Every year, in non-leap years, I’m asked, “So when do you celebrate your birthday?” or “How old are you actually?” The answer to the second question is that I’m turning 13 — an official teenager — in leap years (or 52, but that’s less exciting!).
It’s definitely enjoyable. My 11-year-old nephew, for example, is waiting to be “older” than me. I recently joined The Honour Society of Leap Year Day Babies, a Facebook group that began offline in the United States in 1988 and was founded by Raenell Dawn, the ‘Leap Day Lady’. It’s a lively group, with many delighted to meet others who share the same birthdate, and one frequently asked question— “Why are my friends asking if I can celebrate on the weekend, when it’s my actual birthday after four years?” I understand the outrage because, this year, any celebrations must take place on the Thursday closest to February 29.
This year, as I turn 13 again, I decided to reflect on how young I truly feel. Maturity or immaturity is not a true measure of age, but I would love to return to a time when I felt like I had all the answers. Recently, all I seem to have are questions. There are some obvious ones, such as thinking about retirement plans, health insurance (I’m not sure when most conversations started quickly veering towards health), and, of course, dreaming of vacation homes by the beach.
There is also the looming reality of job scarcity as one gains experience. Yes, it is frustrating, but it also feels strangely liberating. Perhaps we can finally stop pretending that our professional lives are rocking our worlds. It’s an excellent opportunity to shift our focus to something we enjoy doing, but first we must determine what that is.
What did the teen me, or us, want to do when we grew up? Read some books, travel the world, and have some new experiences. As the world pauses, we have the opportunity for a do-over. I see people in their 40s, 50s, and even 60s who are still productive and active, whether they are educators, lawyers, counsellors, yoga teachers, or writers and researchers. A friend in his forties is studying law and enjoying it, while another may be considering a homestay in the mountains. Fortunately, there are courses available to prepare you for anything these days, whether it’s AI or astrology.
However, while the mind wanders freely, there are bills to be paid! And, while the younger me would be willing to walk out of a job on principle, my current version is more like a character in the film ‘Good Grief’. To quote, “I stopped liking my job, but I continue to work because it pays well.” And this makes me feel sick. But not ill enough to quit. Which makes me feel even sicker.”
Did our younger versions exhibit more integrity? While that is a loaded question to consider, we were undoubtedly more spontaneous. A WhatsApp status recently struck home: “Don’t ask me if you can call; just call!” So, perhaps we can start with that? Or schedule spontaneity, such as doing something unexpected on Saturday at 11 a.m. Let us go back to when we were young and carefree, and rewire our brains so that we don’t overthink and calculate every move.
Regarding my leap year birthday, for the first time in four years, I will not be asked if I want to be wished on February 28 or March 1. A valid question, I realize, as many in the online group consider themselves staunch “Februarians” and celebrate on February 28th, whereas I prefer to celebrate the day after. For all practical purposes, most of us celebrate or receive wishes on both days!
In terms of leap year trivia, Raenell mentioned that a lady born in 1896 didn’t turn “one” until 1904, when she turned eight, because 1900 was not a leap year (not divisible by 4), and that a Sri Lankan professor’s middle name is O’Leap. There are Leap Day Babies in families that span three or more generations. There was also a case of twin “leaplings” born before midnight on the 28th and the other on the 29th! The song 2/29 by Rookie Card is considered a leap year anthem, and this year, the band created a video of “leapers” all over the world lip-syncing to the lyrics.
Raenell concluded, “It’s a bonus day for everyone.” There’s an extra day.So make it count!