Tuesday Notes – November 24, 2009

Roxy wrote, “I had been feeling very depressed today at school, but when I saw some post-it notes in my math class, I took one, wrote on it "Ignore them – you’re beautiful. OperationBeautiful.com,” and stuck it on a door.  Later, in another class, I found another note and wrote, “Smile.  You look good!”  I stuck that note on a bathroom mirror and rushed out before someone came out of a stall. I couldn’t help but smile to myself knowing that right now, a girl will be reading my note and smiling, too!   I even told one of my friends about Operation Beautiful and she wants to help out too!”

Eliana wrote, “I did my first post last week while visiting the vet school here in Trinidad. Marc (my boyfriend) is teaching a course on exotic animals, and I thought that this place would be the perfect location to starting spreading the love. .”I even got Marc to do it too, he posted a note in the guys bathroom

Siobhan wrote, “Two years ago, one of my best guy friends told me that I would be way prettier if I wore makeup. So I did. And now, I can’t look at myself without it. I read this book, Beautiful by Amy Lynn Reed, and it showed me how opinions really kill your self esteem and make you do things that you didn’t want to do just to be accepted. I’m going to try and wear less makeup now because I can do what I want, and not have to rely so strongly on others ideals. I put notes in the book in hopes that at least one more girl will feel okay about how they naturally are and not the way everyone thinks they should be.”

Jessica wrote, “I actually attend a weekly eating disorder support group at the “famous” Renfrew center here in Philadelphia and recently brought up operationbeautiful.com in group.  I use it as a way to do good to make me good.  I spoke about how when you do good, you feel good, and so I started posting!”

Holly wrote, “Yesterday, my Girls on the Run group lesson was on advertisements and we talked about body image and how ads make you feel.  Today I emailed all the parents telling them about the lesson and linked them to Operation Beautiful and asked them to share it with their daughters at home. They are 3rd/4th grade (ages 8 – 10). The parents are loving it!”

Katie wrote, “I discovered Operation Beautiful a few months ago and subsequently put up 5 or 6 of my own.  I was disappointed to see that no one else in my area had caught on.  Yesterday, I went to the bathroom before Improv practice (and auditions) and I saw a beautifully made Operation Beautiful sign on the paper towel dispenser.  I couldn’t get a picture but it absolutely made my day, where I was anxious about auditioning I became confident and ready to have a good time no matter what the outcome.”

Rachael wrote, “I think this project is so important just to remind people of their innate beauty, something that I many can loose sight of at times by living in such a competitive, commercialized, sexualized society.  Truthfully, everyone is beautiful just the way they are. I hope someone tapped into their own gracefulness, strength and beauty when they walked by my sign. I know i did, but posting the notes!”

If you LOVE Operation Beautiful and want to participate, post a note, take a picture, and e-mail it to Caitlinatseebriderun@gmail.com.