Drop a Love Bomb

on July 15, 2010
in All Posts

I’ve got a fun, special request for YOU today!

 

But first… breakfast:

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Isn’t it amazing what a splash of salt will do to a bowl of oatmeal?  It really brings out the flavors.

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My bowl contained:

 

  • 1/2 cup oatmeal
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 cup hemp milk
  • 1 sliced banana
  • Toppings:  blueberries, sunflower seeds, maple syrup

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It was a HOT breakfast for a HOT day!

 

Drop a Love Bomb

 

Ever read a blog post that just breaks your heart and makes you want to reach into the screen and hug the blogger?  Drop a Love Bomb is an interactive website that encourages followers to leave nice comments on one person’s blog per day.  The bloggers are selected because they are struggling or in need of a little positive support.  The best part is that they don’t know they’ve been chosen in advance and might not even know about the site – so one day they wake up and have hundreds of positive messages to read on their blog!

Update:  Due to some of your concerns, I’ve decided to remove my request to “bomb” one particular blog.  It was only meant to be positive, but I can see how it can be misinterpreted, so I’m retracting my request.  I don’t mind admitting I might have been wrong! 🙂 This is exactly why I encourage and appreciate discussion on my blog; I really do listen to what you have to say and adjust the blog accordingly.  Drop a Love Bomb is a great site, and I encourage you to check it out and bomb other blogs.  ;)  Also, please check on the comment #23 thread, which includes thoughts from the Drop a Love Bomb editor, Nate.

 

Update #2:  The blogger in question has responded that she loves the thoughtful comments on her blog, so we’re back to bombing here.  Please bomb Quinn’s blog with positivity and support!  She is suffering from a horrible eating disorder and needs to see herself and this world in a positive light!

{ 113 comments }

 

  • Jackie @ carolina_vogue July 15, 2010, 9:17 am

    Your bowl is making me wish for fall 🙂

  • Emily @ The Southern Belle Blogs July 15, 2010, 9:19 am

    Breakfast looks great! I’m definitely headed over to her page to leave a comment now – thanks for letting your readers in on this!

  • Freya @ Brit Chick Runs July 15, 2010, 9:20 am

    Oh that is such a good idea! I’m heading over their right now – I know exactly how she feels 🙁

  • Kelly July 15, 2010, 9:22 am

    Just went to do it. Love this idea!!!!!!!

  • Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg July 15, 2010, 9:25 am

    Wow– what a great mini-project! Very cool!

  • Allie July 15, 2010, 9:26 am

    What a great idea. I think that says a lot about you and how kind you are. I left a comment and I hope she sees how many people do care!

  • Estela @ Weekly Bite July 15, 2010, 9:27 am

    What a great idea! I’m off to comment on Quinn’s blog 🙂

  • Marilou @ Mostly Healthy July 15, 2010, 9:27 am

    That is such a good idea! Love it 🙂 Let’s drop the biggest love bomb ever!

    The bowl you used looks a lot like any “sugar shack” wall decoration here in Quebec 🙂

  • allison @ livingoneday July 15, 2010, 9:28 am

    wow. this made me choke up. ill be off to her blog in just a minute. great work, caitlin. i swear you are an angel on earth

  • Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday July 15, 2010, 9:30 am

    That’s a great idea. It really shows how the supportive the blogging community really is.

  • Madeline - Greens and Jeans July 15, 2010, 9:32 am

    Such a fantastic idea. I think one of the unexpected bonuses of the blog world is the community, friendships, and the support!

  • Kiersten July 15, 2010, 9:32 am

    This is so wonderful Caitlin! I know when I was depressed and struggling with my ED, my blog friends made me feel so much better because of their support.

  • Stefani July 15, 2010, 9:34 am

    Just left her a comment. Man, what do you say to someone who views the world like that? I’m very much a glass half empty kind of person, but I don’t think I’ve ever had days like she has had. I sincerely hope this helps her. Thanks for the great idea.

  • *Andrea* July 15, 2010, 9:34 am

    you are so sweet caitlin! i know when i had ED in high school i didn’t discover the blog world yet and it would have meant so much to have additional support.

    love starting the day with oats. in fact i did today too 😉 what type of hemp milk is your favorite?

    • caitlin July 15, 2010, 9:39 am

      I don’t really like hemp milk – we have the Tempt brand but it’s just blah. What brands do you like?

      • *Andrea* July 15, 2010, 10:34 am

        i only tried hemp once actually when i saw it on veggiegirl’s blog about 2 years ago (wow time flies!). it was hemp dream..kinda tasted sour or bitter to me

        i prefer almond breeze, pacific almond milk, or so delicious coconut milk is good occasionally

  • Whitney July 15, 2010, 9:35 am

    This may sound like a weird question, but do you have any suggestions of what the “right” thing to say should be. I went over to her blog and was really at a loss for words but I do want to try help.

    Thanks Caitlin!

    • caitlin July 15, 2010, 9:38 am

      Maybe just that although you’re a stranger, you’re thinking of her and hope she gets the help she needs because she’s worth it.

      • Amy July 15, 2010, 9:50 am

        Thanks Whitney for asking– and Caitlin for answering– I was at a loss for words as well, even though my heart was crying out. I’m headed over there now …

  • Emma July 15, 2010, 9:35 am

    The idea is lovely and wonderful, but her blog could be seen as extremely triggering…just a thought to those going to check it out.

    • caitlin July 15, 2010, 9:38 am

      Thanks Emma! How could I forget to note that? I just updated the blog post, thank you again for reminding me to be more sensitive!

      • Emma July 15, 2010, 9:39 am

        Thanks for being so receptive to hearing it…I appreciate you and your blog (and your heart)!

  • Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) July 15, 2010, 9:36 am

    That breakfast is beautiful! YUM! It is great you are sharing Quin’s story. I will go over there and check it out.

  • Heather @ Side of Sneakers July 15, 2010, 9:38 am

    You have stumbled upon the most wonderful, amazing things with Operation Beautiful- this is absolutely fantastic. Thanks for spreading the word!

  • Katie @ Healthy Heddleston July 15, 2010, 9:39 am

    THis is awesome Caitline! Headed over to the blog now..

  • Jen July 15, 2010, 9:40 am

    Love you for this! Headed there now. Oh, and I adore that bowl!!

  • Lynne July 15, 2010, 9:44 am

    That made me tear up, Caitlin. You are truly a lovely person. Am heading over there now.

  • Maria @ Oh Healthy Day (Formally A La Mode) July 15, 2010, 9:47 am

    What a wonderful cause! I just read her blog and she really needs our support. Thanks so much for coordinating this!

    On a side note, you almost make me want to try oatmeal again. Usually I don’t like it (gasp), but you make it look so pretty!

  • lainie July 15, 2010, 9:50 am

    I am trying not to be a party pooper here but while a love bomb might be good for some people, bringing attention to this girl may backfire. I was a long time sufferer from Anorexia so I know just how dark things can be. NOTHING anyone said to me at that point would make a difference, in fact, when I got more attention, I tried to be “sicker”… I know, that’s sick isnt it?! Now, as I reach 30 and have spent the past 15 years of my life “getting over it”, I can honestly say I am recovered. No, I am not a “recovering anorexic” I am recovered. Period. I made the decision to challenge myself. For every negative thought (for quinn it seems like they are all negative) I challenged it with a positive one. For every time I didnt want to eat out of fear of getting fat, I MADE MYSELF eat. THAT IS THE ONLY WAY TO TRULY RECOVER and to truly regain your life. The fact of the matter is that quinn wont get better no matter what people say: it is up to her and her alone.

    • caitlin July 15, 2010, 9:52 am

      I agree that you have to want to make yourself get better! Thanks for your opinion and sharing your experiences, I always like to hear about how different people view situations like this.

    • Wei-Wei July 15, 2010, 10:05 am

      I do agree. I hope she doesn’t get overwhelmed… I’ve had experience with an ED and I think getting attention and labelled as “having severe problems” could backfire. I do think that it’s worth a try, though.

      Wei-Wei

    • caitlin July 15, 2010, 10:06 am

      It’s interesting to hear you both say this because it gives me pause and makes me think about it – i think i would feel differently about doing this but 1) it’s a positive act, people are just being supportive and 2) she writes a public blog detailing her struggles. when you’re blogging, you’re looking for feedback or you’d be writing in a private diary. just my two cents! 🙂

      • Sarah July 15, 2010, 11:31 am

        I actually thought this was a little intrusive, too. I understand your point that blogging is more public than a journal, but to be honest, I wasn’t thinking clearly (nor could I due to malnutrition) when I was at the worst part of my anorexia so, if I had been blogging, I don’t know if I would have been able to think through the implications of putting my name, photo, and deepest thoughts up on a public site.

        Also, Quinn may have started her blog to keep up with a few friends or have a “safe place” to vent and never expected that a huge blogger would link to her blog and bring so many page views. It would make me feel icky and exposed if hundreds of people I had never met visited, commented, and discussed the “sadness” of my thoughts when I was in a dark place and expected only a few readers who I personally knew or felt connected to to ever see my thoughts. I think writing uplifting notes to someone dealing with a physical illness is much less intrusive than reading the thoughts of someone dealing with a mental illness.

        Again, though, this may just be ME and my feelings and this may be the encouragement Quinn needs to get on track. I definitely respect what you’re trying to do here–I just caution any readers who may feel invested in the outcome because if I were Quinn, I’d take my blog down immediately and freak out about the invasion of my privacy.

        By way of personal background, I consider myself an advocate for eating disorder recovery and write a blog about my recovery now. I’m well-aware that anyone could find and read it. I consider the benefits of writing (getting to encourage those struggling with eating disorders) to outweigh the negatives, but it still gives me the heebie jeebies sometimes to think that anyone I know or interact with could be reading my deep thoughts without my knowledge. When I first started, I had 5 readers and wrote about anything I felt. Having more readers now and realizing that anyone I know could find my blog has really changed the way that I write and the thought process I go through when I write a post. I was able to make the decision to make my blog more public, and I feel really blessed to have “controlled” the decision and therefore control the content viewable to the public. Again, not an insult by any means, Caitlin–I usually love what you do–I just felt like I had to share my opinion here.

        • caitlin July 15, 2010, 11:33 am

          Thanks for sharing your thoughts – I really do appreciate it and although I still support the love bomb effort, I can see how it could be interpreted poorly and hope Quinn is part of the group that would appreciate support.

        • Nate St. Pierre July 15, 2010, 1:01 pm

          Hi guys, I’m Nate St. Pierre, the founder of the Love Bomb concept. I was looking through the comments here on Caitlin’s blog, and I see dozens of people who like the idea, but I’m always, always drawn to the ones who don’t – because you bring up a very valid point. The potential for something like this backfiring is real, and it’s something I’ve wrestled with every single time I’ve sent one of these out – and we’ve done about 20 in the last 5 months.

          There’s always the possibility that someone will interpret these efforts poorly, no doubt about it. But I can tell you this: in the 5 months we’ve been doing this, we’ve never had a single complaint. Rather, we’ve had incredible stories of joy, gratitude and restoration.

          And I know you may say that this is different; this person has a mental illness. True, but please take a look at one we did recently for Jay, in the same type of situation. Here’s the post we bombed:
          http://mochabeaniemummy.blogspot.com/2010/06/conversations.html

          And here’s the result that she wrote about the next day:
          http://mochabeaniemummy.blogspot.com/2010/06/explosive-silence.html

          This is the kind of thing that has always happened with these missions. I totally understand your trepidation and I am very grateful for you bringing it up. I take these thoughts very, very seriously indeed.

          I’ve been in a state of mental illness (near death) before as well. And I can tell you that even though I wasn’t fully in my right mind, something like this would have woken me up to the fact that people do care about me, no matter what I may think or feel inside. And that’s the point of all this.

          I believe that there’s always a risk in everything you do, but if you’re always afraid of the small chance that it could go bad, you’ll never get out there and do anything. And that’s sad to think about when you realize how much good can (and is) being accomplished with this project.

          Thanks again for your concerns, sincerely. Caitlin, whatever you choose to do in all this is totally fine, and I understand. As for me, I’m going to keep this mission going.

          Thanks,
          Nate

        • Caitlin July 15, 2010, 1:04 pm

          Thank you so much Nate for your comments! I’m glad to spread the word about Love Bomb and I totally respect everything you do.

        • Sarah July 15, 2010, 5:25 pm

          Caitlin, you’re awesome, and I hope that me sharing my thoughts didn’t offend you or make you feel less eager to help someone. I appreciate your caring heart so much and it’s awesome that Quinn has reacted positively to the comments.

          Nate, thanks for responding to my comments and sharing the mission a little more. I also respect the intentions behind Love Bomb and I’m glad it has helped so many people!

        • Caitlin July 15, 2010, 5:30 pm

          Thanks Sarah. You definitely did NOT offend me and I TOTALLY understood where you were coming from, and I always want to err on the side of caution when people’s feelings are at risk, so I appreciate the enlightenment!!

    • heather July 15, 2010, 12:07 pm

      This is essentially what I was coming here to post.

      A lot of girls with eating disorders are sick because starving themselves, or puking, is the only way they know to let people know they’re hurting. (Just like with other forms of self-injury!) I’m not saying they’re “doing it for attention” in a negative, judgmental way, but they’re doing it for attention in the sense that nobody has ever taught them other ways to ask for love or support, or let them know that it was all right to ask for love or support at all. Thus, paying attention to an anorexic solely in regards to her disease can just reinforce the idea that the only way she can get attention, love or support from people is to be sick and become sicker–and this might just push her in the complete opposite direction of where you’re intending.

      Other people have articulated other reasons why this makes me uneasy. I know you mean the best, but people with eating disorders are mentally ill, and they probably aren’t going to interpret this the same way a healthy person would. I know I wouldn’t have when I was at the height of my eating disorder.

      • caitlin July 15, 2010, 12:14 pm

        I’ve removed the quest per your concerns. I appreciate your guys’ opinions, I take them very seriously.

        • lainie July 15, 2010, 1:04 pm

          Caitlin,
          I admire your humbleness…not just on this occasion, but everyday. You inspire so many girls to get out and get active, and with a positive and ENCOURAGING attitude to boot! For what its worth, after I recovered (and finished graduate school for Architecture) I decided to go back to school to become a registered dietitian. I dont know if I will work specifically with ED but my experiences then have most certainly affected how I see things now. Although I could’ve been 6 feet under by now, that experience taught me so much about myself and others that I WOULDNT TRADE IT for the world. I am one of the fortunate ones who climbed out of it…and I truly hope quinn accepts any help that is sent her way, from the lovebomb or otherwise. Add me to your Austin TX contacts and keep us posted if you do a book tour!

        • Caitlin July 15, 2010, 1:07 pm

          Thank you Lainie! 🙂

  • Hope July 15, 2010, 9:55 am

    I just left Quinn a comment. I love the idea. I am a firm believer that you can never be too gentle, loving and kind. Period;)

    • caitlin July 15, 2010, 9:57 am

      Love this comment.

  • Jes July 15, 2010, 10:01 am

    Wow. Although 100% quinn’s decision, I really hope the comments make a difference, even if just to make her smile, because that is a start in the right direction.

  • Kathryn July 15, 2010, 10:01 am

    what an amazing idea/website.

    Just left a comment….even if we are strangers you never know when someone will say just the thing she needed to hear…lots of hugs for her!

  • Wei-Wei July 15, 2010, 10:03 am

    I hope she doesn’t feel overwhelmed… I feel so bad for her. I hope she knows how much we care!

    Wei-Wei

  • Courtney @ Three Months July 15, 2010, 10:03 am

    This is an absolutely wonderful idea. Off to leave a comment now!

  • RhodeyGirl July 15, 2010, 10:11 am

    I just went and read her post and now I feel sad. I just followed what you said to write, I would have no idea what to say otherwise. I love this idea, and I hope the comments somehow help her.

  • Camille July 15, 2010, 10:12 am

    What a wonderful thing to do! I am heading over there right now to leave a comment 🙂

  • Heather (Heather's Dish) July 15, 2010, 10:14 am

    this is incredible, and is making me tear up. i wish that i’d had that support when i was suffering with my disorder, and i love that we get to do this for such a beautiful girl!

  • Liz @ Tip Top Shape July 15, 2010, 10:18 am

    This is such a wonderful thing to do! It’s a fabulous idea and I am clicking there right now! Hopefully our comments can help..

  • Angela July 15, 2010, 10:20 am

    I suffered from anorexia in high school and college. In college it got to be pretty severe, it was also in college that I finally found support in my friends, who realized how sick I was. This is an amazing way to let her know that people care. So much of an eating disorder (at least from my experience and my sisters – we both were anorexics) is the need for love and support. I’m leaving a comment now.

  • Jackie (Peaces of Earth) July 15, 2010, 10:30 am

    What an amazing website, I’ve never heard of it!! I’m going over to Quinn’s blog right now. I hope that she finds strength in all of the comments!

  • Julz @ freshman5k July 15, 2010, 10:36 am

    That’s so awesome, I’m going over there right now!

  • Emmanuelle July 15, 2010, 10:40 am

    Great idea, I’m heading over right now! I hope she doesn’t feel too overwhelmed though.

  • Baylee July 15, 2010, 10:43 am

    Caitlin – what you’re doing for this girl is amazing. I was a little worried when I went to her site – as i used to be part of the ‘ana-blogging network’ when I was in knee deep with my eating disorder -thinking it would be filled with ‘thinspiration’ and other things of the sort. But it more so reminded me of when I was at that stage, when the world just seemed to be crumbling at my feet and nothing mattered anymore. it was no longer a battle with myself to see how little food I could eat, it just came naturally and it was mostly just to figure out how to keep myself alive without being rushed to the emergency room..
    thank you for doing this for her.

    • caitlin July 15, 2010, 10:46 am

      Thanks for sharing your experiences, Baylee. I think it’s important to lift the veil on diseases like EDs and depression and help other people understand them more. By sharing your thoughts, it really helps others.

  • Morgan @ Life After Bagels July 15, 2010, 10:44 am

    I have always believed that one person alone can propel a group into making a difference. Sometimes in my regular life that thought gets challenged a lot. I am so forunate to be able to read about your life / work everyday and be reminded that it IS TRUE.

  • Samantha @ Health, Happiness & Skinny Jeans July 15, 2010, 10:45 am

    Wow, very inspiring idea! All the best to her 🙂

    • Samantha @ Health, Happiness & Skinny Jeans July 15, 2010, 10:50 am

      I just visited the site and the post broke my heart. I hope that she feels supported by this and is able to take the small steps towards recovery. Thank you Caitlin for sharing this with all of us.

  • Marina July 15, 2010, 10:48 am

    This is awesome!
    I’ve been battling some kind of ed myself, and I think that it is wonderful for bunch of people to try and help that girl.
    I think you’re an angel Caitlin 🙂

  • Stacey @ Tipping the (Kitchen!) Scales July 15, 2010, 10:49 am

    I think I’ll have to add a pinch of salt to the next bowl of oats I make! The Love Bomb idea is so great and you are fab to support it!

  • Alyssa @ bride to be fit July 15, 2010, 10:51 am

    What a great idea!!! I’ll definetly be dropping a love bomb her way, thanks for spreading the word!

  • Jessica @ The Process of Healing July 15, 2010, 10:54 am

    How powerful can this be?! Love it. I will absolulely head over there right now…

  • Holly July 15, 2010, 11:00 am

    Caitlin,

    Thank you so much for bring Quinn to our attention. She, indeed, does need our support. Thanks for all that you do!

    Holly

  • emptynutjar July 15, 2010, 11:01 am

    Lovely. And I will support. Though I hope she finds the desire and will within her own heart to pursue her life worth living.

  • Chelsea July 15, 2010, 11:03 am

    After reading some of Quinn’s posts, I clicked on some of her commenters blogs and I entered a terrible world of Eating Disorder Blogs. Not recovering ED but people that encourage eating disorders. These are the people commenting on her blog!!! It was awful. I know I myself have had thoughts like their’s pop in my head every now and then, but it is so sad to live like that. It broke my heart. Poor Quinn needs comments from us everday.

    • caitlin July 15, 2010, 11:04 am

      She needs encouragement from US, not pro-ana! So terrible.

  • Tracey @ I'm Not Superhuman July 15, 2010, 11:11 am

    This breaks my heart. I’m commenting and I LOVE this idea. Thank you so much for pointing it out!

  • Michelle @ Give Me the Almond Butter July 15, 2010, 11:25 am

    Gosh, what an amazing idea.

  • Astrid July 15, 2010, 11:29 am

    I left a comment. I also clicked on a commenter and found myself in the world of negative blogs and actually got chills from it. Having been in that state of mind years ago, I am so happy that I am a member of THIS blog community. One that embraces everyone as they are and pushes them to thrive and grow. Thank you everyone for this.

  • Jessica @ Jessica Balances July 15, 2010, 11:30 am

    Caitlin, thank you so much for this. I think it’s so important to reach out to others who need our help, even when we don’t know exactly what to say. I hope and pray that our comments help her choose recovery.

  • K.C. July 15, 2010, 11:39 am

    Wow! This is such a great idea. This is a great example of how fabulous the blogging community is. Kudos.

  • Carrie H July 15, 2010, 11:51 am

    I have mixed feelings about this for all the reasons cited above. I know that you have the best intentions at heart, Caitlin, but I wonder how Quinn will take the attention … I think we all need to reach out to people and express sincere support, even to those we don’t know, but how do we know we’re helping and not harming? Especially when someone is, like someone else mentioned above, in the throes of mental illness?

    On a less serious note, have you heard the “This American Life” episode on the band “Ghosts of Pasha”? It kind of reminds me of this idea. In it, an improv team (with good intentions) in NYC gets together a bunch (like, 30-50) people to go to this unknowns band’s second or third show and act like crazy fans who know every word of the band’s songs to give them “the best day of thier lives”. The plan kind of backfires, though, when the band finds out that the fans were all fake and that they were kind of “set up.” It is a riveting show. You can listen to it here:

    http://www.thisamericanlife.org/radio-archives/episode/286/Mind-Games

    (It’s in Act Two.)

    • caitlin July 15, 2010, 11:59 am

      I love this American Life! I haven’t listened to that episode but I will soon.

      Thanks for your thoughts, Carrie!

  • Autumn Tao July 15, 2010, 11:56 am

    I posted on Quinn’s blog. Lovely idea Caitlin.

    Have a beautiful day.

  • Anya @ Fitness & Sunshine July 15, 2010, 11:57 am

    What a great way to cheer someone up!

    And I always put salt in my oats, even if I have sweet toppings. It makes it so much tastier 😉

  • Kimberly July 15, 2010, 12:02 pm

    Thanks for bringing this site to my attention. I had never heard of it before, but I dropped Quinn a line, and I’ll visit the site often to continue to spread the love. Thanks!

  • MelissaNibbles July 15, 2010, 12:05 pm

    This is such a loving act of kindness Caitlin. You truly have a big heart. However, I’m a bit hesitant to comment on her blog only because this is a very young girl in an extremely fragile state. I’m scared that this sudden exposure of her blog, her life, and her struggle could do more harm than good. While the comments will be mostly positive, I’m scared that a few trolls will slip in as well. The blogging community that she’s a part of is completely different from ours and it’s something I can’t begin to wrap my brain around. I hope this girl gets the help she needs and I hope that your act of kindness works and she feels motivated to get help not use it to feed her disease.

    • caitlin July 15, 2010, 12:14 pm

      I’ve removed the quest per your thoughts and other’s, too. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Melissa!

  • Lindsay @ The Ketchup Diaries July 15, 2010, 12:05 pm

    Caitlin, his is FANTASTIC of you. Thank you for alerting all of our readers to this. You know – I only read happy blogs and NEVER even considered that there are sad ones out there. How narrow-minded of me.

  • Kati July 15, 2010, 12:06 pm

    You always have the most interesting and inspiring topics on your blog. “Drop a love bomb” has come up with something so special that will hopefully bring a smile to those who really need it. Thanks for bringing this to everyone’s attention.

  • Shanna @ Weight And See July 15, 2010, 12:15 pm

    I LOVE this idea!!! I understand some people’s concerns, but I think leaving a simple messaging sending someone love is always well-received! I agree with Hope that you can never be too gentle, loving, and kind!

  • Catie July 15, 2010, 12:27 pm

    I love this idea also! It was a bit hard to think of something to say, but honestly something nice and sweet like “you are beautiful” I thought fit the blog. Not that I think my one comment is going to make a huge impact, but everyone’s combined should make some sort of a difference. If not we can all say we tried instead of sitting here reading her blog doing nothing about it.

  • Carrie H July 15, 2010, 1:00 pm

    Caitlin, you are awesome. I’m not sure one way or another if the Love Bomb request was good or bad (actually, I’m pretty sure this isn’t a “good or bad” or “right or wrong” or “black or white” situation), but you’re inclination to help others, listen to debate, learn and grow and keep on helping others anyway is inspiring.

    I’m dropping a Love Bomb on YOU!! Thanks for always providing a safe, amazing place for debate, growth and LOVE.

  • Ash @ a well spiced life July 15, 2010, 1:00 pm

    I love the idea of leaving sweet messages to people!!! I love reading blogs about healthy lifestyles 🙂 I find it motivating- I NEVER thought of the other side. Your post intrigued me, and I was reading some different blogs where girls were encouraging each other to be thin and posting ‘thinspiration’ pics! It broke my heart to read. It TRULY makes you stop and think about all of blessings that are offered to give you a healthy body and mind!!!

    Thank you for being a positive role model to young girls and grown women, alike =)

  • Christina July 15, 2010, 1:25 pm

    You have such a big heart. I saw some of her commenters’ blogs and the whole thing is a tragedy. What has our world come to for young women? Starving ourselves to look like what we see in a magazine? In a runway show?

    I was reading one blog where the blogger says that her Mom watches what she eats and makes her stick to ‘salads or starve’. My heart is breaking for this young woman. What a terribly abusive parent/child relationship.

    I hope all of those young women seek the help they need and get it.

  • Charlotte July 15, 2010, 2:13 pm

    Caitlin, your humility always impresses me so much. I admire the way you take both praise and critique with such grace. Just wanted to tell you that…well that, and to have an excellent day!

    • Caitlin July 15, 2010, 3:53 pm

      thanks 🙂

  • Rachel July 15, 2010, 3:17 pm

    Have you seen her response post yet? Looks like there is no backfiring.

  • Natalie July 15, 2010, 3:23 pm

    Hey Caitlin, I just wanted to let you know that Quinn has responded quite positively to the “love bomb”. I checked her site and this is an excerpt of what she had to say about the outpouring of love.
    “EDIT – oh my word, oh my word, oh my word! seriously, i don’t have the words to tell you how grateful i am to each and everyone of you who took the time to write a thoughtful and loving comment to me. i’ve never received such kindness in all my life and i can’t really explain how i make me feel except that there are tears in my eyes and each of you, in some small way, have made me feel braver and loved. thank you.

    thank you from the depths of my heart.

    you guys, you, all of you, are the beautiful ones.

    take care, know i love you and always will.”

    Your efforts were not in vain.

    • Caitlin July 15, 2010, 3:52 pm

      <3

    • allison @ livingoneday July 15, 2010, 5:25 pm

      oh my goodness how touching is that? see – our efforts were not in vain! you can NEVER be too kind to someone. never

  • Ali @ Redhead Reports July 15, 2010, 3:28 pm

    I was curious, so I checked out her blog!

    It looks like Quinn is really happy about all of the supportive comments.

  • Tammy July 15, 2010, 3:32 pm

    Looks like it worked! Awesome! On another note, where were all the comments? I didn’t see them!?

    • Caitlin July 15, 2010, 4:12 pm

      She has comment modification so she had to approve everything.

  • Jessica @ Rawtumn July 15, 2010, 4:06 pm

    I was curious and went to find her blog as well. So happy that she was moved by all the comments. I’ve been there as well and I could see both sides to the earlier debate but I just had to let you know how amazing your heart is Caitlin. I wish when I was in that place that I had such an outpouring of love as you brought over to her. The only support I had back then was from like-minded individuals and communities which were not always filled with healthy advice. It’s good to connect with people who understand the position you’re in but the light at the end of the tunnel usually comes from those on the other side. Love the drop a love bomb website, I will definitely be checking it out!

    • Caitlin July 15, 2010, 4:11 pm

      Thanks Jessica for your support!

  • Marie July 15, 2010, 4:15 pm

    This is awesome Caitlin. There are no words. I just left a comment; not really sure I said the right things, however I was so happy to read her latest post and that all these comments made her so happy! It’s so refreshing, in today’s world, to see that people are still reaching out to others and making a difference.

  • Heather July 15, 2010, 4:29 pm

    Caitlin. you are awesome. and you amaze me. and i thank you for being the kind of person i can respect and look up to. I thank you for being the kind of person who is not afraid to think about what other people are saying and not take offense when other people share their own differing opinions. I thank you for being the kind of role model that says things like ” I don’t mind admitting I might have been wrong!” I thank you for leading us in a revolution of random acts of kindness and for spreading love in places that need love, and reminding us that all places need love. I thank you for being you.

    the end.

    • Marina July 15, 2010, 4:33 pm

      Ditto 🙂

  • loreejo July 15, 2010, 4:49 pm

    i “missed” the earlier part of this post before you removed some info and link. it doesn’t matter. i read the two links that nate posted on comment #23 and am utterly uplifted just by reading. it strikes me that sharing whatever it is that frightens us the most, that’s so scary we want to hide it….helps liberate us from it. maybe not always, maybe it’s not a panacea for all things wicked, but being vulnerable, telling someone you’re scared, isn’t necessarily a bad thing. both you and your readers are a sensitive and caring lot; it’s actually nice to see respectful disagreement and caring listening.

    • Caitlin July 15, 2010, 4:57 pm

      I love the phrase “respectful disagreement and caring listening.”

  • allison @ livingoneday July 15, 2010, 5:24 pm

    wow, yet again this brought me to tears. ive been keeping up with the comments and updates all day. caitlin you are a wonderful person. im off to drob another bomb!

  • Jen July 15, 2010, 7:33 pm

    I wrote a message to Quinn earlier today, and reading through the other comments and her response totally made my day! I hope that this helps her get the strength and support she needs to overcome her eating disorder. Every kind action makes a difference!

  • Cindi July 15, 2010, 8:05 pm

    I have chills! This is absolutely beautiful! Love bombing rocks!

  • M July 15, 2010, 8:09 pm

    I admire you Caitlin for being straightforward,thoughtful and ACCOUNTABLE. There is something very admirable about someone who does not take offense when concerns/complaints are made,and is flexible and nonjudgemental.
    I love that you reacted quickly when a grave concern was raised.I am giving you a big thumbs up on this!!

  • Lauren @ Health on the Run July 15, 2010, 8:35 pm

    Wow. This is an amazing concept! Thank you not only for bringing this to all of our attention, but ALSO for being so receptive to feedback and concerns from commenters. I’m happy that this was received positively and I hope all the love she was given today will make a difference.

    I was so inspired by all this that I signed up for their emails — both for the Love Bomb and for their “It Start With Us” campaign. I love the mission of both and I LOVE the thought of being part of a bigger movement to make a difference in someone’s life (just by spending a few minutes of my time). Thank you so much for sharing this!!

    • Nate St. Pierre July 15, 2010, 9:05 pm

      And we’re quite happy to have you on the team, Lauren. Thanks for hanging out with us! You’re in for a treat, my friend. 🙂

  • Jenn (Jenn's Menu and Lifestyle Blog) July 15, 2010, 9:58 pm

    I love the idea of love bombs! How thoughtful. 🙂

    Jenn

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