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Be Part of the NEW 'Operation Beautiful' Book for Tweens

By: , SparkPeople Blogger
12/22/2010 2:40 PM   :  40 comments   :  10,466 Views

See More: motivation,
If you've been reading dailySpark for awhile, you know that we're pretty positive around here. We love to flood our site with optimism and enthusiasm to help you along the road to a healthier you. This world can be a scary and harsh place, but there are plenty of like-minded people out there, like my dear friend Caitlin. She started as just a colleague, but we've crossed the line into friendship. (Ah, the power of social media and online communities!) She turned a random act of kindness into a worldwide movement, a book deal, and now… she has some even bigger news to share.

Almost a year and a half ago, Caitlin talked to us about her mission.

"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!” Now, the Operation has spread beyond me, and hundreds of other women are participating. The women write notes and send them in, and then I post them on the site for thousands of others to enjoy. …

"My message is two-fold: first, that random acts of kindness are so powerful, both for the receiver and the giver. Second, I just want women to realize that they are beautiful--and I don't mean physically beautiful. Every one of us has an inner light that shines through and makes us unique. We've spent so much time, energy, emotion, and money trying to fit into society's narrow definition of physical beautiful. But if we accepted and embraced the way we are instead of trying to reach an unattainable ideal, we would be so much happier!"


And now for the big news, from Caitlin herself:

As you may know, I’m currently writing the second Operation Beautiful book, which will be geared towards tweens and teens. As I did for the first book, I’m running a contest to encourage people to send in creative and fun notes within the tight deadline (plus, you get to be in the book!).

Although the book is geared towards tweens and teens, the book will include notes from adults, too. The adults’ stories will reflect on their own tween experiences and will hopefully help provide readers with some perspective.

Find info on the contest here. Simply sign (or have your parents sign) this release form and either scan/email it to Caitlin at operationbeautiful@gmail.com or mail it to her at the address on the top of the release.

Have you ever left an Operation Beautiful note? Will you?


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Comments

  • 40
    I have tried it several times here at work and each time I go and look for it later it has been turn down and thrown in the trash........ makes me so darn mad I quit doing it at work. - 12/27/2010   4:28:06 PM
  • 39
    That is an awesome idea...I haven't seen it down yet but would love to put it into action at the places I go. - 12/25/2010   7:30:18 PM
  • 38
    What a wonderful simple idea - 12/24/2010   7:03:07 AM
  • 37
    NO. - 12/23/2010   11:53:36 PM
  • 36
    definitely will be using this - 12/23/2010   10:40:11 PM
  • 35
    I have left notes more than once. I like to think that someone found them that truly needed them in that moment. We have got to bring one another up instead of tearing one another down! - 12/23/2010   12:38:42 PM
  • 34
    Wow I love this!! I am going to do it next time I go out and about. I have helped people out many times that I don't know but, the kind words to leave on a post it not are just so cool. I think that they could bright up someone ones day that is down and out!! - 12/23/2010   12:01:12 PM
  • SUNSET09
    33
    I've never heard of this and I think being verbal with a compliment is a good thing as well. I like this concept and also believe in paying it forward. This will become one of my New Year's resolutino, thanx! - 12/23/2010   11:56:35 AM
  • 32
    I do this everytime I see an Operation Beautiful article. It reminds me to go out and spread positive energy. I don't send them in because to me its not about me, its about helping to empower women. - 12/23/2010   11:46:26 AM
  • 31
    This is a great idea. - 12/23/2010   11:19:00 AM
  • 30
    I've left notes a few places, and have already been posted on her web page. I think this is wonderful idea and I'm trying to get my 10 year old step daughter involved for the new book! - 12/23/2010   10:45:53 AM
  • 29
    I have done this a few times for people. I was doing it a lot but I ran out of sticky notes and just haven't got back to doing it.
    the super sticky notes are the best! - 12/23/2010   10:21:01 AM
  • 28
    This is a good idea, I've never tried this. I have done random acts of kindness, paying the toll for someone behind me, etc. - 12/23/2010   10:18:59 AM
  • 27
    WOW! I have never seen a note in a public washroom that was so positive! I think i will try as well! Thank you! - 12/23/2010   10:18:06 AM
  • 26
    Yes, I have and plan to continue.

    I recently went to the ladies room at Sams & on the Mirror was a Post it Note saying - "You look Amazing today". It sure made my day.... - 12/23/2010   9:54:35 AM
  • KHALIA2
    25
    Haven't left notes, but has verbally told complimented others about their smile, or something they are wearing. I think this note thing is great! Will give it a try! - 12/23/2010   9:49:38 AM
  • ESLTEACHER1
    24
    This is so simple to do and yet very powerful. I'll start carrying post-its in my purse and leaving encouragement in public places when I can! - 12/23/2010   9:36:58 AM
  • DJSAWALL
    23
    Now that I am in my mid-70's, I seem to notice the older women while walking in the malls, etc. Maybe the outfit is sharp, a classic pin her collar, well kept hair, sometimes just that fact they stand tall {even if they are short} and seem to have it all together. After reading this article, I will look harder at everyone, and try to leave a smile instead of seeing one first! Thanks.... - 12/23/2010   8:18:35 AM
  • 22
    Hadn't heard of Operation Beautiful before but I have a feeling I'm about to become a "graffiti artist." I LOVE this concept!!! Learn so many wonderful things through SP - THANKS!!! - 12/23/2010   8:05:55 AM
  • 21
    This is a great idea! I often smile and speak to someone who looks like they are having a bad day, but leaving notes randomly is wonderful. - 12/23/2010   6:28:48 AM
  • 20
    OH MY GOSH! WHAT A SIMPLE AND AWESOME IDEA. I HAVE NEVER SEEN THIS DONE BEFORE BUT I AM GOING TO START IT AROUND MY AREA!! - 12/23/2010   6:13:22 AM
  • JAZZYJAZZ86
    19
    Just a little encouragement goes a long way! - 12/23/2010   5:44:03 AM
  • 18
    I have never left a note like the one's you describe, but I plan on leaving lots of notes from now on! I work at the Salvation Army Homeless Shelter and the women that are living in the shelter would really benefit from a little note of encouragement every now and then. Thank you for a wonderful idea! - 12/23/2010   3:25:43 AM
  • MEGMEGMEG3
    17
    Thank you for a really neat idea!! - 12/23/2010   2:57:11 AM
  • LQUEST4754
    16
    Interesting concept! - 12/23/2010   2:29:10 AM
  • 15
    What a wondeful idea!!! I've never done it before.....but now i sure will! Thanks a ton for thinking abt this! ...Cheers! - 12/23/2010   2:03:27 AM
  • 14
    Oh my Gosh, I love that idea! That's nice enough to get me to want to carry around post-its all the time so I can do this when I'm in public places (that I don't think will mind/get peeled off immediately) - 12/23/2010   12:39:43 AM
  • CLECTIC-WANDRER
    13
    I have been participating in Operation Beautiful for quite a while now. I don't focus on teens per se, but I leave notes here and there around the office, or in random locations around the city.
    I think it's a wonderful thing to do. - 12/22/2010   11:24:40 PM
  • 12
    I love it! I actually ran across Operation Beautiful earlier this year and bought the book, but haven't had a chance to read it yet. I think this message is great for girls of all ages, everyone needs a boost once in awhile. I haven't left any notes in a public place yet (I plan to) but I have left some on my "tween" daughter's bathroom mirror. It seems like outward appearances become an issue at a much earlier age now which is really scary. - 12/22/2010   10:21:05 PM
  • 11
    I thinks its probably a good idea to do this for anyone - what I find irritating is this term 'tweens" why does everything have to be compartimentalised and given a special name? Were the kids deprived because they were just that kids and not teenagers ?? Who comes up with these stupid terms anyhow ? - 12/22/2010   9:09:09 PM
  • 10
    this is a great idea & I have been doing this for several years. I currently provide family child care & I send home a monthly newsletter & on every Sunday is some form of a postive message to the parents. We forget to tell o thers how important they are to them selves as well as others around them. - 12/22/2010   7:40:19 PM
  • 9
    This is the first that I've heard of this, and I'm inspired to leave a note. :) What a great message! - 12/22/2010   6:40:46 PM
  • J1L2S3
    8
    This is a great idea! Something so simple, but so powerful! Love it! - 12/22/2010   6:30:39 PM
  • CATHYUNEW
    7
    What an excellent idea. I work in an elementary school and it is so obvious that the young girls are already way to concerned with physical beauty and much too hard on themselves! - 12/22/2010   5:40:31 PM
  • 6
    I've done Operation Beautiful notes before, and we do them as a camp activity at Rosie's Girls summer camp sometimes. It's such a fun, empowering way to get girls and teens thinking about battling negative imagery and embracing their true selves! - 12/22/2010   5:25:21 PM
  • 5
    What a beautiful way to cheer someone up! I love it. - 12/22/2010   5:13:55 PM
  • 4
    I have and I plan on my daughters doing the same. Such a wonderful way to cheer up somebody's day. - 12/22/2010   4:59:30 PM
  • 3
    I now carry a pad of post it notes in my purse. Sometimes at night I take time to write some positive messages on the pad and then I can just grab and post when the spirit moves me! I have placed them in ladies rooms at hotels and restaurants, at the grocery store on the baby goods aisle, car windows with car seats in the back seat and even the inside of the choir door at church...no I do not sing in the choir!
    "you are beautiful just the way God made you" "God wants you to smile more today!" "You are Special!" "Give a random smile away" "Don't hide your inner beauty" "So happy to make you smile!" I also include the website...It is a beautiful way to make a random act of kindness count. Today I am off to Costco... I will post them where ever I can sneak one up! - 12/22/2010   4:27:10 PM
  • 2
    I truely believe this is a great project & I will plan on it. - 12/22/2010   3:31:29 PM
  • SUPERHEROIAM
    1
    I haven't left a note yet, but I plan to in the near future. This is a wonderful project and I look forward to the books. - 12/22/2010   3:26:51 PM

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