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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Caitlin,
This mission is absolutely amazing in that it helps girls see themselves the way God made them; this week at my high school, I saw 2 Operation Beautiful post-its on the mirrors in the restroom. For me, its generally very difficult to evoke emotion just by reading something; but the statements on these post-its hit me like a train. I felt truly loved and beautiful inside, even being told by a complete stranger. But honestly, we arent really strangers, now are we; we face the same self-criticism every day, and we need Operation Beautiful to make it through together… My boyfriend and I were talking about this; he says I’m perfect the way I am, and I shouldnt ever think that I’m NOT beautiful. Just wanted to let the Operation Beautiful community know that there is definitely a male support in this too, and he’s very passionate and sincere about it, as am I. The uplifting quotes and statements I saw that day made me feel confident in the one area I dont have as much confidence in as I should; my body. I’m more confident in having the muscle and curves I have as a high school athlete, rather than being any other way. THANK YOU OPERATION BEAUTIFUL FOR MAKING ME SEE THAT I AM BEAUTIFUL THE WAY I AM! I’ll do my absolute best to help spread this message to girls like me, who don’t appreciate themselves like they should. Girls, be good to yourselves and love your body. Thank you Caitlin, <3 Love, Kaytie Strait
I am so glad you liked the note you found!!
Kaytie,
Be proud of being an athlete with muscle and curves. It shows you work hard for your body and you take good care of yourself. I’m an athlete too. I’m not in high school anymore but I definitely know what criticism you’re talking about. I was always critical of myself too. I still am sometimes, which is why I want to join the OB campaign also. I think it’s great for all women of any age, race, and size. Be happy you’re an athlete!!
YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL!!!
so i found out about operation beautiful in my community service in the library. like the paper just fell out of the book. and i love what this operation is doing. i love thta everyone here is helping to stop “fat tlk”. every male and female is beautiful and i hope that this will make them realize that!
Hello. I was just informed of this awesome website from a co-worker. I looked over what Operation Beautiful is all about and thouht that it is a beautiful, inspirational mission that even I could follow. Never heard it said to be “Fat Talk” but it makes much sense.
I work with all ages of boys and girls at a Boys & Girls Club facility, but I have a focus group with the 10 to 12 year old girls, so this mission is very inspirational in so many ways. I know that if it sparked my interest it will definetly with them. It also will help inspire many other girls and boys. Me and my fellow co-worker are starting our beginning of this mission today and see where it goes. I will update you on our progress and keep this mission going.
I read about operation beautiful in glamour magazine, and it’s inspired me so much! I’m definetly going to start posting notes everywhere.. My highschool, mall, grocery store, etc! Thankyou so much Caitlin for doing such a great thing for so many people! I’m sure you’ve done way more than you can imagine!
Lets get together and ban the fat talk!! We are all beautiful no matter what shape or size!!!
Read an article about your group and decided to give it a shot. I’m curious to see if maybe it’ll help me to stop putting myself down so much. Afterall, can’t build others up without doing the same for yourself. I’m also recruiting my friend who’s super negative to help me post notes everywhere. Maybe if she makes others smile she’ll smile more and gain more confidence too? I’ll let you know how my experiment goes. At the least others will smile. Funny those who post might be getting more from this than those who read the posts. Thanks for starting this–it’s great!
Today, I had a rough day. I just happened to look in the mirror in my high school bathroom and I found an operation beautiful post-it note in the corner telling me I was beautiful, this truly has been a beautiful day because of that. I plan to keep it going! This is a wonderful thing we’ve got going here, this will go far
oh and… you’re beautiful, there is no reason to think otherwise
I was turning the pages in Glamour magazine September 2010 issue and ran across your article. I must say this is a beautiful thing. I’ve suffered with self esteem issues for years. After turning 40 it’s like something click and I’m learning to love myself inside and out. Thanks for starting this. I can’t wait to start and share your mission with others.
Operation beautiful is pure genius! there are so many girls out there that just need that extra boost of confidence, especially since the world makes us think we need to be a certain way. I’m going to definately help out
I showed the video to my younger sister who’s struggling with feeling ‘fat’…we both cried and started doing it! She put up two at the mall and has really started to cheer up and not feel bad about herself
Thank you SO MUCH for starting this Caitlin!!
I found a note that said “Smile, you ARE beautiful” with a small heart underneath, and I was directed to this website. I have no idea who wrote it, but I really appreciate them, because it made my day and I was directed here, and I’m glad I found this. I’ve been down lately and it really made me happy to find this. All I can say is thank you, thank you for creating this movement. I’m spreading the love and hope more people discover this and continue to spread the love too.
I love it!!!
I recently received the book from my mother and decided i wanted to spread the love too. So i wrote it on my car and instently that day had people waving and smiling at me! Its really a great feeling!
I think you should get bumper stickers made!!!!!!!
I am glad you liked the book!!
It is an amazing idea to post notes on the mirror. Because whenever people looks at the mirror, they will just change the whole idea about themselves and that’s what we what. We want change! We want people to build up their self-esteem and see themselves in the good image – not the distorted image. They are all illusions. None of them are true. So stop being too harsh on yourself and start falling in love!
I alos have an issue, but this really inspires me to change. I agree that I am imperfect , but it doesn’t mean that I am less beautiful. I also posted a note on my mirror so that I read it and smile!
Although I myself am relatively confident (now, at least! I’ve never felt happier), I’ve seen a lot of the things that have gone around. And now, inspired by Operation Beautiful and many many other wonderful things, my friend and I are starting a club at our school to help women and girls! We’re going to raise money for Breast Cancer Research, get donated clothes for Betty Griffing House, and constantly participate in Operation Beautiful sticky-noting!
thank you for just being there!
I used to be one of those people that looked down on myself. Now everytime I see someone or hear someone act that way it makes me want to help them so bad. I started with a 400 pack of colorful post it notes and wrote a different message on each. I now post them around my high school when everyone else is in class. It makes be feel great knowing that I’m helping people that were just like me. I now just found this website that does the same thing and I think its great that people do this so often
I found one of these notes on a mirror at school one day, and it made my day so much better. My plan this year of school is to leave these notes on the mirror at least once a week if not more. I think your idea is such an awesome and great inspiration to many.
i’m assistant manager in a clothes shop and was doing a security check of my fitting rooms and found a post it on the back of the fitting room door. it made me smile just at the thought that someone went to that trouble to make someone else smile. so a big thank you to whoever was in my shop in kirkcaldy today and did that and brightened up ppls day.
I Thank GOD for this site. It helped revive me again. Thank you. I will spread the message.
I may start leaving scriptures around and empowering local youth groups to do this as a project. We are all made in God’s image, likeness and character (Genesis 1: 26-27). Who you are is good enough cause God doesn’t make junk. He only makes masterpieces, perfect in His infinite almighty power. The doubt we experience about ourselves is judgment from ourselves/others and constant competition. You are worthy of LOVE and worthy of all the wonderful things the girls you loathe have. Work on being honored and respected NOT desired. Beauty is as beauty does. “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10 Don’t let the funny mirror at the amusement park show you what the maker of the mirror wants you to see, BUT INSTEAD discover the mirror of God’s word to see who we are in Christ NOT our own natural/wordly understanding. I CARE ABOUT EVERYONE & IT IS OUR BUSINESS. God Bless
I love it operation Beautiful it’s grate more power to every one that is participating in this. we are all made in gods image so ya we are all beautiful inside and out
i found an operation beautiful post-it in work today left on the mirror in the fitting rooms where i was working and have to say it made my day think its a brillant idea!!!
I love this idea and have been reading about in some magazines like Fitness. I have always put post-it notes on my mirror or by my calendar so I see them to help myself with negative comments and feeling down on myself. It helps me and I love what you have started!
I found out about operation beautiful just today wen I went into the bathroom at my high school. It made me really happy to hear kind words on a day that I didn’t feel so well. This is a great movement.
I read about your site in my glamour magazine. I think what you are doing is so amazing! I think that every woman has a low self confidence day and just to hear “you are beautiful” can bring anyone out of their funk. I will definitely start posting notes in random places to let everyone know they are beautiful!
Thank you so much for starting this site and the operation!
I was picked on a lot in school. Always tormented by other kids. You never feel alright do you? You never want to get up. You don’t have a single ounce of motivation in you. What I would’ve done for one of those notes.
Now I don’t let anyone push me around. I’m a strong and confident girl. What I’ve been through has shaped and scarred me in many ways, and I wouldn’t wish what I went through on my worst enemy.
So I think I’m going to start doing this. I’m going to stick a note on the mirror of a wallmart or something. Somewhere, and hope that I can make someone feel good about themselves
hey, this is a reaaly good idea.I’m 17 and I have been looking at starting up something that tells girls and guys that they are beautiful and valuable and that God loves them very much myself.
love what you have done 
Some girls came in my class smiling and giggling, so I asked why. They told me of notes they had find in the bathroom. Through class I wondered and wanted to see for myself. I finally did and I was filled with the emotions I was rarely aware of. Those girls may have to it as a joke but it was the start of bringing me out of my numb shell of protection from being hurt. Now I see if I just stay in that shell I cannot truely be me. The ME few people get to truely see. FREE! As I continue to read what others have gained from this I makes me happy to know more people are smiling these days… So to the idealist, on behave of all, THANK YOU! I always wanted to be able to do what you have done but could not find a way to get from under my own protection. Only teaching those I reached. Thank you and may God bless you.
this website is amazing ! i love the whole mission ! i decided to start posting notes EVERYwhere with my friends. when i go back to where i posted a note i like to see its gone and it gives me a warm fuzzy feeling ! the real type ! and i know ive done something good in this word ! as an athlete i see many pressures to keep my weight under control and many other athletic girls might go too far ! this website and book really helps them and everyone else know that WE ARE GORGE !(: <3
I just found a note in the bathroom at the university where I work. It absolutely made my day.
I’m going to go back down in a bit and take a picture because it made me so, so happy.
It said “You’re not too fat, you’re not too thin, you are beautiful and it comes from within”.
What an amazing project. Kudos, Caitlin!
Im so in on this. sucks today out of all days i leave my camera at home. where i go to school happens to be in the same building as mental health. so im hoping anything i leave will help anyone out. i think this is such a good thing to do. and maybe while i write these notes for other ppl i will be helping myself out as well with my negative self talk
In health class we are studying about eating disorders. and I know a few of my friends struggle with Anorexia (or Ana) and I was on facebook so i decided to write “you’re beautiful” on my wall for my friends to see and My friend Julie wrote Operationbeautiful.com as a comment so i typed it into the search bar and i have been reading all the comments! It is awesome to see such encouragement!!
I’ll be sure to write it wherever i go!
These were all over the locker room at my university today. I had to move a couple to get into my locker, which made me feel uneasy and a little guilty, like I was messing with stuff that wasn’t mine.
Honestly I’m just as sick of being ordered to love my body and consider myself beautiful as I am of being ordered to hate my body and consider myself fat. Why is feeling guilty over going to the gym (I am, after all, not accepting my body as-is) any better than feeling guilty about not going to the gym? It’s my body, I’ll feel however I like about it on any particular day, and neither photoshopped beauty-mag ads nor cliche-spouting post-it notes will change that.
May be you could write a positive affirmation that applies to your situation?
I got here from GMH.com, and this website is beautiful. In a world where us girls are always dissatisfied with our bodies because we’re not skinny enough or because we’re fat, I feel it’s important for us to know that all of us are beautiful – in mind and in body, because we’re human with hearts! When school starts again next week, I will stick post its on mirrors, on lockers, and in random places around the school. Perhaps it will be healing for the students in my girls’ school. And for myself as well.
I was having a cruddy stress filled, self hating day. I went to Wal-Mart and I was walking by the mirrors just dreading that asile but needed to buy a new one anyway, I walked past this mirror and seen a bright yellow post it and it grabbed my attention it said “YOU, (yes, you!) are a PERFECT example of “true beauty” Believe it!
” then of course the website, I must say that put a big smile on my face and made everything I was hating about myself seem better. Who ever left that note Thank you so much!
Hello everyone!
My friend Katie just got me started on operation beautiful. I think it is a amazing cause. So many days i go by and stare at myself in the mirror and just feel like hating myself. Operation beautiful really started making me feel positive about myself. I don’t starve myself anymore, and i really don’t /hurt/ the way I used to.
I want to thank katie a million times for helping me not only over come my own negative emotions, but helping others get over theirs too! It’s a long battle, and i don’t know if it will ever truly be over, but operation beautiful has helped me so much!
Thank you a thousand times over!
I found Operation Beautiful by going on a friend of mine’s facebook profile and clicked the link she had out of couriousidy since then I’ve been putting post-its up practically everywhere I go. I think this site is great for people with self-estem issues. Keep up the good work!!
~Brittany
I was in walmart the other day, looking at makeup and there was this sticky not with “You are beautiful, with or without this makeup” on it! I was so surprised! I took a picture of it haha it was sooo cool! The website wasnt on it but i found it online anyway. I got the chills just now looking at this!
God Bless! ?
I started the Operation Beautiful Mission at my school today, and posted noted all over. Then I saw one of my friends gather two of them and tear them in half, saying “This is so stupid !!!” I didn’t confront her, because I’d like to remain anonymous, but I hope that my notes help someone at my school, because I know some people need it. (: I’m not giving up.
Today, one of my favorite teachers gave me a post it note that said “Smile, you’re beautiful!” and gave me one to put on a bathroon mirror in my high school. She honestly made my day and I am looking forward to informing and moving many people about Operation Beautiful because I think we all have hit rock bottom as women. Me, as a women will try as hard as I can to stay positive about my body.
I saw one of these post it’s in my bathroom at school today and it made me so happy! I will fersure be doing this :] Loveit!
I saw your add in a magazine and thought I would like to check out your website. Operation Beautiful, how more beautiful can that sound? I am currently going through a separation and don’t think myself as beautiful but with your website and encouraging words, that is all going to change. Thank you for changing my life with one “beautiful” post it note at a time. Everyone is beautiful, in many ways, we just don’t see it in ourselves as other people see it in you. Thank you so much
I started seeing these notes at school on the mirrors of the school bathroom and they always make my day. What’s even better is that a new one gets added every day! Everyone who supports operation beautiful is an extremely beautiful person (inside and out!).
I jus found Operation Beautiful, and I think it’s an amazing idea! I’m tucking a pen and a pad of sticky notes in my purse right now, so that I can leave notes of my own. Thank you so much for this!
I read about OperationBeautiful.com on my best friends shirt! (: Anyway, we should all be proud to be women. We’re all beautiful in ever shape & size. Even though it sounds cliche, we deserve much better than to look in the mirror and engage in the negative, “fat-talk”. Be proud to be who you are, and instead of trash talking yourself, look in the mirror and say, “I am beautiful, confident, and wise. I will go through everyday positively and realize how amazing I am.”
Good luck! (:
I think this is amazing.
I hate this whole thing of girls not having enough self esteem.
At school I see girls cover themselves up with tons of makeup, which really isn’t needed! They look much prettier without being bright orange with panda eyes!
Im going to start doing this at school, at the cinemas, EVERYWHERE!
I went to the bathroom in my school cafeteria. I walked into the stall and saw a little post it note on the trash can. It said “You are beautiful.” That little post it note seriously made my day.
I love this! it is so insperational! im only an 8th grader but i am constently putting myself down. I am going to share this website on facebook and leave messages on puplic restrooms! i am going to change my life and others. Thank you for coming up with this amazing idea!
I love how Operation Beautiful leaves people with a smile on their face, or at least a new thought in mind after they see a note. The first time I saw a note was on the back of a bathroom stall door at a gym. I was far away from what I knew as home and it instantly made me feel better. That was the only note I’ve seen since then. I left it behind and just recently I saw a picture that someone posted on a facebook page that they had seen an Operation Beautiful note. It made me think about my experience again and I’ve decided I want to start spreading this around– starting with my college. Hoping people will catch on and begin doing it themselves! I have tucked away some sticky notes and I am looking forward to taking part in something I have never thought of before. I have even written one and stuck it on my OWN bathroom mirror for a little reminder.
so i went to the bathroom with my friend in school today, on all the mioors was some really weird really random post it note saying “someone loves you your beautiful” it made me laugh and i took it as a jock. When i got home i lookied the website up that was at the botttom….i no longger find it a jock. Tomorrow i will be makeing my own operationbeautiful post it notes and posting them were ever i can. This is an awesome idea!
I drop little notes from time to time in my school, just saying little happy things, so this idea jumped right out at me. I’m definitely gonna start doing this :]?
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