Dear Ladies (& Gents!)

I found this website (Operation Beautiful)  a while ago, and I found it to be so inspiring! Every human being has had days where they don’t think they’re beautiful, worthy, smart, or enough and that’s just awful.

Before my Grandmother passed away, she commented on how “ugly” she was feeling.  I was heartbroken.   She was eighty-five, living by herself in her own house, and the strongest woman I knew.  Really, she’s was an all-time trooper, not to mention gorgeous!  I of course, told her she was beautiful and meant it.  She said, “in your eyes I am, but not in mine..” What’s wrong here?  Even in old age we still have our doubts, instead we should be embracing what makes us who we are.  That little beauty mark is there for a reason, embrace it. There’s a slight rise/bump in your nose for a reason, embrace it.  Stretch marks, wrinkles, etc. Embrace them… I can’t stress it enough, you’re still beautiful! You’re still worthy, you’re still smart, you’re still enough! What makes you, you – isn’t your appearance, your grades, your job, your possessions. Instead… what makes you, you is your personality, your experiences, your likes and dislikes,

The point here, and the point of the website is to embrace yourself and think positively.  Negative self-talk hurts you emotionally, spiritually, and physically. Operation Beautiful is basically all about the positive. What you do is scribble down a simple uplifting note and stick it on a bathroom mirror of a public restroom; at work, at the gym, at school, at the shopping mall, etc. These acts can really brighten up a stranger’s day – you never know, they just might need a pick-me-up!! Simply put, we have no idea how someone is feeling, so we must always be KIND – compliment that person on their sweater, smile at that person passing you on the sidewalk, make a gift for a friend, help someone out with a task, etc!

I know I’m definitely going to be writing a bunch of encouraging post-it notes. I think you should too! If you’re having trouble coming up with some – just think of something you’d wish someone would tell you, or something you’d say to a friend…

Three Tips to Help You Be Kind to Yourself:

1. Rebuke the Inner Negative Voice;  challenge these negative voices – give yourself a dash of kindness, find something positive in the situation.
2. Practice Self Nurturing;  treat yourself as a worthwhile person- get healthier, take some “me” time, reward yourself for accomplishments, make a list of things you like about yourself and/or your success’, “fake it until you make it!”
3. Get Help from Others;  get support through friends, family, teachers, professors, advisors, or therapists – they’d be glad to help!

How do you practice self kindness?

P.S.: A cute idea that I’ve used is buying a little notebook/journal and having a section where people who are close to you can write a “little yearbook message” basically, a little blurb of what they like about you, and best wishes.  I find this really helpful, especially if I’m having a bad day. Great little memento too! (: