AKA – How I Learned to Cope With My Nerd-Shame

Hi. My name is Jeff, and I am a geek.

Three and a half years ago I launched The Jerd.

I did it because I wanted to help people (more specifically my fellow geeks and nerds) eat better, get in-shape, live longer and happier lives, and feel better about themselves.

I wanted people who avoided gym class (or any physical activities) like the plague as a kid to have a resource to help them take those necessary first steps on the road to fitness.

A resource that was geared to them, with references and analogies that resonated.

I wanted to build a safe space, devoid of judgement or any negative stereotypes… whether they be about geeks or jocks… where people could realize that the two things are not mutually exclusive (It still twists my Underoos that people make Geek vs Jock into some Samurai vs Ninja struggle,) and that you can live a healthy and geeky life!

I wanted The Jerd to be like the Jedi Academy on Coruscant.

Not just because I want a lightsaber but so we can wax poetic together about why Batman is so important, or how much we love Raiders of the Lost Ark, all the while learning about exercise and how to eat healthy.

So today I want to break down what being a geek really is about, some of the different ways geekery can manifest, why it is awesome to be a geek, and why I avoided identifying myself as one for almost 25 years.

While this article might be a little more self-indulgent than most, I hope you get something out of it; whether you are a geek or not.

And of course I want to know what you think too…

So make sure you speak up once I finish rambling!

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