Admitting I’m beautiful may be the hardest thing I’ve ever had to say to myself.

“You are beautiful”…can you say this without laughing back at the person in the mirror? I can’t. Each time I’ve tried, it’s always been followed by self doubt and criticism. It’s aggravating but something I can’t get away from.

I was born with bilateral cleft lip…and sadly, it was pretty major. I have undergone 23 facial surgeries in my life. To this day, I still have major issues with my teeth (something that was never made a priority). As a child; I was always picked on. I hated going to school and I really hated being around other people. Because of this; I wasn’t a very social person. I was embarrassed of myself. I couldn’t stand for people to look at me because when they did, I could just imagine the bad things they were saying/thinking towards me. I spent a lot of time crying and even more times telling myself how much I hated that person in the mirror.

I don’t think things have changed much over the years. I still despise that reflection of mine and wish on so many stars that I could wake up one day and be that beautiful person I know I could be. I’m 36 years old and still find myself struggling to fit in. If there’s ever a time I do feel pretty, it is quickly dissolved the minute I look at that reflection in the mirror.

If you haven’t heard yet, there’s a movement that is transforming the way women feel about themselves; one post-it-note at a time.

Operation Beautiful, by Caitlin Boyle, is one amazing book and movement that greatly helps women take control and start slicing out self-hate, stitching up self-esteem and finally start healing from all the body drama that’s making us sick!” ~ Nancy Amanda Redd, New York Times bestselling author of Body Drama: Real Girls, real bodies, Real issues, Real Answers.

This book showcases notes from women all around the world. Women who have posted up self inspiring post-it notes for others to read. It also features their stories. It’s filled with inspirational interviews, research findings and tips for improving your outlook on life. It’s amazing and definitely one I recommend to every woman out there!

I invite you to join the movement, read the book and visit www.operationbeautiful.com. Maybe you’ll find that one story that will inspire you to change the way you look and see yourself.

If you’d like to join the mission; please visit www.operationbeautiful.com stories, pictures and descriptions of your experiences are always welcome and will even be posted on the site for thousands of others to read, be inspired and enjoy!

About the book:

Operation Beautiful; Transforming the way you see yourself one post-it note at a time

by: Caitlin Boyle

Release date: 08/05/2010

ARP: $17.00 US/ $21.00 CAN

Genre: Self Help

pages: 255/ paperback

Disclosure: A copy of this book was sent to me, free, via Penguin Group- through TwitterMoms for the purpose of my review. I was not gifted with any monetary compensation nor did receiving the book influence my thoughts and/or opinions. Thank you.