Action springs not from thought, but from a readiness for responsibility.
- Dietrich Bonhoeffer from Creating Today March 9, 2010 by Marie Dudek

These three words – purpose, choice, responsibility - hold the key to thriving leadership.

To lead is to guide and direct. Leadership is the action a leader takes. How you think, how you feel, and the actions you take convey your leadership. When you create your unique purpose and aim and take responsibility for your actions - you will thrive.

I was thrilled to read an article in the Eugene Register Guard over the weekend called Brains Explained - UO scientists' video puts a heady topic within anyone's grasp.

Neuroscientist and professor Helen Neville explains the work of the Brain Development Lab at the University of Oregon and their exciting new video called Changing Brains.

The heart that loves is always young

I would add . . . and the heart that loves is true leadership. Grandmothers have an abundance of both.

Marie’s daily quote often inspires my writing. Today is it about love, leadership, and grandmothers as I anticipate spring when our sixth grandchild is due to sprout in our family Leadership Garden.

We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are.
- Anaïs Nin

Have you ever arrived at closing time at the post office and been told, “Sorry we’re closed, you’ll have to come back tomorrow and the door shut?” I have.

Have you ever stood in line, observing the interactions at the counter and hope you will get the one right clerk, but instead when your turn comes you get the clerk who had just encountered a frustrated and grumpy customer? I have.

Tell me and I'll forget; Show me and I may remember; Involve me and I'll understand. - Confucius

I received this today from my friend, Marie Dudek, who was my guest Blogger a while back on our discussion about suicide prevention.

This was a perfect reminder for me of why I created the Leadership Garden Fund with a focus on leader-friendly gardening practices project.

I wanted to provide youth and non-profit organizations the opportunity to practice leadership behaviors that do good in the world and further their unique personal and group mission.