Sunday was a rough day for me. I let feelings of self-doubt and inadequacy get to me and my mood was less than stellar. Top that off with some unkind words from a friend taking their anger out on me and ended up going to bed feeling as though I’d been punched in the stomach.
Not a good day. When I woke up Monday morning I was still feeling the after-affects, but with a little more clarity about the people I need in my life, how I want to treat and speak to people, and a little more respect for myself. I decided that the best way to make myself feel a little better would be to make other people feel better. What better and simple way to do this than through some Operation Beautiful notes?
If you’re unfamiliar with Operation Beautiful, I wrote about the organization in December. Operation Beautiful was an idea started by fellow blogger, Caitlin, that turned into a movement, as well as several books she’s written.
So how do you participate in Operation Beautiful? From the website:
Write a motivating note on a post it and put it up in a public place– such as on a bathroom mirror, in the gym locker room, or even on a random car’s windshield. If you want, you can write the web address www.OperationBeautiful.com on the bottom so other women can find the site!
The idea is to leave an encouraging note somewhere for another person to find, as just a little something to brighten their day. I headed out Monday morning and everywhere I went I tried to leave notes. Haha it was hard to put them up in places like my gym locker room without anyone noticing me! But I did and I felt so much better knowing that at least one of those notes would make someone feel better.
Now it’s your turn. I challenge you to leave at least one Operation Beautiful note somewhere this week. Just grab a post-it, write an encouraging statement or quote, and leave it anywhere. The easiest place is on a bathroom mirror in a public restroom! Here are some ideas:
Are you going to leave a note?
Have you ever left or found an Operation Beautiful note?
What do you do when you have a rough day?
I LOVE THIS! I have totally come across a few of these in Chicago, especially on public transit when I used to ride the Metra. Going to leave one on the mirror at the gym tomorrow 🙂
Oh the Metra would be a great place for them!
Operation Beautiful is such a great movement. I’ve gone around with friends before and stuck notes on mirrors. It ALWAYS makes my day when I see someone else’s not on a mirror.
I hope your week gets better from here on out!
I’ve never actually found one myself!
What a great reminder! I think sometimes we easel get caught up in our own emotions and don’t realize how we’re coming across to those around us.
Yes, I definitely do that too. Someone might take my being upset as being upset at them. Gotta turn that frown upside down! haha
SO sorry you had a rough day, but I think that’s an amazing way to combat it! I’ve probably only left 5 or so Operation Beautiful notes in my life, but it makes me so happy – and hopefully does the same for others!
I’m sure some people find them and think “oh that’s lame,” but I hope that at least one of the notes brightens someone’s day!
This really made me smile, thank you. I love the idea of operation beautiful, but I haven’t left any notes in a while. Winter’s really been getting to me lately- I’m definitely going to have to start posting some notes 🙂
Challenge yourself to post a couple notes today!
Such a great idea.
Thanks, Elle!
I LOVE Operation Beautiful!! I haven’t left a note in a while, definitely need to do that more often!
Write one today!
Love this! I’ve actually never seen an Operation Beautiful note in person, so I’m thinking I need to initiate it!
Do it! Write them out at home and then carry them with you!
You.are.awesome!! I love how you turned your frustration/anger into something so beautiful & positive. It takes a strong woman to do that!
I will def leave a note somewhere! Great IDEA!
Go leave a note, spread the love!
aw cute idea! hope you week gets better! i have yet to see any in chicago either!
Thanks, Marta!
Oh my gosh, I love this idea!! Totally going to post a note somewhere 🙂
Awesome!
Ugh, bummer on the tough Sunday 🙁 I’m so impressed, however, that you turned it around to be positive! Definitely going to leave one of these in downtown Chicago tomorrow 🙂
Hope you left a note!
So sorry about your crappy Sunday. I hate friend conflict… I think we’re both similar in that we hate any and all conflict — situations like that just consume me!
It’s awesome that you channeled that bad mood into something really beautiful. You’re awesome.
Yes – I do NOT enjoy conflict but at the same time try not to just always apologize and take the blame to avoid conflict. Hard balance!
This is such an empowering and inspirational idea. I used to do this when I was an RA in college for my students. I never realized there was a whole program and organization behind it! I’ve got to do it more for myself in my own apartment now!
Yes – definitely check out the website!
This is beautiful as are you. Hope the week has gotten better. Xoxo
Aww thanks!
I absolutely love this idea! This is definitely a great way to help lift someone up and make their day. We all need a little encouragement and a kind word every once in a while!
I agree, it’s nice to get encouragement from an outside source sometimes!