Personally, looking back to 20 years ago, I wasn’t the usual ‘nerdy’ type at school. However, I certainly had a few nerdy obsessions, namely drawing, reading and gardening. None of which were ever going score me points in the popularity stakes, but looking back I can honestly say, hand on heart, I am glad that being a nerd wasn’t seen as a good thing back then. Why? Because I’d have fit in, making me just like everyone else, and that was never going to make me into the person I am today!
Sadly, however, these days being unique isn’t embraced as it should be. Actually, for some reason, caring what matters in the world hasn’t the same importance as things like, for example, competing with others for grade A status, having the latest iPhone or acquiring the latest fashion item. BUT, imagine this, if as children we grew up differently, and not loving what we have or what we can buy, but instead learning to love what we already have and cherishing it. Then the world might just be better place for us all to live in.
Being a nerd isn’t something to be ashamed of. It’s something to be proud of and most definitely an awesome way to be! With that in mind, I’ve come up with a few reasons why this is the case:
You know who you are
When you are a ‘nerd’ you know what you like, what you dislike and you’ll stand by it till the bitter end. You’ll be the kind of person who has an attitude that says ‘you either like it or lump it’ with no bending or shaping who you are to please others. Being a nerd means that you understand what goes on in the world and where your place is among it all. You’ll be true to yourself, even through difficult times and because of that you’ll encourage others to be the same.
You know your loves and passions
This is what makes you most unique, because your loves and passions are what drive you in life. For many, these have mostly gone unchecked or hidden out of sight. Yet a nerd will embrace them wholeheartedly, shouting from the roof tops and willing to share with whomever will listen. Your dreams will come from such desires, and will no doubt push you towards them quicker than those who don’t have any. You’ll defend your loves and passions till the very end, travel far and wide to achieve them and — the best thing about being a nerd — you’ll never be afraid. You understand better than anyone that your loves and passions are what make you who you are, and make life so rewarding.
You’ll surround yourself with other nerds
It has been said that ‘you are the average of 5 people you surround yourself with,’ meaning that if you surround yourself with positive, uplifting, aspiring people you will be just like them or vice versa.
When it comes to being a nerd, you are more likely to surround yourself with people that you feel are like you. Those kinds of people wouldn’t usually be the type to laugh at your funny ways, your intellect perhaps or who criticise your obsession with comic books. No, these people share your obsession, because they actually ‘get you’ and encourage you to be just as individual, as creative and as nerdy as they are! Being a nerd means that you’ll know yourself well enough to not put up with those who put you down, instead you’ll be happy in the knowledge that those you share yourself fully with are ‘kindred spirits’.
You aspire to be honest, compassionate and kind
For me, as a nerd, I felt real compassion for those who were bullied at school just because they were labelled ‘different’. It seemed to me that those who were unique in some way, were always the good kids, the ones who worked hard and kept out of everyone’s way. Yet these kids were always made to be in the spotlight usually subjected to some kind of torment, when rather they’d have preferred to naturally shy away from it. They, including myself, weren’t the liars, the cheats, the bullies or the ones who clowned around in class. No, they were the ones who stood out because they stood for what they believed, always had time for their friends and were the kind of kids who’d even be kind to their enemies.
Being a nerd means that you have an innate ability to see things differently, to be in-tune with what’s going on around you, rather than just going along for the ride like everyone else. They are usually the deep, meaningful and compassionate people; they know how to be themselves with no pretence or trying to be one up on everyone else.
Personally I’d say that nerds are our future; if they aren’t then it’s safe to say we won’t have much of a future left if we carry on the way we are.
So ask yourself, are you a nerd deep down and are you willing to be as awesome as you were born to be?
Featured photo credit: theaftershock via flickr.com
