Making people smile one Post-it note at a time - by Monica

Today, after class, I went to Meijer and in all of the dressing rooms, I posted sticky notes on the mirrors. There are plenty of derogatory remarks etched on walls. What I would love to see is self-esteem boosters posted everywhere to overtake the shallowness. On the Post-its, I wrote things like, “You are beautiful” or “You can achieve your dreams.” I don’t know about you, but there are days when I need to be complimented and encouraged, to feel like I’m not alone. And, maybe, even a sticky note in a dressing room by a stranger can brighten someone’s day. No matter what happened that day, maybe finding that note while trying on a pair of jeans will remind someone that he or she is beautiful.

I got this idea from the website Operation Beautiful, which was created by a 25-year-old woman named Caitlin from Orlando, Florida. As soon as I heard about this site, I immediately went to the book store center and bought myself some Post-its. I began by posting it on a mirror at Oakland University, on a table at Café ‘O Bears, and today in about six dressing rooms.

Caitlin wrote on her site, “I began Operation Beautiful because I am dedicated to ending negative self-talk in girls, woman, and men. Through Operation Beautiful, I hope we can all encourage a positive body image in ourselves and others. I truly believe that your beauty comes from the inside, and your unique qualities that make you YOU should be valued and celebrated.”

This movement is growing in popularity. Every day, Caitlin posts pictures to her blog that others have e-mailed her of sticky notes they’ve either posted or found.

One woman named Diane wrote this on the website: “My husband found this site for me to take a look at. Today was a day of deep depression because of the way I now see myself. I am 54 years old, was diagnosed with breast cancer a bit more than a year ago and have now had my second breast removed last week. I have so many things to be grateful for: being cancer free, having a husband that love me in a way I never thought anyone would love me. Today I broke down several times. I had a doctor’s appointment this afternoon and when I came home there were post it notes all over the house for me. Now he has shown me your website. I look forward to looking at myself differently and accepting that look. One day at a time.”

Who knows how just one Post-it, whether to a stranger or to someone you know, can brighten their outlook. Trust me, people don’t hear enough how great they are. So why not remind them?
I dare you to stick a Post-it somewhere to make someone else smile. We would love to see it – leave a comment or e-mail us at missinspirenews@aol.com with a picture of your Post-it.

A couple of notes I posted in the Meijer dressing rooms today: