Taking the Leap: Making the most of a bonus day in 2024
I love getting extra stuff. I remember in college I would occasionally go to this legendary pizzeria in Berkeley called Cheeseboard Pizza Collective.
(Yeah, you’re definitely going to want to bookmark it.)
Everyday, they’d make only one type of vegetarian pizza and it was always the most incredible thing you’d ever tasted. And everyday, you’d get in a long line to wait your turn for a slice of the good stuff. The first time, I remember being completely delighted to make it past the glass doors into the shop to be greeted by the buzzing electricity of a 3 piece jazz band. (How utterly refined!)
But as great as that was, nothing would prepare me for the thing about Cheeseboard that makes them stand out in my mind 20 years later. When you would walk up to the counter and order, whether you ordered a whole pizza, half, or even just a slice, they would chop off a sliver of a bonus slice and add it to your order. It probably amounted to ⅓ or ½ of a normal slice of pizza, but to me that bonus sliver was a slice of pure heaven, my reward for waiting in line and something to tide me over with anxious anticipation until I made it home with my spoils.
See the bonus slices on top? (Image borrowed from google maps courtesy of Ron R. Thanks, Ron.)
No matter who you are or where you come from, getting a little something extra that’s unexpected is always a delight. And this is why I love a leap year. Because every 4 years we get a bonus day to do whatever we want. So it’s always a fun surprise when that bonus day shows up in my calendar.
(By the way, before you correct me, I know it’s all just a made up calendar and so arguably nothing about a leap day is really real, but I’m just going to enjoy it the way kids enjoy Santa or the Tooth Fairy, ok?)
This Leap day, February 29, 2024 why not embrace the bonus day and take the invitation from the universe to do a little leap of our own? To take a moment to push past our current comforts and step into something new that just might change us in wonderful ways? Here are a few ways we can do that:
1. Leap Into Self-Discovery:
Use this leap day as a bonus day for personal reflection. Take this day as an opportunity to reflect on who you are, what you value, and where your passions lie. Journal, meditate, or chat with a friend and take stock in your wins, your challenges, and what you want to focus on for the rest of the yea.
💡 Tip: Create a 'Leap List.' Jot down aspects of yourself you want to explore or enhance, and commit to trying one of them on Leap Day.
2. Leap Past Comfort Zones:
Comfort zones sure can deliver on the comfort part- until we realize we’re so comfortable we aren’t growing and then it becomes really UNcomfortable. Use this leap day to stretch further beyond the familiar. Whether it's trying a new hobby, doing something that scares you a little bit, or embracing a change you've been avoiding (like cleaning out that ONE closet or drawer of doom - if you have one you know what I mean!)
Recently I committed to trying one new thing a week. Last week, that meant I was trying ecstatic dance because I’d heard amazing things about it. Turns out, it was not for me, (No matter how much they say to not feel self-conscious about how you look, wriggling around like a water snake just made me feel wildly uncomfortable and self-conscious) but I am so proud of myself for saying YES to the challenge. Even if it meant that I learned that ecstatic dance is not my thing.
💡 Tip: Make a list of three things that scare you a bit. Commit to doing at least one of them on Leap Day.
3. Leap Towards Personal Goals:
Revisit your resolutions and set mini-goals for Leap Day. Whether it's a fitness milestone, a work project, or a personal challenge, make this day a launchpad for furthering your aspirations, even just a little bit. I love to workout but I often feel intimidated by new classes or instructors that I haven’t tried yet. I took a pilates class at a new studio recently and absolutely LOVED it. So much so that I plan to do more of it - even if that’s just one or two classes a month.
💡 Tip: Break down a larger goal into laughably small steps - so small they don’t intimidate you. Then take a small step forward by Feb 29!
4. Leap to Connect:
Take the leap to bridge the gap between you and a person you’ve been meaning to connect with. Reach out to old friends, make that coffee date, or just send a text letting someone know you’ve been wanting to catch up.
💡 Tip: Send a heartfelt message to someone you've lost touch with. No one ever regrets taking the time to let someone know they are thinking of them. And everyone is always happy to be thought of!
5. Leap Towards Mindfulness:
In the hustle of daily life, we often forget to breathe. Take leap day as an opportunity to catch your breath. Whether through meditation, a mindful walk, or simply savoring your meals more intentionally, take steps to be more present.
💡 Tip: Dedicate 10 minutes on Leap Day to try a mindfulness exercise. You can use youtube, calm, or headspace to access free short guided meditations.
Of course, any of these ideas can really be used anytime you’re trying to shake things up for the better. February 29th just gives us an extra opportunity to make the time to step into something that matters.
Whether it's a small hop or a giant leap, every small step counts. 🚀✨
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