A couple of weeks ago, I got an e-mail from a publicist asking me if I would be interested in helping promote a new book on my blog. Several of my friends had already held giveaways, so I decided I wanted to read the book myself and feature it here. That turned out to be the best decision I could have made.
The title of this book, Operation Beautiful, represents a movement started by one woman and a Post-It note. Caitlin Boyle was tired of watching women pick themselves apart in front of the mirror, so one day, she posted a note in a public bathroom that said “YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL!” Little did she know, this one selfless action would inspire people around the world, change the way many people see themselves and redefine beauty.
Caitlin’s book is primarily made up of stories from various Operation Beautiful participants, and pictures of their Post-It messages, but she also provides valuable advice on the numerous factors that affect our self image. She addresses the all too prevalent “fat talk,” and the danger in comparing ourselves to the images we see in the media. Another chapter covers fitness and how to develop healthy exercise habits, and set realistic, fulfilling goals. The section on food talks about the battle with food that many people face, and details a plan for “The Dietless Diet” that focuses on eating real, natural foods in reasonable portions. It’s important to develop a support system among your family and friends, but also have to learn to rely on yourself.
One of the most universal lessons Caitlin relays is that transforming the way you see yourself is an ongoing process. She’s still learning to love who she is on the inside and the outside, and she recognizes that it’s not always easy, but that certainly doesn’t make it impossible. Reading the stories of people who have battled eating disorders and other demons, and those who have never been told that their beautiful or been able to believe it, is further proof that there is a light at the end of the tunnel, even if it may take you a while to reach it.
Every single one of us has battled self image issues at some point in our lives. I’ll be the first to admit that it’s something I struggle with every day. Looking in the mirror, my thoughts automatically go towards criticizing my imperfections. I know deep down that I’m beautiful, but sometimes it’s hard to truly believe it. I think that’s one of the reasons I enjoyed this book so much. The stories people tell are relatable and real, and it’s amazing to see the power of positive thinking. It’s not just someone telling you that it works, but story after story of specific ways that is has.
I’ve always been someone who derives as much joy from seeing the people I care about happy as I do from my own happiness. That’s why I send cards for random holidays, and try my best to be an encouraging and supportive friend. Each person who has participated in Operation Beautiful has found that whether they are the one who posts a note, or the one who sees it, they feel instantly better. This is just further proof that small selfless acts have a major impact.
As I read through Operation Beautiful, I saw so many messages that relate to my own Appreciation Revolution. While many of the Revolution posts focused on appreciating the people and things in our lives, it’s important to remember that we have to appreciate ourselves too. Be grateful for your body, regardless of whatever imperfections you perceive it to have. Being alive and healthy is a miracle that should not be taken for granted.
Beauty is subjective, and it has many definitions. It’s not shiny hair, long legs, or a size 0 waist. It’s compassion, selflessness, and generosity. One of my favorite descriptions of beauty in this book is from Jessica Daly, a 24-year-old from Trexlertown, PA: “The deeper I have dug, the more I have found that outward beauty is fleeting. If I were only to seek outward beauty my entire life, I would die incredibly unfulfilled. Beauty is in laughter with friends and family. Beauty comes when we open our hearts to those in need. Beauty is watching the sunrise on your back porch with your spouse. Beauty is in me. Beauty is not skin deep.” So, write your own definition. Read this book, and check out OperationBeautiful.com. Leave your own note somewhere, and let me know if you’re not smiling the rest of the day, because I’ll be totally surprised.
