Being a Rockefeller, Becoming Myself: A Memoir

The daughter of David and Peggy Rockefeller and a great-granddaughter of John D. Rockefeller, Eileen Rockefeller understood at an early age that her name was synonymous with American royalty. She learned in childhood that wealth and fame could open any door; but as the youngest of six children and one of twenty-two cousins in one of the world's most famous families, she began to realize that they could not buy a sense of personal worth. Growing up with servants in lavish homes did little to compensate for the absence of parental attention resulting from continual cocktail and dinner parties, meetings, and foreign travel. Her mother's dark depressions and mercurial moods, plus intense competition from her siblings, and the myriad feelings others harbored about her Rockefeller name - adulation, judgment, envy, and endless curiosity - contributed to Eileen's sense of isolation and loneliness as well as to her drive for connection with others. In adulthood, she has become not an icon, but an accomplished woman and mother. Like all of us, she learned to find her own way. Through her intimate stories she shows us her philosophy- that power and richness come not from material goods, but from personal relationships and co-creation. This belief has strengthened her dedication to family and friends, and catalyzed her leadership in philanthropy and service. A pioneer in mind/body practices and social and emotional learning, and an active proponent of environmental sustainability, Eileen has forged a singular path even as she remains dedicated to her family's legacy, finding her own balance and peace of mind. Being a Rockefeller, Becoming Myself is a universal affirmation of how identity is shaped and how we can contribute to the larger family of life, regardless of our origins. 'Eileen Rockefeller has always sought the true, the real, the authentic. To read her beautiful book is to join her in a journey toward your own truth, your own real self, your own authenticity. What could be more important?' Timothy Shriver Chairman and CEO of Special Olympics, and Chair of Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning 'Weaving together a lifetime of navigating her own family bonds and traveling among diverse people throughout the world, Eileen Rockefeller explores the common threads of human pain and joy in this lyrical memoir, proving that no one is immune from suffering and doubt, and that no one finds happiness without ingenuity and effort. An inspiring, fascinating, heartening read.' Martha Beck author of Finding Your Own North Starand Expecting Adam 'Eileen Rockefeller shares a fascinating, moving, and revealing tale of growing up in the midst of power and wealth, and moving on to find a True North star in life. Any one of us, no matter our roots, will learn much about living with authenticity and compassion, and becoming the person we want to be.' Daniel Goleman author of Emotional Intelligence 'A beautifully written book that will touch many people in a very personal way. In Eileen Rockefeller's stories we learn not only that love heals but that only love heals, and that being fortunate in life has nothing to do with material goods but lies in being truly loved for yourself, exactly as you are.' Rachel Naomi Remen author of Kitchen Table Wisdomand My Grandfather's Blessings 'A fascinating and frank look at the world of privilege and power by a Rockefeller who strikes out to discover the power and privilege of being her own person. Engagingly written, honest, intimate - we follow not only a journey of self-discovery, but a journey of the heart from a woman committed to use her power and privilege to serve and help others. And this Rockefeller has her own additional legacy to gift us, her readers- this inviting memoir.'.…