You are beautiful.

I came upon this art project without even realizing it a few years bask on a sudden spontaneous trip to Chicago. You Are Beautiful is an inspiring project that promotes a beautiful message and I've adored it ever since I saw its message lightly spraypainted on a sidewalk and was touched by it.

Now, I've just read about something similar through CoolHunting called the Thank You Project and it's pretty adorable. Business cards, postcards, and a stamp with the sweet, simple message, to spread to people who've touched you in some way, or just reach out for whatever reason you can think of at that very moment. Surprise someone by leaving one of the cards in an unlikely place for someone to stumble upon. It's just such a fun idea.

(Full disclosure: For anyone who didn't know, I started a project of my own a few years back, when I was getting over a particularly bad relationship and trying to find my ground again as a person. I've tried to keep it fairly silent and only tell a few close people, but since it has so much to do with these projects I guess I'll just come out with it. I walked into an art store and bought a bright pink felt pen and ever since have written the words "CREATE SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL" on some part of almost every dollar bill that has encountered my wallet. I've kept track of most of these bills and thus far have put several hundred out there. When I started, I tried some other sayings as well, but ultimately stuck with the one I felt the most connected with. And I've always wondered if anyone has found, noticed, or read them, anywhere, ever. Kind of like this Thank You Project, you really have no idea how, or IF, you can touch or inspire a complete stranger, and in some ways, it's that mystery that makes it all the more beautiful.)