Want to learn how to apply the Operation Beautiful mindset to your every life? You’ll end up healthier and happier than ever before – check out the details here!
Mimi wrote a excellent post about body image here. She says: “I know I’m not perfect. I accept I’m not perfect. I even revel in the fact that I’m not perfect.”
Lesley wrote, “I’ve been trying to post operation beautiful notes everywhere I can. I’ve posted them around Ann Arbor while I was there for the art fair and also at the Livonia Highland Games.”
Tina wrote, “I would of loved to see a note saying I was strong, or not alone, when I went through what I did last winter, I think its a great idea, saying your beautiful can mean many things, this website and idea is the most wonderful thing Ive ever heard of, Im going out tomorrow and getting post its and writing many different messages on them, and keeping them in my purse, I think this not only helps others, but will also make me feel good in the process.”
Kristian wrote, “My girlfriend and I have been together for about a year and I love her very much. When I heard about Operation Beautiful, it was like a dream come true. She has suffered from a self image problem and eating disorder for a long time. I am a Chef so food is a big part of my life, and you can see where things got complicated. In the last year, she has started eating again and stopped counting calories or starving herself periodically, but the resulting weight gain has been really traumatic for her emotionally. This, in addition to severe depression, has pulled her in and out of inpatient treatment for the last six months. Today I bought her a copy of the Operation Beautiful book at Borders and several pads of post-it notes. I plan to spend the next few days before she comes home filling one of the pads with positive messages to get her started. I also wrote this message (below) in the front of the book. I believe that Operation Beautiful will make a big difference in both of our lives.”
Luna wrote, “I suffer from major depression and plenty of suicidal thoughts because I hate my looks. It’s getting to the point where I don’t want to go outside anymore because I am ashamed and when I am outside, I panic. I also always compare myself to other women and cry when I don’t look like them. It’s hard to think I am pretty when the media bashes into my head what a women “should” look like. When I go out, the posters, mags, etc are of perfect looking women. I never loved by body, I started hating myself when I was 5. When I was picked on and left with no friends for my looks. No one has ever said I was, pretty or cute besides my mom and husband. I am going to start leaving notes at my work, I work at a theme park so plenty of people should see it.”
Robyn posted this note:
Charlie wrote, “I really do believe that a simple note from a stranger can make a difference in someone’s life. I know that if I saw one, it would really touch me! As summer can be hard on some women because it is bikini season and they have to show their body, I decided to post a note in a changing cabin of a pool in Montreal, Quebec, Canada (in French and in English).”
Amber posted some notes in the bookstore!
Love Operation Beautiful and want to participate? Post a note, take a picture, and e-mail your story to Caitlin at OperationBeautiful@gmail.com. Each note goes up on the site for thousands of others to read and enjoy!
Make a change in this world… it starts with YOU!
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Leslie,
I live in Ann Arbor! I wish I could have seen your notes!
I got a msg at redhook brewery today with this website. Thank you for the kind message.
I recently read about you in Women’s World magazine, and I think what you and others are doing is absolutely incredible. I was moved to tears to think how much these notes are making a difference in the lives of so many people, and that so many other people have been inspired (as have I) to pay it forward and continue leaving operation beautiful notes for others. As I get my post its and pens and begin leaving notes, I will be thinking of you and praying that God bless Operation Beautiful!
I also saw the story in Woman’s World. It reminded me of a time when I house-sat for a friend who was hospitalized after attempting suicide. I used decorated index cards and taped them all over her house, tucking them between the towels in the linen closet or behind the canned food in the cupboards. All of those “little love notes” said something that I valued and thought beautiful about my friend. She told me she was still finding them several years after those hard times had passed. We all need a reminder that we are created in the image of God and are beautiful and complete just as we are. Thanks for this reminder. Today I invested in a stack of Super Sticky Post-its. Your great idea has renewed my mission of encouragement!