My husband and I were out shopping when I saw an ex of mine from another lifetime (and many, many dress sizes) ago. I ducked, darting behind a shelf of snacks (probably not the best spot, in retrospect).

Two things popped into my mind. Well, three, if you count that Toblerone candy bar at my new eye level.

One: That I was happy I put on makeup that day.

Two: That makeup isn’t going to detract from my ginormity. Lipstick on a pig is the colloquialism, right?

I do not see this when I look inthe mirror. (AP/Teleflora)

Which got me thinking about why I want to be healthy. To live a long, long time is up there, but self-image is certainly a large part of it, too.

For some, the glib answer of why is to look good naked. But c’mon, does anyone really think that? Bodies are strange, quirky, funny-looking things when stripped of the artifice of clothing. Even Botticelli probably thought, “Yeah, these chicks are a wee bit disproportionate for my taste.”

I don’t think it’s superficial to want to look good. It’s important to develop a positive body image, so long as it is your ideal, and not one manufactured by what is socially or culturally forced upon you.

If I were to be honest with myself, then body image is probably No. 4 on my list of motivators.

1. Living forever (or as long as possible)

2. Staying active, so that if I do live a long time, I have a good quality of life

3. Beating the heredity odds (i.e., not getting diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease)

4. Looking good (yes, even nekkid)

5. Accomplishing feats of derring-do (mountain climbing, river rafting, marathons)

6. Having more clothing options

7. Not lying on my driver’s license (kidding!)

8. Wowing everyone at my high school reunion

What are your main motivators?