Operation Beautiful at UCF

on February 24, 2010

I survived my first Operation Beautiful speaking engagement â€“ in fact, it went SO well!

The event took place at University of Central Florida and more than 125 students attended! It was so awesome to see such a large turn-out of women AND men who wanted to be there and discuss body image issues.

I arrived about 1 hour earlier to set up and talk with the representatives from the Wellness Center (who organized the event). These woman were so POSITIVE, STRONG, and AWESOME.

They made shirts for everyone that said â€œI Heart My Body,â€ which were grabbed up by the students like hotcakes. How cute is this?

I was so happy to see Megan and Kelly in the audience, as well as a few blog readers! It was really nice to have familiar faces supporting meâ€¦ I wasnâ€™t very nervous as a result. I felt super calm and excited to share my goals of ending Fat Talk.

The presentation included the Operation Beautiful video, ice breaker games, discussions about photoshopping, vanity sizing, positive thinking, and more! SO many people grabbed the mike and shared their thoughtsâ€¦ even the men! I think the exchange of ideas and experiences is so important.

I want to give a shout-out to the following companies, which provided PRIZES for the audience members. These companies all employ excellent people who truly support and believe in the mission of Operation Beautiful. You should support them, too! 🙂

This afternoon and eveningâ€™s eats were kind of sporadic because I was at UCF from 6 to 9:30 PM and didnâ€™t have a chance to grab anything from the yummy buffet provided for the audience.

Around 3 PM, I had a Cherry Chocolate Bomb Green Monster, which Ryan created based on a recipe by Kristen!

Expect to see this KILLER smoothie again! It contained:

1 cup rice milk
15 frozen cherries
2 cups raw spinach
1 scoop Nesquik (Iâ€™m sure a healthier alternative would be better, but itâ€™s all we had)
1 banana

I also had 1/2 cup granola and Chobani pineapple around 5 PM:

And when I got home from the presentation, I had three tiny pieces of spinach and mushroom pizza â€“ this probably equaled 1.5 real slice. The Husband made it before I got home; it was some sort of frozen pizza.

Whew!!! What a NIGHT! I am happy, but very drained. Speaking in front of people is intense.

Have a WONDERFUL night!

{ 145 comments }

Nicole, RD February 24, 2010, 10:20 pm
What a wonderful turn out! Congrats, Caitlin! You are one inspirational chick : )
Emily Eats and Exercises February 24, 2010, 10:20 pm
Congratulations on what sounded like a fabulous and engaging talk! I wish I could have heard it.

That cherry chocolate bomb gm sounds amazing. I’ve got to get to Trader Joes for some frozen cherries asap!
Mara @ What's For Dinner? February 24, 2010, 10:22 pm
WOOHOO!!! So glad it went well! LOVE the t-shirts and I want your shoes 🙂
- Caitlin February 24, 2010, 10:23 pm
  they are my power shoes! i got them at payless!
  - Mara @ What's For Dinner? February 24, 2010, 10:24 pm
    Seriously?! Payless here I come!!!
    - Caitlin February 24, 2010, 10:25 pm
      it was a while ago, though 🙁 but they always have cute shoes!
swimsutra February 24, 2010, 10:23 pm
Congratulations on the first talk… anymore in the works? You are definitely addressing an issue that is huge among college-aged girls!
- Caitlin February 24, 2010, 10:23 pm
  yes, i’m going to do another at UF next month, 95% sure!
Katie @ Two Lives, One Lifestyle February 24, 2010, 10:24 pm
Frozen cherries are so good with yogurt on top tooo. Great job on the speech! Did you have anyone tape it??
- Caitlin February 24, 2010, 10:25 pm
  The UCF Knight Vision (their TV station) filmed it – I will link to it when it’s posted.
Ryan @ Greens for Good February 24, 2010, 10:25 pm
So proud of you and excited that it went so well!!

For the record, the original Cherry Chocolate Bomb Shake was created by Kristen Suzanne of Kristen’s Raw. I just added spinach to it 🙂
- Caitlin February 24, 2010, 10:25 pm
  whoops i will edit as appropriate!
Bec February 24, 2010, 10:26 pm
Wow congrats on that big talk, I am sure you rocked it and everyone enjoyed what you had to say!
Ellen Collis February 24, 2010, 10:27 pm
Congrats! That’s so awesome! I’ve been reluctant to try any sort of Green Monster, but that one seems like the yummiest one I’ve heard of. Does it actually taste like spinach at all? Seems like an interesting pairing with cherries. But hey, I’m definitely not going to knock it till I try it!

http://www.firednfabulous.blogspot.com/
- Caitlin February 24, 2010, 10:28 pm
  seriously, no green monster plays like spinach – you should try them!
Jessica @ How Sweet It Is February 24, 2010, 10:28 pm
Congrats girl! 🙂 You look confident!
Nicole of Raspberry Stethoscope February 24, 2010, 10:28 pm
You’re so brave! you rock. Congrats.
Molly @thevegandorm February 24, 2010, 10:29 pm
I actually think Kristen invented that shake – Ryan did link to it on her post! Either way, delicious!
- Caitlin February 24, 2010, 10:33 pm
  my mistake! i edited 🙂 thanks for calling my attention to that!
Gracie @ Girl Meets Health February 24, 2010, 10:30 pm
Way to go, girl! Good prep for FitBloggin’, I’m sure 😉
Courtney February 24, 2010, 10:31 pm
Way to rock it out! If you truly believe in something that passion will always shine through!
Courtney
adventures in tri-ing
Matt February 24, 2010, 10:31 pm
Glad it went well 🙂 I have seen all of the NEDA week stuff around campus this week. We actually had a girl pass out on the elliptical on monday because she was like 85 pounds. It was really sad 🙁
Cheryne February 24, 2010, 10:31 pm
CONGRATSS!!! its so great that u are doing these stuff!
Angela February 24, 2010, 10:32 pm
Hi Caitlin ~ Congratulations!!! This is super exciting. I would love it if you joined herfuture.com…a social networking site for women of gen y and x founded by Gabrielle Bernstein, author of Add More ~in: A Hip Guide to Happiness. With your awesome message about health and body love, you would be a great person to have on the site. I hope you join us http://www.herfuture.com CONGRATS AGAIN!! U ROCK 🙂
- Caitlin February 24, 2010, 10:34 pm
  THANKS:) I’ll look into this!
Kara (@ Kara's Marathon) February 24, 2010, 10:33 pm
Congrats congrats congrats!! 😀

You should try to sell some of those shirts to raise $$ for your bike race – I’m sure HTP and OB readers (like myself!) would snatch them right up!
- Caitlin February 24, 2010, 10:33 pm
  Maybe I will make a tech t version of them! Wouldn’t that be fun???
  - Kara (@ Kara's Marathon) February 24, 2010, 10:36 pm
    That’s perfect!! Sign me up!
    
    Oh, and they should all be “size healthy” 🙂
  - Andrea @ Run, Eat, Date, Sleep February 24, 2010, 10:39 pm
    I’d buy one for sure!
  - Laura Georgina February 25, 2010, 8:12 am
    Yes yes pretty please!
Becky @ flybynyght February 24, 2010, 10:34 pm
Congrats on your talk tonight!!! I am very passionate about ‘hearting’ your body. Wish I could have been there! If only you weren’t a thousand miles (literally!) away!!!
Becca February 24, 2010, 10:35 pm
Congrats! You are doing an amazing thing! And I agree with Kara, you should sell those shirts – they’re fantastic!
Kyle February 24, 2010, 10:36 pm
I adore those T-shirts! You ought to have something similar printed up to promote Operation Beautiful…I’d totally buy one 🙂
The Brunette February 24, 2010, 10:37 pm
Congrats, the speaking engagement thing is HUGE!!!
Kerry February 24, 2010, 10:37 pm
Ever since you mentioned the Green Monster the other day I’ve been drinking them non stop.
Andrea @ Run, Eat, Date, Sleep February 24, 2010, 10:40 pm
Congratulations! I knew you’d do an amazing job! Love your shoes 🙂

That cherry green monster looks yummy!!!
Melissa February 24, 2010, 10:40 pm
congrats caitlin!
Justy2003 February 24, 2010, 10:42 pm
Congrats on your first OB public speaking! Sounds like it went well!
Brie (The Fit Bride) February 24, 2010, 10:42 pm
Congrats! Those shirts are so cute (and so are your shoes!)

I’ve had a big chocolate-cherry craving since seeing those smoothies everywhere. I think I’ll have to make one after I hit the grocery store this weekend!
Tracey February 24, 2010, 10:44 pm
Speaking in front of people is not easy at all and it sounds like you did a fantastic job. You even seemed to enjoy yourself which is huge! Great job!
cassie @ www.losinginthecity.blogspot.com February 24, 2010, 10:46 pm
congrats on doing a great job presenting… i have been hearing a lot about Chobani yogurt.. definitely need to try it..
- caitlin February 25, 2010, 8:48 am
  try the pineapple flavor – its really good.
Jessica @ The Process of Healing February 24, 2010, 10:47 pm
I would LOVE to have one of those shirts!!!

But congrats girl, so happy it went well!!
Cynthia (It All Changes) February 24, 2010, 10:48 pm
Having friends in the audience really help with the nerves. That’s why I don’t get nervous when I preach any more.
Sarah R February 24, 2010, 10:52 pm
So exciting!! Congratulations 🙂 Who would have thought that a post-it and a sharpie would turn into a book deal and speaking engagements?! Very very cool.
- Caitlin February 24, 2010, 10:52 pm
  Not meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
Danielle (Coffee Run) February 24, 2010, 10:52 pm
Congrats on the presentation! Public speaking is not easy but it’s awesome that you got the message out there 🙂
Lee February 24, 2010, 10:53 pm
Congratulations! That’s great.
Joelle (The Pancake Girl) February 24, 2010, 10:59 pm
I don’t like smoothies, but that actually sounds pretty yummy.

Congrats to you and the success of Operation Beautiful. Super exciting how fast this all seems to be happening!! 🙂 I want a tshirt, ps- so cute!
LindsayRuns February 24, 2010, 11:03 pm
so glad it went well! That smoothie sounds great…I’ll have to try it tomorrow!
Jamie February 24, 2010, 11:03 pm
Congrats! I hope your readership has increased today as well 😉 And I love the jeans with suit jacket look – it looks awesome!!
Jamie {inspired mess} February 24, 2010, 11:05 pm
Yay! So glad it went well! I was thinking of you! Congrats!!! Those shirts are awesome! Sounds like a wonderful event/nite!
alyssa February 24, 2010, 11:07 pm
thats awesome! you need to start traveling with this!! Im in college in connecticut and im sure the ladies here and maybe some of the guys would looooooooooove to see the presentation! there is so much fat talk on this campus daily (just with my roommates alone) that needs to be banished!!! travel asap!! and start in connecticut!! 🙂
- Caitlin February 24, 2010, 11:10 pm
  hehe tell your school to send me up!!
  
  i dont know where i’ll be going on my book tour yet but it would be cool to go to connecticut – i’ve never been!
Bridget February 24, 2010, 11:10 pm
This sounds like something I would have loved to have attended in college! Congrats!
Lisa (bakebikeblog) February 24, 2010, 11:11 pm
YOU ROCK GIRL! I am so happy to hear that your talk went well 🙂
Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) February 24, 2010, 11:21 pm
Congrats Caitlin!!!! I am so happy for you that it went well – I knew you’d rock it!!!!

Those shirts are AWESOME!
Beth February 24, 2010, 11:26 pm
Congrats!! Glad to hear it went so well. Those shirts are SO cute!
Shannon, Tropical Eats February 24, 2010, 11:27 pm
great job!!! major props 🙂 love the pink shirts too
MarathonVal February 24, 2010, 11:28 pm
Great job on the presentation!! 🙂 More college women need to hear this message!
Jacquie February 24, 2010, 11:31 pm
Congratulations girl! I’m sure it was fabulous and I wish you could be closer to do it up here 🙂
PS: I love the shirts
chocolatepickle February 24, 2010, 11:44 pm
I agree with the above- I would definitely buy a tee-shirt if you sold them! SO CUTE! Congrats on a great event:)
Amanda February 24, 2010, 11:59 pm
Woo hoo! Congrats on the good speak! I wish I could have been there. I love those t-shirts!
Steph February 24, 2010, 11:59 pm
Congrats on the successful speech/event!
It’s so awesome Chobani supports Operation Beautiful. You are one of the reasons I now obsessively buy their brand. I’ve never liked Greek Yogurt and I LOVE Chobani!
Keep up the good work 🙂
Julie @SavvyEats February 25, 2010, 12:27 am
Congratulations!!
Caitlin @ Right Foot Forward February 25, 2010, 12:47 am
I am so proud of you for speaking at this amazing event! It’s so awesome that you had this opportunity. Congrats, and I can’t wait to see what else we have to look forward to from you!
Freya @ foodfitnessandfreya.wordpress.com February 25, 2010, 2:54 am
Yaayy GO YOU!! You must be so proud of yourself and Operation Beautiful! I’m so happy for you 🙂 Have a great sleep, you really deserve it – you must conseve your energy for all the craziness that’ll happen when this book is a best seller 😛
Hedda February 25, 2010, 3:14 am
Congratulations, well done 🙂 It is important that society has role models like you.
In todays newspaper I read about how fitness centers here in Norway allow people under 16 years to participate in different work out classes, and how that just increase the pressure to look “good”. How these young people don’t realize that to be thin is not the same as beeing perfect, and that they lack a proper knowledge about nutrition and exercise. A lot of experts now fear that this will lead to eating disorders etc. I think it is a very important debate, we must try to prevent that people damage themselves because they want to look a certain way.
- caitlin February 25, 2010, 8:49 am
  that’s really interesting. i guess it all depends on the attitude of fitness centers. i know that being active when i was 16 prob would been a GOOD thing, but only if it was under the right mindset (healthy, not thin). very interesting!
  - Hedda February 25, 2010, 12:51 pm
    I agree with you, the attitude of the fitness centers are alfa and omega in this case.
    I started moving around when I was about 16 years old, which also could have been a positive thing, but it turned into a vicious circle. Eating nothing, and running around all day. Of course, I should not blame the fitness center for what happened, but perhaps they should have talked to me, not letting me use all their equipments for hours.
    It is so important to promote an understanding of health that does not involve the size of your pants.
    
    By the way- will it be possible for people in Norway to buy your book? 🙂
    - Caitlin February 25, 2010, 12:52 pm
      It’s only going on sale in North America to begin, but I think you’ll be able to buy it online and ship to yourself in Norway!
    - Hedda February 25, 2010, 4:47 pm
      Great, then I will do that 🙂
      
      I hope to be able to post Operation Beautiful- notes all over my university next semester. Spreading some love to my fellow students ^^
Lola February 25, 2010, 3:17 am
Awesome, Caitlin. So happy for you 🙂
christie, honoring health February 25, 2010, 6:05 am
I’m glad it went so well! I knew you would do an amazing job. You are very inspiring and your message is so empowering.

Those t-shirts are really cute, too!
andi February 25, 2010, 6:19 am
congrats on a successful event! i find that when you’re speaking about something your passionate about and knowledgeable about, it doesn’t matter if there is 1 person listening or 125–so no surprise that you rocked this topic. the t’s are super cute. 🙂
Rachel February 25, 2010, 6:38 am
You are such an amazing inspiration. I am very happy to hear that the talk went well and was well attended! I was telling a bunch of people who specialize in treating eating disorders about Operation Beautiful and its partnership with NEDA yesterday. They are going to check out your website! You are doing such important work. Thank you!
- caitlin February 25, 2010, 8:50 am
  thank you for spreading the word!
Karla February 25, 2010, 6:43 am
Great job! Congratulations!
Hangry Pants February 25, 2010, 7:12 am
Congratulations Caitlin! I knew you would love doing it and do it so well!
Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg February 25, 2010, 7:17 am
Congrats!!! That looks like it went awesome!!

I wish you could come talk to my classes 🙂
Jenn @ Livewellfit February 25, 2010, 7:20 am
Huge CONGRATS! That is so fantastic. 🙂

I thought of Operation Beautiful quite a bit yesterday. I had one of those days where all of sudden my mind was swarmed with negative chatter! It took some effort to push it out but OB was high on my mind during this process. Fabulous stuff Caitlin!
- caitlin February 25, 2010, 8:51 am
  wahooo! positive thinking is amazing.
Nutritious Foodie February 25, 2010, 7:28 am
Glad to hear all you had a successful night!

Keep up your good work 🙂
Jen February 25, 2010, 7:34 am
Congrats Caitlin! You are so amazing!

I think a lot of us dream about empowering women and helping them love their bodies. But the difference is you actually do it! I hope you know how truly awesome you are, and how many people you’re helping.

Come to SC for the book tour!
lauren @ Eater not a runner February 25, 2010, 7:48 am
Congrats! That is so amazing 🙂
Paige February 25, 2010, 7:54 am
Yesterday I answered your question about public speaking. I said that I hated it. Then, I realized that the reason I have always hated speaking in front of people is because I have always had to speak on topics that I didn’t really have any emotional interest in (like book reports in high school and speeches in college). I just had the revelation that if I were to speak in front of a group about something that I love (running/writing/food), that I would absolutely love it! Thank you for helping me learn something new about myself!
- caitlin February 25, 2010, 8:52 am
  GOOD POINT!!! i had to give a big talk in college about something i wasnt interested in and it was horrible! i think you’re right… when you feel like an “expert” and care about the subject, its a lot easier.
Sarah @ See Sarah Eat February 25, 2010, 8:12 am
I am so glad to hear it when so well!
Kristen February 25, 2010, 8:19 am
Congratulations Caitlin! I know you were nervous and I was so glad to hear that it went really well.
Laura Georgina February 25, 2010, 8:21 am
Yay!!! I knew you’d rock it. I think it’s so important that the message gets out to college-aged women (and men, too)–it would be great if it could hit high schools too, as that’s a key time to catch girls before the fat-talk, magazines, and social pressures REALLY materialize in college. Though then we’d need a few more of you 🙂
whit @ whitinspired February 25, 2010, 8:23 am
Congrats!! I’m glad so many people came out to support and hear what you had to say!
brandi February 25, 2010, 8:24 am
i’m so glad it went well! it sounds like there was a great turnout, and I LOVE those t-shirts they made.
Abby February 25, 2010, 8:27 am
That is great!!!! Good for you and being on the front line to end fat talk. Those shirts rock, too!
Britt @ Runnerbelle February 25, 2010, 8:28 am
Congrats!!! Sounds like all went well and you had an appreciative audience.
Kelly February 25, 2010, 8:38 am
Congrats! So glad to hear it went well!
Amy February 25, 2010, 8:39 am
A couple of things:

1) YES, Make a tech shirt!
2) Hawtest shoes ever.
3) I’m so glad you rocked your presentation!
4) Did I mention the tech shirts are a GREAT idea? 😉
- caitlin February 25, 2010, 8:53 am
  i am going to talk to some local printers about the shirts… it would be awesome!
Kindra February 25, 2010, 8:41 am
Great job on the presentation Caitlin! I went last night, and though I’m a UCF alum and about 10 years older than half the girls in the room, I had fun. Love the t-shirts too…I’m so going to rock my “I <3 my body" t-shirt while I'm working out! Funny story…the girl at the sign in desk saw my friend's wedding ring and exclaimed "You're engaged, how exciting!" Tina replies, "No, I'm already married." And the girl replies…"Oh are you and undergrad or graduate student?" And we're both like no…we're not in school anymore. We're just old and like Caitlin 🙂
- Caitlin February 25, 2010, 10:37 am
  aww thank you so much for coming!! i really appreciated it! we should meet sometime.
  - Kindra February 25, 2010, 12:00 pm
    I would love to meet sometime. I was going to introduce myself last night, but all the girls bumrushed that t-shirt table and it got pretty crazy! 🙂
    - Caitlin February 25, 2010, 12:04 pm
      do you want to come to the blogger meet up next weekend? a bunch of people are coming into orlando for the disney princess marathon and it would be nice to have you both there! email me if so! seebriderun at gmail
Morgan @ Healthy Happy Place February 25, 2010, 8:42 am
congrats on the successful presentation! how amazing!!!!!
amanda @ fake ginger February 25, 2010, 8:43 am
Congrats girl! Sounds like you did awesome!
Kelly February 25, 2010, 8:45 am
That’s so exciting, so glad it went well for you. I always want to leave operation beautiful notes up in my gym locker room, but I keep forgetting post its 🙁
Diana (Mymarblerye) February 25, 2010, 8:46 am
AMAZING. I love what “operation beautiful” is all about. Let me know if you ever have a speaking engagement in Texas. Your message to young women will be heard and hopefully many will benefit from it!
Sarah (Running to Slow Things Down) February 25, 2010, 8:52 am
Somehow, my having to speak in front of a group of 15 people doesn’t seem intimidating anymore. Look at the turnout of people who showed up! I think Operation Beautiful is going so far and you should be really proud. 😀

Any chance you’ll be speaking up here in New England soon? 😉
- caitlin February 25, 2010, 8:53 am
  im sure i’ll be coming up there on the book tour!
Heather February 25, 2010, 8:55 am
congrats, glad it went well!!
Morgan February 25, 2010, 8:56 am
Congrats, that is so exciting! I am so happy for you!
Heather @ Side of Sneakers February 25, 2010, 9:04 am
I’m so glad it went well–that’s such an awesome turnout! You are going to be a total rock star on your book tour!
Robyn February 25, 2010, 9:06 am
Congratulations, wish I could’ve been there to hear you speak! Come to NYC:)
Meg @ Be Fit Be Full February 25, 2010, 9:07 am
So glad the speaking engagement went well! Love the t-shirts. I would totally buy one.
Kelly @ Healthy Living With Kelly February 25, 2010, 9:08 am
You should sell those shirts!!! I would totally buy one!! Or TEN!
Angie (Losing It and Loving It) February 25, 2010, 9:09 am
So glad to hear it went so well. Love the shirts!
Maura February 25, 2010, 9:28 am
Congrats on your speaking engagement! I’m so happy it went well! I just wanted to say (along with everyone else) that you are such an inspiration to me & so many young people (men & women, alike.) As a type-A personaility (always striving for perfection), it is soo nice to know that yes, sometimes things don’t always work out as planned….BUT they can work out better! Fab job Caitlin. You should be very proud 🙂

PS. Shirts would be great!! I’d totally rock it in Boston. It may already say this but it would be cool if it said Operation Beautiful on the back with the dates of your book tour. Cheesy maybe, but it would totally spread the word!
- caitlin February 25, 2010, 9:33 am
  thank you for your sweet comment!
  
  i am going to look into shirts. i don’t think i’ll know my book tour info until like, the day before i leave! too bad 🙁
Jenny February 25, 2010, 9:32 am
Wow CONGRATS Caitlin! This is so exciting to read, and I am so thrilled that you are getting to go out there and represent Operation Beautiful! It’s truly awesome. And I love those “I heart my body” shirts 🙂
Sophie @ yumventures February 25, 2010, 9:39 am
Congratulations! I hope the book tour comes to Boston!
Paige (Running Around Normal) February 25, 2010, 9:41 am
YAY!!!! I’m so glad it went so well. I knew it would, but I’m glad to hear everyone was so eager to participate and it went off without a hitch 😀
Brynn February 25, 2010, 10:01 am
I had my first Operation Beautiful sticky note sighting yesterday. There was a note on the scale at my gym 🙂
- caitlin February 25, 2010, 10:15 am
  YAY 🙂 How fun! Did you take a picture?
  - Brynn February 25, 2010, 4:48 pm
    No, I wanted to! I didn’t have my phone with me but I’ll take a pic if it’s still up tomorrow.
DB February 25, 2010, 10:09 am
Way to kick butt, Caitlyn! I came to ask where you got your foxy blazer (and would still like to know, pretty please 🙂 but I saw the UF comment above–I work there! Email if you’d like a lunch date or even just a local reader contact. Gainesville has lots of tasty food 🙂
- caitlin February 25, 2010, 10:13 am
  I’ll definitely put something on the blog when the dates are sure!
  
  i got the blazer at limited – it’s the top of a pretty pinstripe suit.
chrissy February 25, 2010, 10:32 am
Congrats on a great first event! You look polished and professional and it sounds like everyone who attended had a good time. And I want one of those I <3 My Body shirts! Might have to make one at my next craft night…
Amber K @ sparkpeople February 25, 2010, 10:37 am
I’m so glad it went well! And those shirts are so cute!! Is there another way to get one?

That’s funny, I would feel more comfortable having no familiar faces in the crowd because at least I could tell myself “don’t worry about messing up, you’ll never see these people again!”

Yay for Sparkpeople being a sponser! I love it.

Ooh and I love Chobani yogurt. Too bad it’s been out at my store lately.
Jessica February 25, 2010, 11:20 am
caitlin,

The shirts are awesome that they made for your event! Congrats on your first (of many) speaking engagements! I am so inspired by your message! I can’t wait to get the final Operation Beautiful book!

Let us know if you decide to make shirts like that for the public to buy! I know I’d be the first to snatch one up!

love your blog! keep it up!
Carolyn February 25, 2010, 11:20 am
Congratulations on a what sounds like a fantastic event!
Rachel February 25, 2010, 11:46 am
Hi Caitlin,
I’ve been reading your blog for months now and haven’t commented before, but I just wanted to tell you that what you are doing through Operation Beautiful is so, so inspiring and is exactly what this generation of girls needs. As a person who has suffered with an eating disorder for years, I know the pain and heartache that results from not loving your body. Your blog has helped me in my path to recovery..I still have a long way to go, but I’m getting there! And I posted a whole pack of “operation beautiful” sticky-notes all throughout DC this past weekend! Thank you and keep being Beautiful!
- Caitlin February 25, 2010, 11:55 am
  thank you for your sweet comment! i am so glad to know OB has helped you! and THANKS for spreading the OB mission!
Lauren February 25, 2010, 12:23 pm
Congratulations on the success of your first Operation Beautiful speaking engagement! It sounds like it went incredibly well.

I was part of the Women’s Center at my college, and each year we’d hold a self-empowerment panel for the campus. My favorite segment was always the one about cultivating a positive body image, for women and men alike. It is SO necessary to affirm the importance of feeling good about yourself, inside and out. I love that Operation Beautiful fosters an open and meaningful dialogue about body image, a universally important topic. Recognizing, appreciating, and honoring your value is transformative!

Keep up the great work, and congratulations again!
Ashley @ Good Taste. Healthy Me February 25, 2010, 12:30 pm
That is awesome! Congrats!
Anne P February 25, 2010, 12:54 pm
I’m proud of you 🙂
kalli@fitandfortysomething February 25, 2010, 1:18 pm
How wonderful Caitlin. You are really making a postive impact. WOW…..Did you ever think this would happen with your very first note you posted?
- Caitlin February 25, 2010, 4:29 pm
  NEVER! I just wanted to do something nice! It wasn’t like I thought “Hmmm maybe I can make this into a blog!”
Gina February 25, 2010, 1:39 pm
Those shirts are great! You should post you presentation to your the Operation Beautiful site or think about mabye putting together podcasts of future presentations?!?!
- Caitlin February 25, 2010, 4:30 pm
  That’s a great idea! I will do that!
jessica February 25, 2010, 1:56 pm
You are amazing.
- Caitlin February 25, 2010, 4:30 pm
  thank you so much 🙂
Michelle @ H.E.R. February 25, 2010, 3:08 pm
Congrats Caitlin. The shirts ARE awesome! Keep doing the good work!
Gena February 25, 2010, 3:23 pm
Congrats on your first speaking engagement, Caitlin!
Amy February 25, 2010, 4:45 pm
Caitlin, congrats on the event going so well!! I love Operation Beautiful! I have to know, how can I get one of those t-shirts from the event?? I would love to order some!! Let me know! Thanks!
- Caitlin February 25, 2010, 4:47 pm
  i’m going to work on designing some official OB shirts… more info is forthcoming! thank you so much for your interest!

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