Credit: Monmouth University’s Leap Year Postcard Database by Katherine Parkin
Well, today is a rare day. We are making a leap from an ordinary year to a “Leap Year”. This event occurs only every 4 years. Although the questions have to do with the concept of a Leap Year, they are also reflective of the necessity for doing something different, and making some necessary adjustments once in a while. That’s why we “leap into” a new adventure, a unique experience, unknown territory and take a risk to transform ourselves into someone new and refreshing. How about that caterpillar that takes the risk of becoming a chrysalis, and turning into a beautiful butterfly? I love that concept… Anyway, here are some fun questions and answer for you:
1) Why is a Leap Year necessary every 4 years?
Leap years are needed to keep our calendar in alignment with the Earth’s revolutions around the sun.
2) When and by whom was the concept of a Leap Year first introduced?
Julius Caesar first introduced Leap Years in the Roman Empire over 2,000 years ago.
3) What was the new calendar called that was made to observe a Leap Day on February 29th every 4 years, and that is still adhered to today?
In 1584, the Julian calendar was changed to the GREGORIAN calendar, which we still observe today.
4) What is one of the traditions of “Leap Day?
Women propose to men on this day, and there are dire consequences if these men turn that proposal down…
5) How do “Leap Year” babies celebrate their birthdays?
Most people who are born on a Leap Day celebrate their birthdays on February 28th. They can also join the Honor Society of Leap Day Babies, of which there is a world membership of 10,000! (They also jokingly speak of their age in terms of the number of times they have a “real” birthday – i.e. someone who is now 48 years old can say that they are really only 6…)
And now, a true coaching question:
So, what are YOU going to do differently this year, that is both necessary and exciting?
Let me know – I’d love to hear from you.
HAPPY LEAP YEAR into a new experience…
“If you’re brave enough to say “good bye”, life will reward you with a new “hello”– Paulo Coelho
Take care, Ingrid