I have chosen to be present here within the Steemit Community and am excited to have the opportunity to introduce myself. I am a 30 something year old female who experiences life passionately, intensely, energetically and philosophically, with optimism and enthusiasm. The heading to my introduction piece highlights a love of literature and the creative arts, with a contemplative and reflective space around meaning and purpose; the central themes that underpin most of the writing by some of the most prominent philosophers. To be, or not to be, that is the question (Prince Hamlet, Hamlet by William Shakespeare) captures the agony of pain, suffering and the sense of unfairness that at times pervades one's life experiences, while acknowledging that from pain and suffering, growth, meaning and purpose can evolve. Thus, to experience pain and suffering, to persevere in times of hardship means embracing the challenges that life presents and becoming the best version of oneself that one can be. 

![Modelling_Photo_DB.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmepmdCXEhdXGWUuDfSX1Lx555cfkBJQN9RhWR19daGYvc/Modelling_Photo_DB.jpg)

To live life to the fullest and embrace the challenges that are presented requires intent and commitment to choices, decisions and actions, as one of my most beloved characters from Star Wars communicates "Do, or Do Not, There is No Try" (Yoda, The Empire Strikes Back). I identify as a Nerd rather than a Geek. I love technology, comics, science-fiction, fantasy and video games (ok....pop culture in general, as I also love Anime and Manga!). I identify as a Nerd in accordance with the definition presented by the Urban Dictionary (https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Nerd) in that I have a circle of close friends of varying backgrounds, ethnicity, and stereotypes. I am also comfortable in my own company. I am compassionate, kind-hearted, empathetic, considerate of others (at times to a fault), with a righteous moral compass. I, at times, find other humans confusing, literally interpreting the statements that are made and providing a concrete response; having to clarify when sarcasm was used; checking the nuances of social speech and mannerisms; and often having lowered tolerance for the day-to-day banter that is often engaged in to lubricate social relationships. I am highly sensitive and attuned to others emotions, akin to an Empath (think Mantis from Guardians of the Galaxy 2). Where I deviate from the traditional stereotype of a "Nerd" is in my love of physical movement and sport. I practice yoga on a daily basis and am a practitioner of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ). I was awarded my blue belt in May 2016 and have competed in BJJ since November 2015. I enjoy long distance running, playing basketball and beach volleyball, as well as swimming and being active outdoors (i.e., snorkelling, scuba diving, hiking and more). I intend within the blogs I post on Steemit to integrate my love of popular culture (with almost obsessive focus on Star Wars), literature, creative arts, philosophy and psychology with my lived experiences, as well as my love of physical activity (mostly yoga and BJJ). 

![Core_Active_BJJ_Comp.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmZ9A5Rz3K9YZWJBTySKHWREheJeJrycZkMK7LtADzRYqP/Core_Active_BJJ_Comp.jpg)
Photo courtesy of @core.active.sportswear

I am excited about the possibility of connecting with other like-minded people who might share similar interests and passions, simultaneously providing opportunities to engage in healthy intellectual discussions, debates and the expansion of our own understanding of self, others, the world in which we exist and the universe. I would also like to express gratitude to @beachbuminvestor for encouraging me to sign up to Steemit.  So with much warmth, gratitude, compassion and excitement I will sign off this introduction in the true Jedi form.......MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU!