Why It's Awesome To Be A Dork
When I was in my teens, I developed an unbridled love and enthusiasm for country music. I admired the singers and felt awe-struck at how they channeled the pain and history of the South in their music. The accent spoke to me, the lyrics touched me, and the voices of Dolly Parton, Shania Twain, and Alan Jackson gave me life. If you asked me what genre of music was the best in the world, I’d say country without hesitation.
However, my love for country music never sat right with my friends and acquaintances. Every person with whom I’ve ever shared my love for country music has looked at me—wide-eyed—with concern on their face. Many have also cracked jokes at my expense for my taste in music. Needless to say, no one has ever asked me to share my playlist during drives or at gatherings.
My taste in music made me the odd one out in my group; the weirdo; the dork.
But now that it’s July 15th, National Be A Dork Day, I am more than happy to be called a dork and celebrate my individuality.
Each one of us has unique talents and skills. Basking in our idiosyncrasies and embracing our unique traits is a necessary step on the journey of self-confidence and self-compassion. Once we are confident in our own skins, and are able to express ourselves freely, we free others of their restraints as well. Being a dork, and embracing the fact that you are a dork, helps fellow dorks in embracing their uniqueness as well.
When we embrace our uniqueness, we set ourselves on the path of living a happy and fulfilled life. As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” So, here are four things you can do to celebrate National Be A Dork Day!
1. Enjoy Your Dorkiness
Love puppetry, sewing, or rollerblading? Do it! This July 15th, get all your dorkiness out and do what your heart loves the most. As for me, I’d be blasting some Carrie Underwood in my room and singing along to the lyrics, whether my family (bless their hearts) likes it or not.
2. Reach Out To Other Dorks
Once you truly embrace your uniqueness and interests, you’d be surprised how many people would be happy to join in. Reach out to other people who have the same interests as you through your favorite social media apps, share your interests, or even get yourself in a group of like-minded individuals.
3. Start A Blog
Are you passionate about something, and want to share your passion with everyone else? Start a blog!
Blogging will become a way for people to learn about your story, read about your passion and your knowledge of it, and connect with you. You could also start a podcast, or make video content on streaming platforms as well. But if all this seems daunting, don’t worry! You can also try to find blogs or podcasts available on the internet that cater to your unique tastes. Who knows, you may end up finding your new favorite thing to do in your spare time!
4. Share Your Uniqueness On Social Media
On National Be A Dork day, you can share what makes you a dork with your network on social media, such as Instagram, Facebook, or Snapchat. This will prompt other people to share their dorkiness as well, because when you’re your authentic self, you give other people the freedom of the same.
Though we may feel alone at times, everyone, including everyone we know, has interests or quirks that make them a bit dorky sometimes. Today—and every day—let’s come together to celebrate it.
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