Unraveling the Mysteries of Leap Day 🗓️

What will you do with an extra day?

Greetings, fellow travelers,

I am still inspired by Anthony Bourdain and miss him so much. My favorite episodes of No Reservations and Parts Unknown still remind me every day as I focus my life purpose on writing, travel, and good food!

The Gift of Time

“Travel changes you. As you move through this life and this world you change things slightly, you leave marks behind, however small. And in return, life — and travel — leaves marks on you. Most of the time, those marks — on your body or on your heart — are beautiful.”

— Anthony Bourdain

I believe that time is our most precious resource. This year is a gift with an extra leap day for leap year! That is 24 hours, 1440 minutes, or 86,400 seconds for each of us. Wow! The question to ask is, what will we do with our extra time?

Imagine a secret portal—a wormhole in the fabric of time—offering an extra day to explore, reflect, and pursue your life purpose.

A Portal in Time | © Kacey Carpenter with Bing Creator

Why a Leap Day?

Picture ancient Rome, where togas flowed like wine and philosophers debated over olives. Julius Caesar decided the Roman calendar needed a dash of spice. Enter the Julian calendar, seasoned with an extra day every four years. It was like adding a pinch of saffron to a bland stew—suddenly, the year spanned 445 days!

Fast-forward to Renaissance Europe. Pope Gregory XIII, introduced the Gregorian calendar. It trimmed the excess fat from the Julian system, skipping three leap days every 400 years. England adopted it in 1752, causing folks to wake up on September 14 after going to bed on September 2. This adjustment was necessary to align the calendar with astronomical events and correct discrepancies that had accumulated over time. The change affected festivals, saint’s days, birthdays, and other significant dates, causing some confusion and even protests. However, it brought England in line with the rest of Europe.

In the Gregorian calendar, most dates advance like a well-cooked risotto—one day at a time. But the 12 months following the leap day (from March 1 through February 28 of the next year) leap over two days due to the extra day. Hence, our beloved Leap Day lands on February 29, disrupting the usual rhythm. It's like finding a truffle in your pasta—unexpected and delightful.

How Will You Serve Your Purpose on Leap Day?

As the sun rises on February 29, consider your quest. Will you explore a new corner of your city? Perhaps uncover hidden gems or rediscover familiar streets? Will you finally put pen to paper and breathe life into that novel you’ve long imagined? Or will you savor a meal with loved ones, sharing laughter and stories around a table laden with flavors?

Take a moment, fellow traveler. Brew a cup of your favorite tea. Sit by the window, gaze at the sky, and ponder your life’s purpose. Are you truly savoring every flavor, every nuance of existence, or are you merely slurping through the motions?

Now, let’s leap beyond the ordinary. Whip up something extraordinary. Will you write that novel—the one that dances in your dreams? Or perhaps you’ll learn a new recipe, infusing your kitchen with tantalizing aromas. Imagine yourself pirouetting in the privacy of your home, dancing like nobody’s watching. Create your culinary masterpiece, brush strokes of flavor on an invisible canvas.

And why not invite friends over for a potluck? Share stories, laughter, and a hearty stew. Plate your meals like an artist, arranging colors, textures, and flavors. Each bite becomes a memory, a stroke of connection.

How about a walk in the woods, breathing in the forest air, and foraging for inspiration? Maybe you'll stumble upon wild mushrooms or a hidden waterfall. Let nature infuse your soul.

My Plan for Leap Day 2024

As for me, at dawn on Leap Day 2024, I’ll tug my dorky but warm cap over my ears and head outside for a nature walk along the Willamette River. In the afternoon, armed with a clipboard, I’ll visit local bookstores and community libraries, sharing my book, READY, SET, GO! Playbook for Campaigns, Candidates, and Causes. If possible, I’ll serve the community as a volunteer, gathering fresh and healthy food at the distribution center. And as the sun dips, I’ll venture deeper into the forest, where the lake and river weave their symphony. Birds will sing, leaves will rustle, and water will whisper its ancient tales. Leap into the embrace of nature—it’s the grandest adventure.

Remember, fellow travelers, Leap Day isn’t just about adjusting calendars—it’s a gift of precious time for life.

Safe travels.

Leaping into my life purpose | Kacey Carpenter