I used to be offended when people called me “nerd”, and would always consider it having a negative connotation. It seems people enjoy categorizing others, it somehow makes them understand behaviour better, and helps them “see you better” for “who you are”. Say, someone doesn’t recognize your accent, their first question would be “where are you from”? They would then put you under the category of “ahh, you’re from there, so you are like this or like that” – giving you the stereotypical character people are known for in this or that culture or region.

Being a nerd has now acquired a new meaning- not necessarily what you do in life, or what you enjoy. But a certain characteristic or even a “feeling” about a person that can at times be somewhat hard to define.

Even in adulthood, I’m often faced with people either calling me, my friends, or people around me a “nerd”!

What does it mean to be a nerd?

It is interesting to see the difference between what, for example, a common definition on wikipedia and urban dictionary is of a person who “is” a nerd. Wikipedia states that a nerd is a person who is extremely intellectual, obsessive, lacking social skills and thus may be considered an introvert. Urban dictionary defines nerd as a person who enjoys learning, and does not confer to the norm, “a nerd is NOT a geek”. 

Being a nerd as a child:

Calling someone a nerd these days, can definitely be a form of bullying. If you are not one of the “cool kids”, you may be considered the “outsider”, an outcast. One thing to remember is why should you want to be like the cool kids, like someone else? First of all what do they do that you cant? And why wouldn’t you want to be yourself? Your unique you?

Why would you want to be like all the other cool kids, and in a way become uncool since you are no longer unique?

What makes you cool is that you are YOU, no matter what. And you exude confidence about who you are and what you stand for. It is then that suddenly you will become the leader, the role model, the one others want to be like, the one others will follow. So you see, You Are Cool!

Being a nerd as an adult:

Is an adult nerd the techie guy, Star Wars and Lord Of The Rings fan who “has no real friends” and lives in a fantasy world? Or is it the 30 year old friend who still lives in his/her parent’s house because they want to save money for a house or a car while they are still finishing up school, and working nights?

Imagine this. You are at a bar, with your two best pals, drinking some ordinary drink, talking about nothing in particular. Across from you is a group of girls and guys laughing, dancing, playing drinking games, and you think to yourself – “these are the cool kids on the block”.

Are you the nerd? And are they really the cool kids on the block?

If they seem to be having all this fun, does it make your fun not so fun? Are they living life to the fullest and you are not?

Who is to say that? 

Is the neighbours grass always greener?

Let me assure you that yes, your neighbour’s grass will always seem greener, well it mostly will. But that is only because you can always achieve higher goals and experience more. There is always more. But that doesn’t mean what you are and what you do in life NOW is any less.

Living life to the fullest- what does it mean? Does it mean travelling every month of the year? Eating crazy foods? Partying all night and all day? Hanging out with the “cool kids” and going to all the hip concerts downtown?

OR

Does it ultimately mean being happy and fulfilled no matter what you do? Finding the simplest things in life that bring you joy and pleasure.

Hopefully you agree the later is the answer.

One person may find happiness and joy in partying all night long, while another person may find happiness and joy watching an awesome movie with his/her best friends followed by the best sleepover night.

Nowadays, I admit, I may call someone a nerd too, but it is no longer with a bad connotation or for categorizing them a certain way. It is more of showcasing them as being their own unique selves and not being afraid to be who they are.

So….My new found appreciation of..

What it means to be a Nerd? Being…

Different.
Yourself.
Cool.
Weird.
Unique.
Just being you- regardless of what that means.

Being able to love what you love, and be interested in what you feel passionate about.

Even the cool kid, even the popular kid, even the king and queen in your school or your work place is a nerd!

Don’t be afraid to be you. The world would be a much shinier place with you being you and no one else. Always have the courage to try something new; always say yes to a cool project even though you may be shy or fear public speaking; don’t be afraid to speak up, for you or for someone who can’t speak for themselves. And if you ever feel like the true you is being shunned by society, thats the time to stand taller, and ignore the “nay sayers”, or the haters, stick to what you believe, and have your crew back you up whenever you are down or need some encouragement. If you feel like something is missing, and if you feel like you need more to live a fuller life- go after it! Be active, stay motivated and make it happen.

Next time you hear the word nerd, ask whoever said it how they define “nerd”, and maybe you can enlighten them too 🙂

Would you like to join the movement? Claim your nerdiness, and say together with me “I am a nerd” #ImaNerd

And remember- Inspire. Improvise. Imagine