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.

My personal purpose and aim for the Leadership Garden Legacy is to empower extraordinary unstoppable leadership in life.

When you remove extra from extraordinary, you have ordinary. Each person is ordinary, even those appointed or elected leaders. Yet, each person is unique and the one constant leader of their life.

The holidays have a natural way of awakening our emotions. It may be joy, love, and family connection. It may be hope, anticipation, and renewal for the New Year. This time of year also awakens sad memories of loved ones gone or reminiscences of family turmoil. These memories can serve as hidden weeds and pop-up when we least expect them. It could be while shopping, driving your car, hearing a familiar song, at the dinner table, or a company party.