TakingLeaps.com

WHAT IS TakingLeaps.com?

As a general concept, Taking Leaps means doing things you want to do - but might not normally do - and doing them sooner than later. It means figuring out what you have a passion for and pursuing that path -- even if it is a path that does not yet exist. It means to live life to the fullest and explore every opportunity it provides. It means: NEVER SETTLE. For each of us, that general concept is applied in a different way. It all depends on what we have done and what we normally would do.

HOW DID TakingLeaps.com START?

In June 2008, Greg Forbes Siegman served as American Scholar-in-Residence in South Africa. A number of experiences during the trip -- and the trip itself -- inspired him to start Taking (more) Leaps while he was there and when he got home -- and encouraged him to look for a way to encourage others to start Taking Leaps, too.

CAN ANYONE TAKE A LEAP?

Absolutely! Just remember neither Greg nor anyone else is responsible for you. We're all responsible for ourselves - so be smart, be safe, have the necessary permissions (whether from a parent/guaradian if you are a minor, or simply from a doctor, or any other relevant sources) and talk to the right people to make sure you've taken any necessary precautions.

DOES A LEAP HAVE TO BE A 'DANGEROUS' ONE, OR EVEN PHYSICAL?

Absolutely not! Taking Leaps can be jumping out of a plane, but it doesn't have to be. Again, Taking Leaps simply means taking a detour, doing things you wouldn't normally do and doing them as soon as you can. So, playing black jack, taking a cooking class, or attending a theatrical performance can be a Leap. It all depends on you.

BENEFITS TO TAKING LEAPS?

Some fun, potentially life-changing experiences. A chance to learn new things about something you would not normally do. An opportunity to reinvent yourself, become more outgoing, and in short, live a little. Best of all, the process of Taking Leaps -- choosing the Leap, researching where and how you can take it, traveling where you need to go to do it, and doing it -- can all lead to some unexpected, chance meetings with people who become new friends. For instance, in 2009, Greg swam with dolphins. Outside the hotel where he stayed, he met someone from another country. Just five hours later, that very night, the two co-hosted a dinner for 10 strangers.