If you don't already know about Operation Beautiful, you've missed out. It's a simple concept; spreading a little bit of love, and confidence, one post-it message at a time. As women we live in a world of unrealistic expectations, our magazines perpetuate the myth that natural beauty is best whilst photo-shopping images to create unnaturally "perfect" models. We are told that we can have our cake and eat it, but we must punish ourselves with brutal diet and exercise regimes to compensate for those extra cake-related calories. Heaven forbid we enjoy that cake, go back for seconds, and not give a rat's arse if that cake happens to make us a little thicker around our middles. Operation Beautiful does it's best to spread a little joy, to tell us that we are beautiful no matter what shape we are, we are worthy no matter what job we do, we are loved no matter what our relationship status. And that has got to be a worthy message.
It struck a particular chord with me as I discovered Operation Beautiful this summer whilst at camp. You can barely move but for teenage insecurities at camp. It's a diversity camp, and everyone is accepted and loved for you they are (it's corny, but amazingly it's true. It's an incredible place). But that doesn't change the fact that wherever there are teenagers, or people for that matter, there are going to be body issues, crises of confidence and all of the other crap that goes with a rapidly changing body, social world and a sea of hormones. So I took up the idea of Operation Beautiful and ran with it. And a pack of post-its... And you should too.
No comments:
Post a Comment