"Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing. " -Helen Keller

Monday, July 13, 2009

You Are Beautiful

In today's world, it can be awfully hard for a woman to have a good image of herself. We are constantly surrounded by pictures of size 2 models strutting down a runway and gorgeous women like Jessica Simpson are called fat when they gain a few pounds. I don't know what you think but Ms. Simpson looks pretty damned marvelous to me. Hell, when Cosmo will airbrush inches off of someone like Cindy Crawford, there is something seriously fucked up with our countries standard of beauty.

When you are fighting infertility, fighting to get your body to do something it is suppose to do, it can become even harder to think positively about your body. First of all, your body is betraying you by not letting you achieve your very heart's desire. Secondly, it can be very easy to gain weight when you are pumping your body full of hormones and meds to hopefully, please god, have a baby. And, if you are really lucky (tongue in cheek sarcasm here folks), you'll complete the trifecta with depression which destroys body image and causes weight gain.

Well, you know what...fuck it all. Screw society and their love of near anorexic looking women. The people of *Operation Beautiful and I are here to tell you that you are beautiful just the way you are. What is Operation Beautiful you ask? Well, it's the brainchild of a wonderful woman named Caitlin and all you have to do to be a part of it is leave a note somewhere telling someone she is beautiful.

I joined in the fun today. I just finished reading a wonderful romance with a supernatural storyline. Its a brand new book with a long waiting list at the library so I know it will get checked out within a day or two. I left this note inside.
Its simple and to the point but I hope it will make someone smile and remember that they are beautiful.

People are having a lot of fun with this. One person put a note up saying that beauty is not defined by body size and left it in the diet food section of the supermarket. Some people are leaving notes on magazine covers or on bathroom mirrors. I went out and bought two packs of post it notes (hearts and butterflies) and left my first message today. I want to challenge you to join in. Not only will you feel good but you will make someone else smile. Who knows...it could be someone who really needs a smile.


*
Thanks to my friend Tammy for bringing Operation Beautiful to my attention.

13 comments:

Jen said...

I had never heard of this before...I've written many anonymous notes saying "you are beautiful" and left them places lol. my kids never understood why though

calliope said...

oh wow. this gave me shivers. What a cool idea!

Anonymous said...

Fantastic plan ! I must join in the fun thanks !

AnotherDreamer said...

That is very clever :) I like it!

Cara said...

You are beautiful ms. kristin -- for being you and passing on this movement.

chicklet said...

I hadn't heard of this before either. Very very cool concept.

Sunny said...

Aww, that is so nice! It would definitely make me smile! :)

I have that book (The Perfect Poison) on my nightstand, to be read very soon I hope. My copy is signed by the author, I was SOOO lucky to meet her in person... she's my favorite historical romance writer EVER! Can't wait to dig in. :)

Chris said...

I saw this when Tammy posted it and have been thinking. Will be joining in the beautification soon.

battynurse said...

I haven't heard of this before but what a great idea.

Meari said...

That's awesome, Kristin!

Anonymous said...

I love this! (and I might even try it)

Unknown said...

I think you might like my article called "The Infertility Club" that I wrote in Bay State Parent Magazine last month-- I'm writing a series on my adoption experience (we adopted my daughter, Talia in February). Here's the article: http://www.baystateparent.com/news/2009/0601/articles/017.html

Those of us in the "Infertility Club" are a special breed-- and yes, we are beautiful.

Dr. Robyn
http://www.BodyImageBlog.com
http://www.DrRobynsBlog.com

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful concept. I love that you left it in a romance/supernatural novel too. I know I've gravitated to such books during times of lonesomeness (especially during adolescence)... and times of joy too... but the idea of coming across the message in a time of need, it just makes me smile.