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Operation Beautiful.
By MizFit | June 30, 2009
Subtitle: Im a little late to this soiree—but better late than never.
To know me at all is to know that my primary goal in this life is to raise my daughter to love herself & to realize that simply by being who she is that she’s ENOUGH.
(Mother’s Day 2009 flashback)
What I wish for her is this:
My secondary goal in this life is to help as many other people as I can realize this about their own damn selves.
If I can help one person (notice I did not say woman or female as this feeling of being not enough crosses all barriers) realize s/he’s beautiful & strong & capable simply by BEING then I shall die a happy MizFit.
As a result, I was BEYOND excited and extremely in awe when I stumbled upon Caitlin’s Operation Beautiful.
She’s started a one woman campaign (which is spreading like the proverbial wildfire) against negative self talk.
Her words:
Operation Beautiful is simple: all you need is a pen and a piece of paper.
I’ve begun 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 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.
Please to head on over and check out her site.
Watch the short video.
Ill wait. You wont be disappointed.
(By way of full MizDizclosure I choked up when I clicked through the various notes people had left, the messages they carried & the places they were tucked away.)
What followed for the Tornado and me was a YouAreBeautiful Extravaganza.
We pretty much lost our collective minds and plopped & tucked notes all over the Austin area.
First we hit up a parking lot:
Next we went to the gym:
Left someone a surprise inside her locker:
Yelled at the scale a bit (I know. We are opinionated Operation Beautiful word spreaders.):
Hit up the grocery (the one where they cringe when they see us coming):
Perhaps to their chagrin?
Next was the bathroom at Starbucks:
All while sporting these matching tees:
I have to say our Operation Beautiful morning was the best time Ive had in a long, long while.
I smiled from my core imagining people stumbling upon our messages & the conversations the Tornado & I had while we snuck around were priceless.
Suffice it to say she’s one three & a half year old who hath no shyness when it comes to approaching strangers and telling them they’re beautiful.
(yes it can get totally & completely awkward—but you’ll have that)
Now you.
I urge you to take a moment today, grab a pen & paper, and leave at least one note.
You dont need to go nuts and snap pics as we did—but I promise you that you will smile ALMOST as much as the stranger whose day youre making.
I promise.
Topics: Tuesday Trends |
June 30th, 2009 at 1:54 am
Operation Beautiful is such a fantastic idea! I’ve already put a few notes up around town, and am definitely planning on distributing some more. I love yours!
June 30th, 2009 at 3:07 am
Great idea!
NOTE: You
are
Beautiful
too!
June 30th, 2009 at 3:53 am
So cool! LOVE the putting it on the advertisement for beauty cream
June 30th, 2009 at 4:01 am
I LOVE THIS POST!!
You are such a cool role model and mama.
Off to check out the Operation link.
June 30th, 2009 at 4:15 am
Where on earth did you get that shirt?
Id love ones for my twins!
I shall follow suit today with the notes.
You show us the greatest stuff, Miz!!
June 30th, 2009 at 4:28 am
LOVE this idea. Had seen it before, but not the video. I have got my post its in hand and plan on making a day of it…where ever I go. I am going to post a few around my house too.
You are enough…….that’s my favortie!
June 30th, 2009 at 4:29 am
LOVE the concept- Caitlin is a genius! Adorable pick of the Tornado- how awesome are those tshirts. Keep up the good work
June 30th, 2009 at 4:35 am
I love that phrase of yours YOU ARE ENOUGH and Ive been using it on myself since I saw your mother’s day video.
Thank you for all you do, MizFit.
YOU ARE MORE THAN ENOUGH.
June 30th, 2009 at 4:36 am
I thank you so much for posting this. With tears in my eyes I am writing because this touches me deeper than a lot of things have. I never heard that at all growing up, as a matter of the fact I heard quite the opposite. To have seen a note like any of these posted could have made such a difference and positive impact on me.
Today I will begin, and begin right here in my own home with my children. Then I will spread the fact we are all truly beautiful in our own unique ways every place that I go. Every single one of us is just that, beautiful…even me.
Thank you for inspiring me, sharing this. You are awesome!
June 30th, 2009 at 4:57 am
I also laughed from my core ; -0)
Good one!
June 30th, 2009 at 4:59 am
Fantastic post.
I would love to hear more about what you talked to your daughter about.
She is the same age as my daughter I htink!
June 30th, 2009 at 5:01 am
You Rock.
I’d read about this, thought hmm, great idea… then promptly forgot.
Well, to be honest I’m a bit on the shy side and would be afraid someone would know I’d done it. (And like SO WHAT??? Yet that’s how my neurotic self-conscious brain works. Must Not Draw Attention to Myself).
So while I’m working up my nerve, you’re off plastering the town in positive messages! So awesome.
June 30th, 2009 at 5:07 am
How cool is the pic where we can see you as well
Did the store manager yell at you?
Love the makeup picture—totally gutsy.
June 30th, 2009 at 5:09 am
This reminded me of the quote from “The Little Princess”
I am a princess. All girls are. Even if they live in tiny, old attics; even if they dress in rags; even if they aren’t pretty, or smart, or young. They’re still princesses. All of us. Didn’t you father ever tell you that? Didn’t he?
-Sara
and that look on Miss Minchin’s face when it’s quite obvious that her father never told her any such thing!
June 30th, 2009 at 5:20 am
Love the OB concept! Will make it my mission today
Also, want to thank you for taking time to drop by my blog. I am amazed that you find time to support us all in our journeys, but it certainly means more than you can know.
Thank you for being the incredible person you are!
June 30th, 2009 at 5:31 am
Pardon my language, but this is f***ing awesome!! I would love to see people’s reactions, especially to the scale.
And I love that tee!
Thank you for this message today!
June 30th, 2009 at 5:33 am
No words.
I’ve never heard of Operation Beautiful.
Thank you for enlightening me & for spreading the self-love.
June 30th, 2009 at 5:41 am
Operation Beautiful is wonderful!
June 30th, 2009 at 5:42 am
Love this idea! We need more positive messages out there!
June 30th, 2009 at 5:46 am
I’ve seen a few people talking about this and enjoyed seeing it put into action.
Off to watch the video and then take action in my town, too!
June 30th, 2009 at 5:47 am
I’d love to hear about your conversations with the little one as well!
June 30th, 2009 at 5:55 am
Hey Miz,
You have…(helped at least one person). I know. My life (it’s better, way better, because our paths have crossed).
Keep rockin’ the world!!
(btw, love the message to your daughter!)
June 30th, 2009 at 6:12 am
Mizfit, this is a fantastic goal for your life — to help others realize they are enough. Great notes. I am sure they all made someone’s day!
June 30th, 2009 at 6:13 am
This is a great idea. I’ll go put a post it with a positive message in the womens bathroom at work right now! As always, thank YOU Miz.
June 30th, 2009 at 6:14 am
What a great idea!
June 30th, 2009 at 6:15 am
Cannot believe you put one on diet pills.
Did you run after?
I also want to know which came first for you:
The self-loving or the looking like you do (so fit)?
June 30th, 2009 at 6:18 am
Awesome!
June 30th, 2009 at 6:21 am
GREAT questions….more later when day slows or in a different post. Which ever comes first
June 30th, 2009 at 6:22 am
Your notes are great! I read them this morning on OB and was like, YES! MizFit jumped on the bandwagon!
Keep spreading the love!
June 30th, 2009 at 6:24 am
I think you should put it in a whole different post. That way you can have a lengthier discussion and that way we get more ideas and tips
OH, and I linked to your post! Hope you don’t mind!
June 30th, 2009 at 6:41 am
Thanks Carla, I needed this! You guys are beautiful!!
June 30th, 2009 at 6:42 am
how sweet! MAN! what a fabbo idea
June 30th, 2009 at 6:44 am
Last time I put a post-it on a car I wrote THAT’S NOT A PARK, MORON on some horrible git who’d parked in a disabled space. This sounds much more positive
June 30th, 2009 at 6:44 am
I’m with Meredith: LOVE the post; you are great mama; off to check out Operation Beautiful.
June 30th, 2009 at 6:44 am
I am worthy.
I am strong.
I am enough.
I love myself.
Shout-out to you, C, and Geneen. You both changed my outlook on my life.
-T in VA
June 30th, 2009 at 6:48 am
LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS! lOVE THE PICS TOO! What a role model you are for your daughter & all! Now, I need to learn to do that!
THX!
June 30th, 2009 at 6:48 am
First of all - your daughter is GORGEOUS!!!
I love this movement, don’t you? So fun and so positive. I’ve been armed with my post-its for about a week now!
June 30th, 2009 at 6:48 am
Oh, yeah.
June 30th, 2009 at 6:51 am
You don’t know this about me but I am the kind of person who will walk up to someone and tell them I think they are beautiful. I might not say, “hey, you’re enough!” But I have on occasion, shocked Chris by walking over to a pregnant woman who’s glowing, or some random stranger and say something to them. I’ll come back to Chris and he’ll say, “what did you say this time?”
Sometimes I can’t keep it to myself. I gotta share. The notes are a cute idea except you could get yourself into a bit of legal hassles inside the store.
Thanks for the info on Operation Beautiful. I have to put a post-it on my own bathroom mirror.
(taking a vacation day today)
June 30th, 2009 at 6:57 am
Cool idea.
June 30th, 2009 at 6:59 am
Ok…if I leave the house today I will do it! I’m guessing that the post it I left on the boys’ bathroom mirror that says “Make this room sparkle!” is not what you had in mind???
June 30th, 2009 at 7:07 am
Thanks Carla, you make the world a better place. Whenever I read your comments on my blog I feel special.
I got chocked up reading this post. It touched me because I feel I have given my 7 yr old daughter issues about her self image. I am trying to change that and I do see some good changes but I know I still have a long way to go. I appreciate reading all the things you say, they help me to be a better parent and a better person.
When we went to Disney for the first time in her little life we got to wear matching t-shirts and headband it made me feel so great.
You are beautiful inside and out!!! Thanks for being you!
Hugs,
Dawn
June 30th, 2009 at 7:11 am
Thanks for sharing this Miz. I just checked out the operationbeautiful site and am inspired. You can bet that there will be a post about this soon over at petiteflower!
And BTW, you ARE beautiful, just the what you are!
June 30th, 2009 at 7:16 am
Oh I’ll be smiling all day thinking of these! And how adorable is the Tornado?? I love that shirt. You do the best guerilla campaigns!!
June 30th, 2009 at 7:19 am
You are amazing! You are a beautiful person! You’ve moved me to tears! Thanks for helping spread the work and word about Operation Beautiful! XX
June 30th, 2009 at 7:31 am
You couldn’t have posted this on a better day. Thanks.
June 30th, 2009 at 7:42 am
AWESOMEAWESOMEAWESOME!!! off to post about too
June 30th, 2009 at 7:50 am
what an awesome idea!
June 30th, 2009 at 7:59 am
You know, I found a couple packs of those lined posties at a garage sale the other day and I felt driven to buy them, despite having oh, 20-30 packs of post-its at home. It wasn’t that “oh, look, cute office supplies” addiction calling, but something kept prodding me to buy them. Since the price was so reasonable ($0.50 total) and they would neatly fit in my post-it drawer, I bought them, figuring that with an urge that strong, a purpose would reveal itself. And now it has.
I’d read about this campaign and wanted to jump in, but was off doing something else not nearly as much fun or important. Thanks for the nudge!
(How excited am I? I get to use cute post-it notes and Sharpie markers all in one day!)
June 30th, 2009 at 8:00 am
This is a very cool idea.
Will you be available to bail me out if I get caught?
*snort*
June 30th, 2009 at 8:00 am
Such a “beautiful” idea. I have left one that says “Don’t compare yourself to others. U R beautiful just the way U R”
You never know who is going to find a message. Every person is struggling in some area and this might just give him/her the boost s/he needs.
It is hard to come to grips with our own image when media/society/culture is so image driven. As for me, I feel prettier as I become healthier. They seem to go hand in hand.
June 30th, 2009 at 8:00 am
Kind of reminds me of that Practice Random Acts of Kindness and Senseless Acts of Beauty bumper sticker. I haven’t seen one of these before, but I absolutely agree that every single little thing we do to make the world a better, more loving place adds up. What a great idea from Caitlin.
June 30th, 2009 at 8:06 am
Oh my cuteness. You guys wore matching I heart me shirts?! That is adorable. I’ve got in on the Op Beautiful too, but not to that extent. Think of how many days you changed for people. CONGRATS!!!
June 30th, 2009 at 8:15 am
check out http://www.lovedunconditionally.com/index.html
for loved unconditionally & i am enough bracelets
June 30th, 2009 at 8:17 am
I LOVE THIS!!! I can’t wait to do this myself!!
There is one blogger in a weightloss challenge I’m doing who posted a before pic and labeled it “gross”. Which I promptly chided her for because it was NOT GROSS it was beautiful because she is beautiful! I will take my notes out and leave some around — but I’ll also remember to spread some virtual ones around too because we can really get caught up on that here in the blogosphere!
June 30th, 2009 at 8:22 am
Just reading the post made me smile. And that shirt on the TT definitely made me grin. What a fabulous mother you are. If we all had had mothers like you, I bet there would be a lot less self hatred and low self esteem!
Happiness Awaits
June 30th, 2009 at 8:46 am
Love it. The simplest things are the best, so very often. “We don’t need no stinking #s!” Totally cracked me up.
June 30th, 2009 at 8:50 am
Love this message, Miz. And the Tornado is a very lucky little girl,
June 30th, 2009 at 8:53 am
I heard about Operation Beautiful before and I can’t think of a more wonderful idea. Truly. Fantastic.
I love your notes, and that you and the Toddler did it while wearing those shirts! You’re teaching her to have great self esteem at such an early age; it’s great.
I’m excited to spread the notes around.
June 30th, 2009 at 8:58 am
Love this–posting this everywhere and telling all my friends.
June 30th, 2009 at 9:01 am
What a wonderful way to inspire others (and yourself)! Great post Miz….
Mara
http://24stepstogo.blogspot.com/
June 30th, 2009 at 9:32 am
Promise I’m grabbing my post it notes before heading off to the gym today. What will the manly-men in the freeweight section think when they find a “you are perfect just the way you are.” on the 100# DB??
June 30th, 2009 at 9:36 am
Hey Gorgeous Mama!!!
I love your scale note ALMOST as much as I love those T-shirts. The girls and I NEEEEEED. In fact, I think everyone should have one of those!
Have a great day Carla!
June 30th, 2009 at 9:54 am
Very cool! Great idea!!
This has reached Canada and I’m planning my attack right now.
Thanks for being you.
June 30th, 2009 at 9:54 am
I often leave a note on a car that I know is a veteran’s…thanks for your service. Today, I’ll have to add a few beeuutiful notes too
I find it much easier to compliment strangers/others than myself.
OOOOH maybe try LINDA/#68’s idea then as well!
June 30th, 2009 at 10:12 am
Neat idea - I will attempt to leave a note while I’m out today!
June 30th, 2009 at 10:13 am
Just when I think I can’t adore you more…or think you are cooler - you go and do amazing stuff like this.
June 30th, 2009 at 10:25 am
Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. Fun.
I’m going to put one above my computer because I’m not very nice to me sometimes…that’s a start, right?
June 30th, 2009 at 10:28 am
I’m going to put one above my computer because I’m not very nice to me sometimes…that’s a start, right?
YES. Its the oxygen mask on an airplane analogy.
you need to love YOU before you can spread the luuuuuuve.
June 30th, 2009 at 10:38 am
WOW! What a great idea! I am going to get my sticky notes filled out TODAY and get this started. You could do this in email form as well! I am so excited!
BTW Miz Fit you are Beautiful and make a positive impact in this world, thank you!
June 30th, 2009 at 10:53 am
I wonder if it is possible to think you are any more wonderful than I already do.
This is awesome. Simply awesome. THANK YOU for sharing Operation Beautiful and showing what you’ve done! You rock!!!!
June 30th, 2009 at 11:05 am
I loveloveLOVE this. How fantastic. I have a post-it in my medicine cabinet with a Carson Kressley quote from his makeover show (that I can’t remember the name of now): “Is she perfect? No. Is she beautiful? Yes.” But I’d never thought about leaving post-it notes for others. LOVE it.
PS - WHERE did you get those matching shirts? I. Need.
June 30th, 2009 at 11:08 am
Tees? TARGET.
June 30th, 2009 at 11:13 am
OB has taken off so fast that I am just waiting to stumble across a note that someone else from the blogosphere has left! The message is wonderful, and so sorely-needed too.
June 30th, 2009 at 11:27 am
I’m going to look for your notes.
How cute to think of the Tornado wandering around and telling people they’re beautiful.
June 30th, 2009 at 11:46 am
This is AWESOME!!!! I’m so going to do this. (I have three girls myself, as some of you know.)
(I’m so glad I’m at home today, and can watch the face time. I look at your blog at work a lot, but I can’t watch the video because people would hear….:-P. So I end up not commenting and I feel so left out. And it’s hard to catch up once you get behind…)
June 30th, 2009 at 11:46 am
Miz you are so amazing. I really REALLY needed this today!
June 30th, 2009 at 1:04 pm
I saw that on Caitlin’s site, and love the idea! My daughter is 17 and I hope if I have taught her nothing is that she is not only beautiful on the outside, but more importantly on the inside!
People routinely come up to me and tell me how helpful, nice and caring she is - it makes me so proud to be her momma!
June 30th, 2009 at 1:13 pm
I was thinking about this post more even though I already commented on this. I was sleep deprived this morn…
My mom, as much as I loved her, did not like herself & it was obvious in her actions & words. She had been an abused child so I feel she did her best and was a great mom but she did not like herself. It is amazing how this can effect us so I think it is great that you are being such a wonderful role model for your daughter. I know that when I think back, many issues I have stem from childhood.
People don’t think kids understand things even when they are as young as 2 or 3 but they do.
THX for the great post!
June 30th, 2009 at 1:16 pm
Very cool.
Someone went around the university campus wehre I work last semester and left “You Are Beautiful” notes in random places.
They really lift the spirit and make you smile.
June 30th, 2009 at 2:08 pm
I’m buying a whole stack of post-its tomorrow! I love the idea!
June 30th, 2009 at 3:23 pm
Wooohooo! I’ve left a few of these and just had fabulous days myself as a result
June 30th, 2009 at 3:29 pm
How fun. I LVOE this idea. I am the WORST at negative self talk. I need to start leaving those sticky notes around the house for myself, then start spreading it around. I bet it made you smile from your core! Love it LOVE IT!!!
June 30th, 2009 at 3:42 pm
I love this. I don’t know what else to say besides you win the coolest person of the day award.
June 30th, 2009 at 4:39 pm
I have read about this on a couple of blogs and am definitely going to leave some notes (just not today as I am sick and don’t feel like going anywhere). I love the idea of using sticky notes, and I especially love the idea of putting a note on the scale. Brilliant! And what a great object lesson for your daughter.
You, MizFit, are beautiful!
June 30th, 2009 at 5:59 pm
I am probably never gonna write on post its and put them in random places, but I am going to send random text messages, e mails, and postcards to my BFF until she can see the beautiful and strong woman the rest of the world sees!!!!
June 30th, 2009 at 7:00 pm
Your notes are FANTASTIC!!!!
June 30th, 2009 at 7:11 pm
Bigger Fatter Blog is a must read of anyone into fitness. Very funny and informative stuff.
June 30th, 2009 at 7:15 pm
I loved this post. You and Emma rock! And you are both beautiful!
June 30th, 2009 at 7:27 pm
I love your notes! I have been inspired to give operation beautiful a shot :D. Perhaps tomorrow during Canada Day celebrations would be a good time…?!
June 30th, 2009 at 7:54 pm
[...] grains each day, so I have no clue what is up. I was craving carbs so much today that when I read Mizfit’s post and saw the tornado’s “I ? Myself” shirt, I thought to myself two different [...]
June 30th, 2009 at 9:02 pm
I’ve been meaning to put up my notes. Thanks for the reminder Miz. Love this concept!
June 30th, 2009 at 9:26 pm
LOVE this idea. I think I’ll do some tomorrow!
June 30th, 2009 at 9:56 pm
You know, its funny….for years now the banner greeting I put on my phone is “Hello Beautiful” Its been there for years. My beautiful and fit 12 year old asked me the other day, while she was sending a text to a friend of mine because I didn’t have my glasses and can’t text with out them! “Mommy, why don’t you ever change this?”
I told her, people don’t say it to me every day, so I make sure I hear it so I don’t forget.
You’re Beautiful
June 30th, 2009 at 10:18 pm
love love love love love love love love love
Must plaster my campus in these post-its. My students desperately need this message (hmmm, must consider talking to the dorm people about having these notes greet new freshmen moving in)
June 30th, 2009 at 10:47 pm
Added to my blog just now, even tho I had posted something just a short time ago. Good idea. Thanks for passing it on.
Vee at http://www.veegettinghealthy.blogspot.com
June 30th, 2009 at 10:57 pm
Tees? TARGET.
YAY! THANK YOU!!!!!
June 30th, 2009 at 10:57 pm
Ah, crap. Bad italics.
June 30th, 2009 at 11:01 pm
Sorry for multiple comments, but -
My mom, as much as I loved her, did not like herself & it was obvious in her actions & words. She had been an abused child so I feel she did her best and was a great mom but she did not like herself. [. . .] I know that when I think back, many issues I have stem from childhood.
Jody, this was my mom, too. Sometimes even now I hear her say things about her body (or mine, though mine are always precipitated by me), and it makes me want to cry - and I’m never sure if I’m crying for me or for her.
July 1st, 2009 at 1:02 am
[...] post, here, on Caitlin’s Operation Beautiful (oh how the word is spreading!). Basically I’m [...]
July 1st, 2009 at 4:44 am
[...] Mizfit posted these notes around town with her daughter’s help: [...]
July 1st, 2009 at 8:55 pm
Love this idea! Thanks for the smile. I will def give this a try tomorrow!
July 2nd, 2009 at 3:39 am
[...] Mizfit posted this note: [...]
July 2nd, 2009 at 8:32 am
I saw this website yesterday (Operation Beautiful) and I’m so happy I did. I LOVE THIS. And I choked up just like you. I cannot wait to start spreading the love. :o)
July 2nd, 2009 at 9:34 am
So cool! I love this! And I love that the Tornado is already learning about it.
July 2nd, 2009 at 12:23 pm
i have loved this idea since caitlin started, but i haven’t made any notes yet. gotta get on that
maybe when i hit up the gym for a run…
July 2nd, 2009 at 7:28 pm
I love the concept but fear being caught in the act and mistaken for a crazy stalker…so I won’t leave one on your car
Seriously, another great idea and what a great way to teach your daughter
July 3rd, 2009 at 2:01 am
[...] miss doing posts like the one I did on Tuesday which are more personal in [...]
July 3rd, 2009 at 8:44 am
Lovely! My 3 1/2 year old and my 6 year old daughters would love a morning spent doing this!
July 3rd, 2009 at 2:16 pm
This is an AMAZING idea. I can only imagine that you probably made someone’s (or several someones’) day! Great positive message!
Bethany
July 4th, 2009 at 10:26 am
Great idea, and Im going to be busy this week because I’m so doing that!!!!
July 15th, 2009 at 10:00 am
Did you tell your daughter what you were doing? Or is she too young (I don’t have kids yet)?
July 20th, 2009 at 4:36 pm
[...] do I feel called *period* to work to fight the media’s standardized image of thin, blond, flawless [...]
July 21st, 2009 at 2:00 am
[...] I havent forgotten the questions you left me in the comments. Did you tell your daughter what you were doing? Or is she too young (I don’t have kids yet)? [...]