Recently, I was having a discussion about blogs with my bestie, Kavi, who writes at “Lab to Fab,” and I was explaining how sometimes the topics of my blog — fashion and fitness — seem very disconnected. But, as I thought about it, I realized they’re actually very related and fall under the umbrella of something I care very deeply about: body image.

For my entire life, I have battled my weight. But I have also been concerned with much more than how much I weigh. I always strived to be a good student, to be a good employee, to be a fun friend, an appreciative daughter, a supportive sister, a caring girlfriend. I think we’re all trying to become better people, whether that’s by volunteering or running or simply helping your grandmother around her house. All this is wrapped up in body image: How we view ourselves impacts our daily attitude and how we move through this life and this world.

If you put on an outfit that makes you feel fierce, does it not give you a better feeling about yourself? If you run a solid distance without pain or too much exertion, do you not feel like you can conquer the world? When you finish a satisfying, healthy meal that you took the time to shop for and prepare yourself, do you not feel like you’ve done something good for yourself, and your loved ones? The same goes for everything we do, big or small, that not only betters our own life, but those around us.

For me, exercising regularly, trying to eat better daily, and caring about my appearance (because how I present myself to the world says a lot about who I am on the inside) makes me have a better relationship with myself, and makes me a better person to the people around me. Whenever I feel “off,” others can sense it.

This is why I write this blog. To help myself work through my struggles, to produce a better “me.” But not just on the outside. A good body image includes the inside, too.