25 Feb Pokémon Day | Seven Ways to Evolve Into Your Best Geek Self

Hi there, and Happy Pokémon Day for all who celebrate! I’ve been waiting for a whole year to write this post, so I’m pretty excited about it. To sum it up (TLDR*), this post is about Pokémon Evolution and how we can use the concept to improve our own lives. In the spirit of Pokémon, evolving into your best geek self is about embracing change, discovering new talents, learning from others, and always staying true to who you are. We can’t be perfect, so it’s about progress, growth, and finding your unique place in this geek life. Just like a Pokémon evolves into something stronger and more unique, you too have the potential to grow and evolve into your best self as a geek!

*TLDR: Too Long Didn’t Read 

Pokémon Go

Lately, I’ve really been getting back into Pokémon Go (do NOT judge me), and most recently hubs purchased Pokémon Violet for me to try on the Switch. He is such an enabler! Pokémon was still new to me and he has had to explain quite a bit since I never watched the anime growing up. But the avid pet-lover in me adores the various creatures that are often just too precious for words. I’m looking at you, Eevee. And you, too, Chespin! I am literally just trying to own as many Poke-pets as possible, and their evolution makes me think about the ways I’ve evolved into my best geeky self over the years.

Pokémon Day 2025

Well, who knew there was a Pokémon Day? I mean, I didn’t until last year, and I am all in. This year we are looking forward to some big announcements from Nintendo during their Pokémon Presents presentation, coming to us live on February 27, 2025 at 6:00 a.m. PST. You can visit their official YouTube channel or their Twitch channel to see all the goodies they have in store. You can also visit the Pokémon (.com) website to read the announcements. For those of you who may be outside of the Pokémon loop like I was, let’s talk a bit about Pokémon Day.

What Is Pokémon Day?

Pokémon Day celebrates the release of the first Pokémon video games, originally released in Japan on February 27, 1996. The Pokémon Red and Pokémon Green games were the start to the Pokémon franchise. Every year there’s a theme. The theme for 2023 was “Pokémon Together”, which comes back to the original concept of the franchise, connecting with others. (source: VG247.com) If you’re part of the large Pokémon community, and even if you aren’t – you’re probably aware of how successful this franchise is. The fanbase is one of the most dedicated and passionate you’ll find out there.

This year (2025) is the year of Eevee, and I couldn’t be happier! I love that little floofy Pokémon so much! It’s the ears and tail for me – it looks like a cross between a cat and a fox. To celebrate Eevee and all eight evolutions, there will be various Eevee-themed merch and experiences for players and fans to enjoy. To see a complete list of all the amazing things you can look forward to, click this link for the Pokémon press page. In this post, I want to highlight evolutions, in particular.

This post is part one of a two-parter. In the next post, we’ll make a terrarium for my Pokémon-inspired covered porch | plant room.

Eevee | My Favorite Pokémon

I think Eevee has to be the Pokémon that turned me into a believer. That adorable little face gets me every time. Being somewhere between a fox, cat, and rabbit makes it just that much cuter, and its irregular genetic structure enables it to evolve into multiple forms. Eight forms, to be exact. This ability to evolve into many forms allows it to adapt smoothly and perfectly to any environment.

You know there’s a geeky life lesson somewhere, don’t you? And you know we’re going to unpack it right here. In fact, I thought it would be appropriate to talk about some ways to evolve into your best geeky self.

Why Do Pokémon Evolve?

The process of evolution allows a Pokémon to change into a different species of Pokémon. Essentially, evolution is a result of leveling up, and Pokémon who evolve do so to get stronger, gain new abilities, and learn new moves. Groups of Pokémon belonging to one type of evolution are referred to as evolutionary lines; and these lines can have anywhere from one to three stages.

Seven Ways to Evolve Into Your Best Geeky Self

When we talk about growth we don’t really think about evolving. And evolution can be a word many don’t like to use. But evolution is growth and growth is evolution, and growing into your geeky self is the best kind of evolution!

That was super confusing, even to me – and I’m the one who wrote it. LOL Let’s all get on the same Pokémon page, shall we?

Evolution is defined as the gradual development of something, especially from a simple to a more complex form. When we talk about the actual science of evolution – we speak about gradual change to a species over time. And this word tends to bring up many passionate discussions about whether we as a species were simply created or evolved into what we are today. I’m not here to discuss that, and we’re not here to alienate any side of this belief system. Or science.

We’re here for the Pokémon. Just the Pokémon!

I love metaphors; and I enjoy using our favorite fandoms as metaphors for life. Pokémon evolutions are such a fun and meaningful metaphor for personal growth that I couldn’t help myself. We talk about a lot of geek lifestyle-centric things on this blog. I always want to take some time to check in on our mental health and use this platform as an opportunity to grow as geeks living in this world.

Thanks for coming to my Ted Talk!

As I bring us back to the point from that small digression, I wanted to discuss seven ways that geeks can evolve into our very best versions of ourselves. I’m talking the best editions!

Evolve Your Self-Confidence

We should start with our mindset. Repeat after me: geek is not a bad word. Being a geek does not make you an outcast or uncool, or whatever it is people say. Or used to say. We have to stop allowing people who don’t matter to define who and what we are. I think this is the first and most important step to becoming your best geeky self.

Like are we still even putting people down in the year of our Sith Lord 2025?

We are all geeks of something – some just choose to embrace it and others prefer to hide it. I get it, not everyone is lucky enough to be around other geeks all the time. Sometimes we have to do what we have to do to blend in. But once you can own the geek that you are and accept yourself, then others will also accept you. And if they don’t? Well, I like to say that you don’t need that kind of negativity in your life.

Pokémon evolve into stronger forms, or versions of themselves. We can also evolve by embracing our geekness and being proud of what we choose to be passionate about. Whether it’s gaming, comics, anime, or any other fandom – you have to start with accepting yourself and your passions. Then you can be confident in expressing that excitement. Get comfy in your skin. People can’t help but be drawn to those who exude authenticity.

As an example, Charmander is a shy little fire Pokémon who evolves into a bolder braver Charizard. We all start somewhere.

Evolution to Self-Love

Many Pokémon evolve from the love and care their trainers show them. Eevee’s evolutions are often tied to the bond it shares with its trainer. Metaphorically speaking, this is similar to how many of us evolve. Our own evolution often comes from loving ourselves and developing emotional intelligence. Self-care is essential to evolution—mentally, emotionally, and socially.

So embrace self-love and practice mindfulness, and you’ll grow as an individual and a geek.

If you’re hung up on the word ‘geek’, just remember that geekiness is an expression of a thing we love. Period. Sports fans are geeks. Shoe enthusiasts are geeks. Bookstagrammers are geeks. Geek can be expressed as a cozy aesthetic or a stadium full of enthusiastic K-pop fans. Either way you spin it, the people who love what they love with all the intensity they have are geeks.

Evolve Your Geek Community

Your People Aren’t Always Standing Around the Water Cooler

To me, work is a place where we’re all cosplaying at being professionals. It’s mostly a show. And we’re not always being our truest selves when standing around chatting it up with our colleagues. But most of my social interactions have come from work and mingling with my coworkers. Probably like many of us. I mean, if I had a choice, I’d go to work rocking purple hair and Converse, but most employers like to keep that cookie-cutter professional aesthetic (a different post for a different day).

Coming from an expert-level introvert, I could care less about being anywhere near a crowd of people outside of work. If the past few years have taught me anything, it’s that people suck and I’d rather gather quietly in my home. By myself. Geeks haven’t always had the easiest time finding communities of people who share their passion. It’s a lot easier now that we have the internet.

As someone who hates crowds and noise, I feel the least comfortable surrounded by my coworkers and most comfortable at a crowded convention. Right – it makes no sense when I say it like that, but hear me out. There is just something about being surrounded by a bunch of cosplayers and fellow fans that makes me feel the most confident. I don’t feel like I’m standing out or like I have nothing in common with anyone – quite the opposite. It feels like home every time I walk into MomoCon. Or DragonCon. And sometimes it’s easier to gain that self confidence we talked about above when we don’t constantly feel out of place among our peers. When you feel understood, you feel more confident about expressing yourself and living authentically.

Contribute to Your Geek Community

And speaking of community, if you’re comfortable doing so, you should add value to your geek community. Just as Pokémon evolve through experiences and interactions, we as geeks evolve when we share our knowledge, talents, and passions with others. This is the whole reason hubs and I go to comic conventions! We have met some awesome people who became dear friends by going to conventions and being a part of the community. We even led our own panel at a FanExpo!

How do you contribute? It can be as simple as creating fanart, writing blogs, hosting podcasts, or contributing in other ways. Even creating online communities helps to provide safe spaces for geeks. Sharing your skills with the world not only helps you grow but also strengthens the community you love.

Pokémon need their trainers to thrive. Trainers encourage them and help them level up so they can grow and evolve. The same goes for us – we need that support and encouragement to evolve into the best versions of ourselves. Being a geek is certainly better when you have at least one other person to geek out with. When I’m not attending a convention, I geek out with hubs. He is my best geek friend!

Evolve Your Skills

I will say this a lot on this blog. And I say it in person. We should never get to a point in our lives when we feel we can stop learning. No one – absolutely no one – knows everything. Which means there is still room to gain more knowledge and acquire new skills.

Another thing I may talk incessantly about is Isekai. I am just creating content for this blog until my Isekai moment takes me to another world. Preferably one with magic, fairies, and dragons. And if you inhale isekai anime the way I do, then you know that the only way to succeed in a new world is to level up your skills and abilities.

Challenge yourself to learn so you can grow. It isn’t linear, so don’t be afraid to explore new hobbies or try different activities. Pokémon evolve when they gain experience and learn new moves – we can too! Take an art class, learn to code, try cosplaying, or pick up any other geeky creative hobby. Just learn something; and keep learning.

Pokémon are always discovering new worlds and new species. The key to evolving into your best geek self is to stay curious and never stop exploring. Dive deeper into your favorite fandoms, discover new stories and characters, and challenge yourself to learn more about the things that excite you. This is how you continue evolving.

Evolve When You Face Challenges

I think it’s an understatement to say that we are facing unprecedented times, new challenges, and maybe, for some, changing situations. This can be exciting, and it can be scary. Many of us will evolve as a result of the changing circumstances and the challenges we will grow through.

I think life’s challenges definitely can change us, but I mostly think they make us stronger and more resilient. And this isn’t particularly or specifically geek-related, but the way we cope can make or break us. Me? I sometimes like to take a moment to escape reality with anime, manga, comic books, or movies and television. Not forever, but for a moment’s peace of mind and something else to think about.

Pokémon evolve as a result of their changing environment or circumstance. Instead of fighting the change, they embrace it – they evolve and become stronger. As geeks living in a very non-geeky world, this is the only way we’ll survive. I hope that this brings you a bit of hope in these often seemingly-hopeless times. In the end, perhaps, we’ll be stronger for it. Optimism whispers that as a society we can grow. Experience with humans gives me a much bleaker outlook. Either way, we can choose to evolve in positive ways to adapt – just like the Pokémon.

Evolution is Balance – Like the Force

Repeat after me: being a geek does not make you childish or immature.

I’ve lost count of how many times my mom refers to hubs and I as “toys-r-us kids” because we love to collect comic books, cosplay, and use unconventionally geeky decor in our home. There isn’t really malicious intent behind the comment; however, it isn’t really meant as a compliment, either. Even though she says it in a seemingly joking tone. I know that underneath the layers she is insinuating that we’re immature because of our hobbies and passions.

Whatever.

It doesn’t bother me because I fully understand that a lot of people just don’t get it. Many people don’t accept the things they don’t understand. This is why I surround myself with people who get me.

Loving the geeky things you love and getting shit done in life can exist simultaneously and in the same place. We can spend hours wandering around 2nd & Charles looking for our newest Funko Pop obsession, while on the same day cleaning the house and doing meal prep for the week. Evolution into your grown and geeky self is a balancing act and learning how to use the Force is essential to the evolution process.

That’s a Star Wars reference, for those who are unfamiliar. And that’s okay…

So love what you love and spend time doing what you love. But don’t forget to do what you have to do to live in this non-geek world, even when it isn’t pleasant. I think the kids were calling it adulting. LOL

And by the way, being immature can manifest at any age. Like how immature it is to call someone else immature for not being interested in the same things you are. So there.

See? Not bothered. But we will always be proud Toys-R-Us Adults, thank you very much!

Accepting the Evolution in Others

So hubs and I often have reflective car conversations after a convention, and, as we were leaving MomoCon one year, we ran into pretty heavy traffic. This isn’t outside of the norm in Atlanta, but we noticed that this wasn’t traffic from our convention. We realized that the ‘costumes’ were much different. All around us on the sidewalks and city streets were people walking towards the stadium in red jerseys and t-shirts, dresses, hats, and matching shoes. They were going to the game, and they were all in costume.

It’s funny how so many sports fans made fun of geeks like me in school, but when it’s time for them to show love for their favorite team they go all out. Obviously I’m not judging – I love every minute of anyone showing love for their fandom.

During this particular after-convention car ride, Hubs pointed out the fact that most sports enthusiasts either rock their teams’ colors through matching merch, clothing, or face paint; and this means that we are really not that different from each other, after all. Their convention is just held at a sports stadium during a game. I just wish that they had realized how similar we all actually are when it comes to expressing our passions.

If you want others to accept you and the things you love, you have to be willing to accept theirs, as well. It’s like the golden rule of fandom. And life.

Evolve Authentically

Don’t force your evolution or your geekness. If anything I mentioned above feels scary or extra, don’t do it. Or proceed at your own pace. Not every geek wants to be extroverted about what they love. Sometimes the fun is in the secret. Like a hidden tattoo with your favorite movie quote.

If you know, you know.

Do what feels right to you. Expressing what you love means being authentic. And if your authentic self prefers to enjoy video games in the quiet of your bedroom after work then that’s how you express your geek.

But seriously, if you’re not having fun, you’re not doing it right. Or it isn’t right for you.

So how have you evolved into your best geeky self? What’s one tip you would share with someone trying to find their inner geek? And, as a bonus, tell us your favorite Pokémon in the comments below!