Over the years, beyond college and into adult life, I have come to learn that media and certain people or societies will try to put a certain pressure on how you should look and what you should be. I'll admit, I have never really agonized over my body image and physical self. Rather, it's been more about my persona. I went on a long journey to earn my PhD s in the field of cancer research. I was "Dr Richa Tiwari" but somehow, even after years of legitimate hard work to get there, I felt weird referring to myself as that and would always downplay my achievement. What if someone thought I was too geeky to relate to? When I started blogging and exploring my interest in fashion, then too I struggled with presenting what might be seen as a frivolous side of me. What if people thought I was superficial?

Maybe it was all in my head. I've always felt proud of who I am. I never thought I was nerdy or superficial but felt self-conscious that others did. It's taken me a while to accept and be comfortable with presenting the different facets of myself without the inhibitions. A scientific, data-crunching thinker and a creative being who loves ideas, writing and fashion...Why can't I be both or whatever I want? Don't let others' inside or outside perception of you lead you down a path of self-doubt or insecurity. Believe me, life is easier when you are comfortable in your own skin, inside and out. So just own it!