I've pretty much been a huge nerd for most of my life. When I was younger it didn't manifest itself so outrageously, because I was always very conscious of how others viewed me. But for the past ten years or so, I've become quite comfortable in my nerdy skin.

And why is that, you ask?

Because being a nerd is FANTASTIC!

Here are my personal top five reasons why....

1) You meet some of the best people.

Either at a convention, the comic book store, or even through internet groups, nerds are some of the most awesome people out there, and its such a pleasure to get to know them!

2) It's an identity that's fun to own.

There's something oddly gratifying about telling people about your nerdiness. So whether you call yourself a nerd, geek, dork, or what have you, OWN IT! You are you and that's fantastic!

3) Being a nerd is all about passion.

Whether you love a video game, movie, comic book, television series, or book series-it helps define who you are, and being passionate is a thousand times better than being ordinary.

4) Being a nerd creates diversity.

Fandoms attract all nationalities, ethnicities, religions, genders, and pretty much all walks of life. Interacting with various groups of people makes you empathetic, compassionate, and understanding of those who are different from yourself.

5) It's creative.

Whether your thing is artwork, writing, creating costumes, or any other form of outpouring of the spirit, being a nerd can be an inspirational, uplifting, and just downright FUN, especially when you share it with others.