The Mission
The goal of the Operation Beautiful website is to end negative self-talk or “Fat Talk.” If this little blog only does one productive thing, I hope it helps readers realize how truly toxic negative self-talk is — it hurts you emotionally, spiritually, and physically.
Through my own experiences fighting Fat Talk, I’ve realized the power behind an anonymous act such as Operation Beautiful. When I post a note, I’m saying, “I CHOOSE to be positive!”
I began Operation Beautiful by leaving positive messages on the mirrors of public restrooms — at work, at the gym, at the grocery store. I scribble down whatever comes to mind — "You are beautiful!" or "You are amazing just the way you are!" My personal goal is to leave as many Operation Beautiful notes as I can. Maybe some people read them and just smile, but I bet some people are truly touched by the effort of a random stranger.
Operation Beautiful is simple: all you need is a pen and a piece of paper. If you want to join the mission, send me an e-mail at OperationBeautiful@gmail.com with a photograph of your Operation Beautiful note or a description of your experience, and I’ll post it on the Operation Beautiful site for thousands of others to read and enjoy!
Operation Beautiful works closely with the following organizations:
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i think i might start doing this!(: my self esteem is pretty low… and maybe this could help other girls(: my school is FULL of self conscious people.. including me. this could be fun(:
yes..i agree..im very self conscious myself.. and i thought that if putting little notes up around every were to improve other girls self esteem then i am all 4 it…
im going to put the notes on my bathroom mirrors at school. it made me feel happy to see it at rudy tuesdays so ill spread the lovee <3.
Dear Operation Beautiful,
I noticed one of my friends taping these notes onto the bathroom door. She told me about Operation Beautiful. I would see these notes EVERYWHERE. They really helps my self confidence alot. You inspired me so much. Thank you. You meant alot to me. I will to change the way girls think. One bathroom at a time.
~Jessica <3
REMEMBER U ARE ALL BEAUTIFUL! NO MATTER WHAT ANY 1 SAYS…
Hello,
I was on Yahoo Answers when I visited one of my contact’s profiles, and I found this link in her ‘About Me’. Intrigued by the website address, I clicked it without really thinking. It took me here.
Although I didn’t think it would make much of a difference, I loved what it stood for and set about buying some post it notes. I did the task, and later went back into the toilets to see how they were getting on. The girls I saw were pretending not to see the notes, and looked just as miserable as they did when they had gone in.
I was on the verge of giving up when a friend ran up to me. “Sarah!” she panted, catching up. “Have you seen those notes in the toilets?”
“What!?” I exclaimed, quite surprised.
“Someone’s been sticking post it notes all around College in the girls toilets with compliments and stuff on them,” she explained. “Have you seen them? I saw it and it made me so happy. Everyone’s going on about them.”
Since then I’ve only told a few people that it’s me, and they’ve been helping me stick up the notes everywhere. I’ve heard many people going on about how much they love to see them and how it makes their day, and some cleaners are now refusing to remove them. I love doing it and do it as often as I can, it makes me so happy! I also make a point of asking questions in the Teens section of Yahoo Answers every once in a while telling them all how beautiful they are, and some of the responses are so uplifting!
Thank you,
Sarah-Joy.
i’m going to tell one of my teachers and hopefully get this started around my school. i think it’s a great project and i’m definitely going to support it!
thts a really good idea..
I was walking to class today and saw one on the map of our school. I was running late, stressed, and in a hurry, but seeing the post-it really made my morning. It turned my day around. I also saw one in the bathroom later! Two in one day!
I’m planning on making some and discreetly placing them around tomorrow. I want to help spread the love!
One day, I was at a gas station, pumping gas into my car, when someone came up to me and said, “You are beautiful” and walked away. I was so surprised, that I looked around to see if someone else was taking my purse out of my car, while the first person distracted me. It’s hard for us to accept the compliment that we are beautiful, whether it is coming from a stranger, friend or even a family member. That’s why the post-it notes are a good idea because, although they are anonymous, they are personal and non-confrontational at the same time. We are less likely to be looking around to see who might be watching our reactions, but we can smile to ourselves and take it to heart, as if we have a sweet secret.
A month or two ago I posted a note inside a restaurant bathroom and forgot about it. Today, my best friend called me and told me about how she went to a restaurant and saw a post-it note on the mirror with an inspirational message. She said she had been having a really bad day but the note made her feel way better and she was going to start posting them too.
Yes, it was the same restaurant and it was my note. To think that it might help people like her everyday is amazing, and to think that people (including janitors) like it so much they kept it up for almost two months is even more amazing. ?
Thank you Operation Beautiful.
That is SO amazing!
operation beautiful is the beeeeze neezeeee!
haha
i loooooooove OB!
this website is really helping others who feel tht they arent beautiful..nd if posting little pieces of paper around saying things\like ur pretty….then ok
Oh this is beautiful! I’ll start my Operation beautiful too ?
kisse from brazil!
I just found this site through Superchik. It’s priceless…I think I might start leaving notes…it’s inspired me. It made my day and I wasn’t having a good day…it made me smile, a real smile in a while. That someone actually cares and about people they might not even know. They just care. It’s…I don’t know…I’m at a loss of words. Just…incredible…
Today a board was put up in our community bathroom at our campus dorm filled with inspirational comments and it put a huge smile on my face just knowing that someone had taken the time to do that. It has inspired me to start leaving little notes in random places telling people they are beautiful. From someone like me who has no self confidence and doesnt believe im pretty-this is something that will help boost my confidence and help me to start thinking positively about myself. I hope this is something we can keep up here at my dorm and hopefully pass on to the other dorms on campus here. This really is just..simply..incredible! I LOVE IT!
I’m a 34 year old mother of 3. I struggled with eating disorders since I was 12. I dealt with Bulemia when I was younger and then anorexia when I was a senior in high school. I have overcome my ED but still struggle with the thoughts. I was inspired by your post-it story. I went out and bought a bunch of post-its. I filled up one and gave it to my 14 year old to put up all over her high school. She was nervous at first but had a friend help her during their off period. As they were walking the halls they saw the most amazing responses. One girl put one on her stomeache and was reading more. It was as if she was claiming the positive self image for herself by wearing the post-it. My daughter walked up to her and the girl said “wow this is awesome. I wish I knew who did this? This is such an awesome idea. It makes me feel so good about myself.” My daughter said “yah it does doesn’t it?” and then they high fived. I have to note this was not a girl my daughter knew. She said she saw kids all over stopping to read them and every time she saw that it made her happy and she was smiling the whole day. She came home saying mom you have to fill out more. I have to put more up. Most of them were taken down. So tonight we will be filling out as many as we can and she will be putting up more tomorrow. Thanks for starting this. YOUR BEAUTIFUL, YOUR AMAZING, YOUR ENOUGH JUST AS YOU ARE!!! Oh and when she got home she checked her Facebook and one of her friends put this in her status. “Don’t feel insecure about one little comment because in the end you’re the one with the Beauty on the inside and out!” I loved that one so much I put it on another post-it and she will see it tomorrow at school. YOUR AWESOME!!!
So I got one of these post-its on my car today. It made my day, but I don’t think it was in the way intended. Someone told me (in bright pink no less) that “Self-love is _Your_Birthright_.”
I could tell that it was supposed to be feminist (female supporting, if not political) but I was surprised that in a city as liberal as portland someone felt the need to encourage breaking a masturbation taboo.
Now that I know what’s going on, I think its pretty darn cool. Just… I would encourage people to think through their messages. XD
I’m keeping the post it.
hahah oh my! i dont think someone considered what that could mean! hehe. well, both kinds of self love are your birthright!!
I was so inspired by this
I live in merida mexico and decided to do his
I went to a hospital and put notes on the mirrors and inside the stalls
I went to a reseraunt and went back to the hospital I asked my mm if I could go to the bathrooms and my mom said, nena (my nick name) why would you go? your just going to ge discouraged…..
I went anyways and ALL OF THE NOTES WERE THERE!!!
i was soooo excited and happy!!!!
thanks 4 the amaizing idea
hi, i just found out abt this site and i think it’s a WONDERFUL idea. Just to let you know i thought i was weird writting stuff like that on to my notebook but i never thought it’ll actually exist, I’m really glad that someone actually made a site like this. This would definately help those ladies and little ladies out there who have low-esteem. It’s totally brilliant and i think i’m gonna start writting little notes on to the school toilet mirrors. Thanks:)
You’re beautiful even when you’re round <3
i just found this site after surfing around collegecandy.com, and i think it’s great, i’m going to introduce this as an idea for phi theta kappa to see if we can get as many girls as possible to spread the word. there’s probably around 30/40 girls at the ptk meetings and i’m sure tons more in the online group.
When i found a nte in the bathroom it brightened up my day!
this website is pretty cool ill start putting up notes!
i love OB……. U gv me sum good abt me….
i thought im ugly!!!!!!!!!
This is an amazing project! Count me in.
Hi, I’m from Lithuania. I was just surfing the net when i founded this website with cheered me up. I was tired. I was angry on one of my friends but now I don’t care what he said because today I realised that my opinion is more important then anyone else. Thanks. It realy halped me ;D I will try to help others with this. ;D ;D ;D ;D
P.S sorry for grammar or spelling mistakes (I’m just 14 years old but I realy whanted to write to this website)
Good luck for everyone
I think this was a really awesome idea! It will help a lot of girls out there.
Peace*Love*Music
Sammi
This is awesome
you never know what lives you
touch with these simple messages.
it could make all the difference
for even one person.
About a few months ago, a friend of mine named Abby invited me to an event she was trying to get our school to do. Recently, I decided to check it out, though I had accepted it. I loved the idea. I personally don’t believe I’m that pretty, but I feel like there are so many people that are gorgeous and don’t even know it. I really want to spread it around. Today is the day and I’m in creative writing, and my teacher is taking photos and I’m writing a news article about it for the school newspaper. I’ve brought a bunch of packets of sticky notes and I even gave one to a girl who came up and said “you guys are wonderful for doing this!” I offered and she said “yeah!” so now we’re getting more people in on this. I have posted over thirty sticky notes so far, and we still have the rest of the school to go. I’m so excited and I know I’m definitely going to make someone’s day. Actually, a girl just said I already did since she saw my note on the stairwell and it made her smile. She saw me writing more sticky notes with the same packet as I used on the stairwell. Made my day that I made someone elses. Thank you for this. I’m going to get the rest of the schools in my area on this. I’ve already spread it to my friends in Canada too!
-Haylle Deborah Dickson
(USA, Pennsylvania)
You’re absolutely beautiful. I don’t even have to look at you to realize that.
I think this is a terrific idea! Women NEED to know they are beautiful! It’s essential for our happiness! Bravo, Caitlin!
Also, I’ve been thinking – though men typically are less open to putting up motivational post-it notes for each other (haha…), I think that MEN also need some self esteem boosters! Guys have ego issues – and don’t we women know it? What if guys got some positive feedback, as well? Truly confident men aren’t gym rats, after all.
Today I found in my book Angus, thongs and perfect Snogging a paper with : The best a girl can wear is a smile! http://www.operatinbeautiful.com. it is a great idea and it gives a good feeling when you find a note. greets Sifra from Nijmegen Holland.
I live in a apartment complex, so im gonna write a few post-it’s and stick them in the elevators and on the doors! This site is really inspiring
I’ve always hated myself, then I found this site. I’m going to start leraving messages in the hope that I can show someone they really are beautiful, who knows maybe I’ll find one someday.
I am in my third year of recovery from my eating disorder and this has become my life’s passion…making sure that people know that they are beautiful just as they ARE, not as they wish they could be. We were created in the image of God and that is Beautiful! Thank you for what you’re doing. Praying that the lies that we believe will be eradicated by the Truth…You Are Beautiful!!
I saw an OperationBeautiful note on a mirror in the girls restroom at UNO. I’ve been feeling down alot lately, dwelling on my many flaws and fearing that no one will ever want to marry me. Seeing that note kind of lifted my spirits. As a Christian, I really believe God led me to see that note today to remind that I (along with everyone around the world) am beautiful in His eyes!
Thanks to whomever placed that note in the mirror.
I can’t wait to see the notes you post!
love, love, love this. I’m going to tell everyone I know. Thanks so much for this incredible project!!!
I love these ideas. Maybe you could try putting these notes in library books as well? Everything helps, right? (:
I am a 15 year old girl, suffering from anorexia for about 3 years now. The councler has called me to her office, last friday. I lied to her. She called my parents. I lied to them. I found this site, and now I think.. I want to be like these happy girls. I want to eat anything and not hurt myself for it. I don’t want to hate myself anymore. And I think, maybe I shouldve told everyone the truth. Maybe I shouldve got help.. 3 years ago. I don’t want to be living this lie anymore! I’m going to start this project in my highschool with my best friend, monday. Maybe, one day I’ll stop lying and get help (:
I think you should start telling the truth NOW. Please go back to your counselor and ask her for help. The ability to ask for help when you know you need it makes you SUPER STRONG. good luck!!!
Hi my name is amber and I believe that this mission is very very Good and just so marvelous to help others think positive about thier self but…Why not teach these girls that not only are they beautiful but loved and that they can just be loved by Their father GOD!!! They are Princess’ In God’s eye!! Most of Girls have problems at Home with not enough attention and getting put down and thats where the negative talk and putting down their selves comes in!!! So next time DON’T JSUT TELL THESE GIRLS THEY ARE BEAUTIFUL TELL THEM THEY ARE LOVED AND THEY ARE A PRINCESS AND SOMONE LOVES THEM THEY HAVE A FATHER THEY HAVE A FAMILE TELL THEM THAT!!! Thank You -Amber
Amen!!! We are all Fearfully and Wonderfully made!
yeah I found this on a website o was on and I find this incredible . I’m going to try and do this around my school because all the girls at school need to have designer clothes and there’s so much pressure and I think it’s so cool to hear that and I think many girls need this boost ..
I, myself struggle extremely with self-image issues. It has driven me to a severe depression that I currently take medication for. Most people look at me and wouldn’t think that, but I’m a better actress then you think. I’m obsessed with how people perceive me, I want to be considered beautiful by everyone and will do anything to acheive that goal. I realize the stupidity in this, and know that it is more then likely unrealistic, but I just can’t help it. I need to learn to be comfortable with myself , so I’m reaching out to you. Please contact me.
Taylor, if you are on medication, have you discussed this issue with your doctor? Therapy can be a great tool for increasing your self-esteem and becoming more comfortable with who you are, right now. Talk to someone you trust about it, too, like a parent or a friend. Operation Beautiful has some tips that will hopefully help: http://operationbeautiful.com/change-the-way-you-see/ Good luck.
Ok, wow! this page ALONE has 523 comments! I post notes in my school’s bathroom near my math class/library, and hardly anyone goes there. I posted a few in the regular bathrooms too. I also posted one months ago in a resturant. One thing- I use index cards instead of post its b/c I always have them and they’re bigger. I might use post its so I can put them on doors though! I just want to say thank you to ALL of you! Also, my teacher said I was a fantastic actress and it made me EXTATIC! (I took classes when I was younger but not many people have told me that) Because of my school’s awesome acceptance i have decided to teach there in a few years (It’ll be a while)and post notes EVERYWHERE! (prepare for domination- OB style!)
This is going to be SOO much fun. Me and my friend Carlla are going to put sticky notes all inside of my friend Kali’s locker. She thinks she is soo ugly but we all know its not true. I have expo markers and there are mirrors in the girls bathroom….hm….
Me and my friend were inspired on how this can uplift concious girls who freel bad about themselves. We are trying to get as many people joining as possible.
I love this song and when i found this website i loved it too because they both expand my self-esteem :]
I need to thank Superchic(k). If it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t be typing this. I would be watching some video on You-tube.I <3 Operation Beautiful!
I’m a guy, I just wanted to say i think this is a beautiful website, and the amount of people this will help is amazing. I will start leaving notes around my school as of tomorrow ( obviously not in the girls toilets ). It really is such a brilliant thing that you guys are doing.
please send in your notes! i love to see notes from men!
I stumbled upon (literally) this website from GivesMeHope.com and it’s truly inspired me. My job is quite tedious and depressing and I really needed something to pick up my spirits. Well this has certainly done the job! I was so moved by this idea that on my lunch break I decided to run to the local supermarket and put up a couple notes of my own. I particularly felt that it’d be fitting to leave some up in the frozen food section near the “diet” tv-dinners. The post-it read: Life was not meant to be spent on a scale – You’re beautiful just as you are! (I borrowed this quote from a post-it I saw on this site) and I hope this helped someone remember that beauty comes from within, not from a frozen package of low-fat lasagna..
What you started is incredible! I just recently heard about this when I was doing some research for my own website. If you have time, check it out! God bless
I found a post-it on a yoga video in Target… I smiled to myself and was sorta taken aback a moment. I showed my boyfriend the post it, and he got it right away. He goes thats a fantastic idea. So, visiting the website today…. I’m going to start carrying post it notes in my purse. We all need reminders.
Help yourself, by helping others.
YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL. <3 <3 <3 <3 <3
hello I work at Valleygirl and we found a post it note on the mirror in the change room then looked you guys up. I think it is wonderfull what you are doing keep it up. It made me smile
thank you
Theresa
Hey, just so you know, this web site is doing a great job, there are notes in all the bathrooms at my school everyday
I can see the benefit of this positive reinforcement for people who are truly overwrougtruly over weight or are anorexic but I found one of these notes on my windscreen which suggests someone is PRESUMING I have a negative self image s which I dont. Im not even that fat like im a size 10
. I think some people need to think a bit more before randomly putting these things on peoples cars.
If you aren’t even that fat don’t worry about it. Maybe it’s because you seem to have a negative attitude and they pick up on that and just want to let you know they think you are beautiful even if you are a downer. Even those with perfect bodies need a pick me up. I know I do, and I’m a perfect size 12. I am writing a note right now and can’t wait to put it up. Even if I’m the only one who sees it and likes it, it’s a nice note to myself.
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