Spreading Positive Messages to Women Around the World

Everyone dreads moving, especially when it is half way across the country. But Maureen Troy, 37, decided to take on a new approach and created an adventure out of a daunting task. Maureen participated in a web based project called Operation Beautiful and not only did it brighten her long drive from Nevada, but likely put smiles on the faces of many strangers.

First let me introduce you to Maureen. Growing up the youngest of seven children, her family moved around around a lot because of her father's job. However, they always seemed to land back in Wisconsin. During her high school years, she lived in Mount Pleasant and attended St. Catherine's High School.

As an adult, Maureen gave into her nomadic tendencies and traveled around the country. But once again, after a long trip - covering about 3000 miles – she is now home in Wisconsin.

Maureen has always been a sensitive type – aware of her feelings and the feelings of others. It is in her nature to help, comfort and spread cheer so it is not surprising that she discovered Operation Beautiful. Started by Caitlin Boyle, Operation Beautiful has been featured on Oprah Winfrey and The Today Show. 

Here's a little history: in 2009, Boyle was struggling with her own body image and self esteem. One day, out of the blue, she decided to place a sticky note on a public bathroom mirror simply stating, "You are beautiful." She took a picture of it, blogged about it, and within three days had a website and a book deal. Clearly, the need for a positive message was powerful.

The mission of Operation Beautiful is to leave kind-hearted messages in random public places about positive outlooks; typically, but not exclusively, focusing on body image. Simple short phrases like:

• “Take a diet from negative thoughts; fill yourself with positive ones.”
• “Smile, you have something special to show the world.”
• “Own who you are.”

Maureen came across an article about Operation Beautiful and it made an impression.

“When I knew I would be making the cross country trip back home, I thought it would be great to participate in Operation Beautiful,” explains Maureen.

From Laughlin to El Paso to Epcot and Biloxi, she left notes in public restrooms all over the country:

• “A glad heart is all the beauty you need.”
• “Being the best you is a beautiful thing.”
• “Beauty comes in all sizes.”

Maureen shared these positive messages with the women of the world hoping to help change the nature of how we view ourselves, each other and the meaning of the word "beautiful."

“I just want to remind people that they are more than the lipstick they are wearing or the extra 15 pounds they carry,” Maureen says. “For me, I experience the most joy in life from the small gestures and little encounters in my day. The smile from a co-worker in the hallway, someone picking up something you may have dropped, the laughter you share in the elevator with a stranger – or finding a note in the lady's room telling me that I am beautiful. This is how I experience God. This is how I know we are all connected.”

Please visit Operation Beautiful to learn more and see pictures of hundreds of notes left and found. Maureen was featured on the website on April 22nd.

“The simplicity in it's beauty is what I think makes Operation Beautiful so special.”

Thanks, Maureen. I now have great plans for our summer road trips and I look forward to teaching my girls the value of confidence, spreading joy to others and determining self worth by that which isn't visible.