Al Franken's send-up of self affirmation is still hilarious. But to a 26-year-old woman from Charlotte, North Carolina, letting people know they're beautiful when they look in the mirror is serious business.
"Caitlan", as she introduces herself, is the editor of the web site Operation Beautiful. And she has begun a movement encouraging women to leave little notes of affirmation on public bathroom mirrors, in library books, and anywhere other women might encounter them.
According to Caitlan's mission message the site:
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.
Caitlan is a blogger at Healthy Tipping Point, where she shares fitness and healthy eating tips. Turns out she's into running.
Operation Beautiful now has a book published, and has been making the news in the States, and I just saw it posted at the "Because I Am a Girl Canada" Facebook page.
What do you think of this movement? Can a blind and anonymous compliment make a meaningful difference in people's lives?
Or is it worth it just to get us talking about health, fitness, and self-confidence?
So...you just asked "can a blind and anonymous compliment make a meaningful difference in peoples lives". This is kind of random and oddly fitting but I just got a card in the mail from "Anonymouscompliment.com"? I don't know who sent it (the company is the return address and I looked at the website and they won't tell you who ordered it), anyway, it said something really nice about me!... Mostly I am wondering who sent it but next I just feel really good about it! So, to answer your question firsthand: YES! It has made a difference and I want to make someone else happy now too! Maybe I'll send someone a compliment from "anonymouscompliment.com" or maybe I will fill a parking meter or maybe I'll just be nice to the mean person at work! ANyways, it put me in a good mood! Yay for me!
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