I got my copy of Operation Beautiful today and thought this would be the perfect time to share my OB story 🙂
Ever since her first post-it note, Caitlin’s concept behind Operation Beautiful really spoke to me. I have always prided myself on being very supportive and positive towards friends and acquaintances. But inside my own head I am constantly berating myself for being fat, having bad skin, not being smart enough… I could go on.
I had been criticizing myself for so long I didn’t even realize I was doing it all the time. Anytime I would catch a glance of my legs in a reflection I would get super embarrassed at how fat I was. It was a horrible existence.
Looking back, I remember the first time I realized I was fat. It was in third grade when someone called me a “Hippo”. I still remember that day 🙁
The thing is, I wasn’t even really fat. Sure, I was on the chubby side and bigger than my friends, but it was nothing that couldn’t be fixed with a little less sweets and a little more games of tag.
But, instead of playing outside I holed up in embarrassment. I have been self conscious of my body since the age of 8. It’s really sad because before this time I was a very confident and out going child. 
Around the same time Caitlin created Operation Beautiful I was preparing for my wedding. I was about 15 pounds overweight for my height (I’m being conservative). Of course I wanted to look my best on my wedding day and was considering doing a crash diet.
But after really digging deep and thinking about it, I decided I didn’t want to starve myself for superficial reasons. More than anything else I wanted to be happy and feel good.
So instead of working on a food diet, I went on a positive thinking binge.
I reminded myself that I had tons of friends and family coming to the wedding and they liked me just as I was. I also reminded myself that Ben asked me to marry him even with the extra 15 pounds. And he would be waiting for me at the end of the aisle no matter what the scale said.
Life is way too short to be worrying about your weight when you should be in the moment. Especially if that moment requires you to stare into the eyes of the man of your dreams.
I jumped on board the Operation Beautiful train and actually went on a posting spree as I drove across the country last summer. Every time I posted a note it made me feel better and more positive about myself.
I posted in Salt Lake City, 
Yellowstone, Mount Rushmore and more!
And to prove how much good karma comes back to you when you do good deeds – a complete stranger left Ben and I an “Operation Marriage” note! It was the sweetest thing that has ever happened to me.
If you haven’t posted a note yet, do it today. You have a scrap of paper and a pen. Write a note. Even if the note doesn’t make you feel better about how you look, it will make you feel better about the kind of person you are and what you are contributing to the world 🙂
And don’t forget to pick up Caitlin’s book! One of my notes is on page 100 🙂 
You are beautiful. Thanks for reading. 
That’s so great! I’m right there with you on the losing weight for my wedding next May thing. I’m trying to just be healthy and let the weight follow.
Great story . . . onto reading your marriage note next!
thanks for sharing your story monica. i love hearing such positive things.
i can’t wait to see you next week! eek!!!
Thank you for sharing. This post is so honest, and I can identify with your story so closely. It’s wonderful to see such a positive change beginning in the world.
Love this. So honest and real just like everything you post.
This is a beautifully written post! Gave me chills. And you were such a stunning bride – it’s breathtaking!
Wonderful post! I haven’t yet left an OB note. I think I need to do that soon.
LOVE THIS. I was in the same position as you leading up to our wedding a few months ago, and Dan kept reminding me of all those positive things that you mentioned. And you know what? Your wedding pic is gorgeous!
Great post! It’s such a shame how other people influence our thoughts on ourselves!! I’m pretty sure that I saw one of your post its on the TODAY show this morning!
Loved this post! I didn’t realize you got married last year, I think I started reading after that point… now I want to go back and read your wedding posts 🙂
I can’t wait to receive my copy in the mail! Thanks for sharing this story. =)
Thank you for sharing your story, Monica. I think you’re pretty awesome!
thanks so much for sharing this. i LOVE operation beautiful!
Thanks for sharing your story! I wish I had started to grasp all of that positive energy before my wedding…unfortunately for me, my “enlightenment” that there was way more to life than the scale came about 2 months POST wedding. But better late than never! 🙂
What a great story!! Very inspiring!
Thank you for sharing your story.
Monica, what an incredibly story. Nearly brought tears to my eyes when you described how you started thinking to prep for your wedding! I know it’s definitely something I need to stop doing to myself – beating myself up is just a waste of time. You’re right. Life’s too short.
Maria
What a beautiful story. Thank you for sharing this Monica and remind everyone that we all struggle with our visions of beauty. Coming from such a strong and beautiful girl, it really makes it more impactful! 😉
what a great story! 🙂 thank you for sharing!
That’s a great story. I love hearing how others internalize the things that others (innocently) say to them. You are a rockstar and were a beautiful bride.
awesome post!
amy (from LA)
What a beautiful story. Thank you for sharing. 🙂