan:
Less is more. I create an “already done” list to see my accomplishments. I bless it and say: Move on.
Ground myself. It means walking on my beach, in the garden, sitting in the sun, and taking deep breaths.
Stop overthinking. I don’t have the answers. I don’t know the direction. And so—I will sit and journal. And wait.
By the end of this month, and as we move toward the end of 2024, I will have begun to thaw. I will affirm what I am grateful for and strive even more to practice loving kindness.
For now, I wait.
Celebrate The Grace Of Gratitude… Let’s Give THANKS!
Have you ever paused in the middle of a hectic day to express genuine gratitude? It's a simple act, yet it can transform relationships and outcomes. As the CEO of The Resiliency Group, I've witnessed firsthand how a heartfelt "thank you" can shift dynamics in ways we often underestimate.
In our fast-paced world, it's easy to overlook the small moments that make a big difference. But when we take the time to acknowledge and appreciate those around us, we create an environment where trust and collaboration thrive. This isn't just about boosting morale but building a foundation for resilience and success.
Functional Freeze Finds Me
November 2024
For Your Funny Bone
Q: Do female frogs croak?
A: If you hold their heads underwater long enough.
Q: If you are going to make a parachute jump, how high should you be?
A: Three days of steady drinking should do it.
Q: Why do Hells Angels wear leather?
A: Because chiffon wrinkles.
Q: What are the two things you should never do in bed?
A: point and laugh.
Must Read Book
“The Joy You Make: Find the Silver Linings--Even on Your Darkest Days” by Steven Petrow
Perhaps it is the anxiety of election time or the divisions among people. It might be the heavy fog bank hanging over my home near the beach or the broken refrigerator. Let’s face it: we don’t need many things to leave us feeling joyless. What I love about Petrow’s book is how he offers simple stuff we might do to experience the lift of joy, the warmth of life. From collective effervescence (dancing in a group) to the joy of wandering around an unknown place, from the pleasure of writing by hand to the joy of imperfection, Petrow suggests much I can do to turn dark into light, to change from why me to why not me!
I’ll let you know what I discover.
Miss a Book Review? Here Is A Whole Bunch More!
Over the years, I have promoted many books. In addition to my own, I encourage other good books about what I enjoy discussing, especially those related to resiliency, work-life balance, energizing moments, and communication.
Take a look! You may have missed something that will add some value to your life.
Resilient Views Require Front and Center Stage Again
Many of us are reeling once again from this election. In preparation for what is to come, we can only take the next step if we stand on solid ground. Over the years, I have written many articles on Resilient Views and feel that somewhere, there might be an article that helps you find your solid ground again.
ADAPTABILITY— The Secret Sauce for Resiliency
We have put together the various blog posts I’ve written about adaptability. It is a critical skill for growing through challenge or opportunity. It is the ability to look at a situation and see multiple options. Sometimes, that takes courage and the capacity to ask for help.
That’s not always easy. For example, given the complexity of everything from AI to a sharply divided world, it feels better to stay in bed and hide under the covers. I know I have felt that way in recent months.
Hunkering down and practicing self-care may be the greater short-term wisdom. Take a walk, work in the garden, pet dogs, sleep an extra hour…whatever. But sometimes, we must face reality and explore as many options as possible. What do you choose to do? “I choose” is always a more powerful statement than ‘I have to”…
Ok, it’s your turn on your mark. Get set. Go!!!!
About Eileen
If you are looking for a unique keynote speaker in resiliency, a facilitator for executive retreats, a speech coach or an emcee/moderator, then you want to work with Eileen McDargh, CSP, CPAE. Eileen has spoken for audiences as large as 15,000 and facilitated groups as small as 18! She is the author of seven books and other products that you can find in her online store. The British Research firm of Global Gurus ranked her #4 among the top 30 communication gurus worldwide. Why not hire Eileen for your next event?
Ranked 3rd!
This is the 6th year in a row that I have been ranked in the top 5 in communication. Global Gurus surveys some 26,000 business professionals to determine rankings plus professionals also vote.
Dear Friends,
It’s that time of year again to vote for Global Gurus in various categories. I’ve been in the top 5 of Communication Gurus for many years. Global Gurus is a British research firm that goes out to some 20,000 people to determine standing.
Click below to nominate me as inspirational. It might ask you to log in using either Linked in or Google. You are asked to log in to assure people can only vote once. You’ll then see my face pop up along with other nominees. Select and then near the bottom, you can rank me as “inspirational ”or not.
Please let me know if this works. You are all the best.
Many thanks. I am most grateful for YOU!!!!!
