EILEEN MCDARGH'S
Resiliency Report
Published monthly and when the mood strikes.
Update from Eileen
Roses are red, violets are purple.
I love you better than maple syrup.
I couldn’t resist. I was married on Valentine’s Day, 1970. It sounded romantic, but eight years later, we were divorced.
Cupid was kind, and on May 18, 1980, I married my Bill. It was the SAME DAY Mount Saint Helens erupted (no, we were not responsible)!
Since then, we have celebrated our montherary every month for 44 years! We both chuckle about it. It used to mean dinner out or a nice bottle of wine. But now, who can remember it’s the 18th, get the jump, and say “Happy Anniversary” first.
Here’s the point: Roses and cupids are cute but meaningless. Love requires intentionality. It means creating space to learn together, celebrate, disagree over matters that matter, listen with open hearts to each other, apologize, and—above all—laugh.
I realize how fortunate I am with my excellent Sweet William. At the same time, love allows us to embrace others, show kindness and compassion, and laugh with others.
In these crazy, challenging times, when the bedrock of our nation—the United States of America—is threatened by those who seek power and control, love will now, more than ever, keep us sane. Mom taught us to love this country, the rule of law, equality, and freedom. Her service as a military pilot in WWII underscored that love.
I won’t let you down, Mom.
Introducing the Modern Elder Academy
I am one of 6,000 alumni from 60 countries who have participated in retreats, online courses, and gatherings for the past three years to reimagine midlife and make the following chapters exciting and meaningful.
Chip Conley, founder and visionary, started this movement, which has gone from major TED stages to being featured in magazines like The New York Times and Fortune, Inc. It attracts guest lecturers like Krista Tippett, Arthur Brooks, Anne Lamott, and Michael Franti. It is the world's first MIDLIFE Wisdom School.
I spent five days at Rising Circle Ranch outside Santa Fe, NM, in January. Again, with 28 strangers who quickly became mi compadres, we explored discovering the hero’s journey in midlife. It is not esoteric at all, but instead, it is prompted by looking at what resources help us move through the midlife season. Under the guidance of Ben Katt, author of The Way Home, I have determined that one of the first steps is to get rid of what no longer serves me. It might seem simple. But my business cards have been thrown away, my landline disconnected, and I’ll start trimming my website this weekend.
You can learn more about the organization
Is Valentine’s Day Old-Fashioned?
February 2025
Some Emails Make Me SMILE
Congratulations! We are thrilled to announce that you have been included in the “Top 30” ranking of Global Gurus and have attained the #3 rank in the Communication category for 2025!
Your dedication, expertise, and contributions to the field of Communication continue to inspire and impact professionals worldwide. This well-deserved recognition is a testament to your influence and commitment to empowering others.
We are all delighted to recognize your achievement and encourage you to share this esteemed award with your colleagues, friends, and followers worldwide.
You can find the page listing your achievement.
When We NEED to laugh!
It's not hard to meet expenses. They're everywhere.
If a stranger sits beside you, say, "Did you bring the money?”
DUMBWAITER: One who asks if the kids would care to order dessert.
Health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die.
I have a great diet. You're allowed to eat anything you want, but you must eat it with naked fat people” -Ed Bluestone.
Bigamy is having one wife too many. Monogamy is the same. Oscar Wilde
Caution: I drive like you do.
Must Read Book
Learning to Love Midlife: 12 Reasons why life gets better with age by Chip Conley
I read Chip’s first book, Wisdom at Work, several years ago and realized that I was a modern elder. This realization made me responsible for sharing generously what I’ve learned and being open to ideas. This new book, a Wall Street Journal best seller, helped me understand what else I need to do to create a strong ACT III for myself. It’s not about money or fame but settling into the new midlife's generative possibilities.
Final Thoughts
We could never have anticipated that an unelected billionaire and a convicted felon president would rupture our democracy. I am just stating a fact, dear readers. I also know we can’t sit back and wring our hands while the Statue of Liberty falls into the sea, our data sits in the hands of Musk-paid programmers, and hundreds of people worldwide are dismissed and discarded.
As the Hopi say, “We are the ones we’ve been waiting for.” Let your voice be heard!
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 in Communications
This is the 7th 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!!!!!
