EILEEN MCDARGH'S
Resiliency Report
Published monthly and when the mood strikes.
Update from Eileen
I write the Resiliency Report the month before it is scheduled to run. So today, I am writing JUNE’s report now in May… the month of mothers.
May 4 was the 12th anniversary of giving our dearest mother her wonderful “homecoming” in York, PA. She died in January, but we had to wait for the winter ground to thaw.
From the arrival of her flag-draped casket at St. Mary’s Church, to the family cemetery on the hill overlooking York, to the Reineberg farmstead with her sister (known as “Auntie Pep”), all the cousins, the nuns from our aunt’s convent and my two siblings, the house was filled.
I fully felt her spirit especially when she received the full military honors with the solitary trumpet playing taps, the rifle salute, and the presentation of the reverently folded flag and special words by the soldier who placed the flag in my lap. You see, mama was a Women’s Airforce Service Pilot—a WASP in WWII. Yes, I cried.
Today I remember Mom’s spirit of adventure, her deep love and caring of her family and for this fragile country. I still have thick folders of her letters, clippings, and notes which she unfailingly sent every week when we left home for college and beyond.
I remember her easy laughter and ability to be silly. Her joy in music—playing the piano, listening to it, dancing, and singing along to the tunes of her life.
Mom was such a hard worker at everything she did, from the most menial tasks, her various professions, and in her extensive work as a volunteer throughout her life. She was always ready for an adventure, for experiencing new places, people, and things.
Even as her world got so much smaller in the last years, my sister treasured the times when she’d pick her up at Aegis Assisted Living Center. The two of them would go exploring in Susan’s car. She reveled in seeing a vibrant growth of bougainvillea, the sun on the ocean and her face, and a good cup of coffee and sweet roll eaten in the car from some viewpoint. In the last decades of her life, I saw how much she grew and expanded her knowledge and view of things in the world. To the end, Mom's deep, personal relationship with God brought her comfort and strength.
My deepest wish is that all of you, my readers, have a memory of a dear one that serves to anchor you and to guide your thoughts… memory that gives you energy and joy.
PS: I have so many photos of Mom across 96 years that it is hard for me to choose one. I picked this one today because of how much she loved to laugh, enter into fun, and loved to celebrate every holiday, birthday and just being alive. I also want to honor her memorial. She isn’t there but is always with us in spirit.
Halfway through the year—what do we focus on?
Mom would use visual and verbal means to strengthen this democracy and the rule of law. She’d write Postcards to Voters (I’m doing it on her behalf).
My grandchildren are very active in ways to promote a sustainable world: no single-use plastic, cloth napkins instead of paper, composting, electric or hybrid cars, no paper towels, recycling as much as possible, meatless Mondays—the list is endless.
I am participating in the Changing Work Collaborative. Changing Work is a movement deeply committed to revolutionizing the dynamics of our workplaces from the inside out. Essentially, it aims to make work a more humane, conscious, and nurturing environment that promotes personal growth, self-awareness, and compassion while delivering value to all stakeholders. I’ll keep you posted on what I learn.
The Power of Memories to Bolster Resiliency
June 2024
Something to think about.
“It’s sometimes more important to do what’s right than to do what we’re supposed to do.” ––– Mom
“I have been impressed with the urgency of doing. Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Being willing is not enough; we must do.” ––– Leonardo da Vinci.
“It’s not the size of the bird in the song but rather the size of the song in the bird.” ––– Eileen
Just for laughs!
You mean to tell me this is 2% milk?!?! Where is the other 98%??
If it fits in a toaster, I can cook it.
A day without sunshine is like a day in Seattle.
A closed mouth gathers no feet.
GRANDPARENTS: The people who think your children are wonderful even though they're sure you're not raising them right.
HEARSAY: What toddlers do when anyone mutters a dirty word.
Most Read Book
Restoring Sanity: Practices to Awaken Generosity, Creativity and Kindness in Ourselves and Our Organization by Margaret Wheatley
I am reading this book along with you at this very moment. Meg is a fellow Berrett-Koehler and an international guru. We have too much work to do for me to read this and then give a report. I trust the process she gives us. We need it NOW.
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.