Now that Love Your Body Week is over, it may be harder for you to think positive thoughts about yourself. Maybe you’re stressed, maybe you’re sick, maybe you’re tired. Maybe you’re overexercising, trying to attain an unrealistic ideal, comparing yourself to others. That’s where Keep Me Post-It steps in. The Keep Me Post-it campaign was started as a class project by BC sophomore, Toluwase Oladapo, because she “saw a void that needed to be filled at BC—too many robotic movements, not enough hearty smiles.” The project aims to promote both a positive self image and the spread of positive energy through the simple act of putting messages on Post-It notes and leaving them for yourself or others to read. The messages can be found in public places, such as the library or the Plex, or private ones, such as your own bathroom or bedroom.
Another contributor to the campaign, Nadya Karpova, Class of 2015, says that Keep Me Post-It “is an easy way to brighten someone’s day and surround the community with positive messages.” And she’s right—according to the official Facebook page, these messages can be funny, quirky, deep or sarcastic. They don’t need to be especially academic or profound; it doesn’t matter what they say, as long as the message makes you smile every time you see it, and will do the same for others. It’s so simple to just write something nice, and leave a note somewhere where people will read it. Amanda Gundell, Class of 2016, says, “I was inspired by the idea of BC students stopping and appreciating themselves and each other. It’s also really encouraging to unexpectedly see positive messages around campus.”
Although it’s a relatively simple idea, Keep Me Post-It exemplifies the Jesuit ideal of service, and being men and women for others. Statistically, we know that low self-esteem is prevalent among teenagers and young adults, and thanks to The Heights, we know what the numbers are for female students at BC. The Women’s Resource Center does an excellent job with Love Your Body Week, and works very hard to help us love ourselves. It’s up to us to take that body positivity they have instilled and continue it throughout the semester, because we have to be comfortable with ourselves and with each other long after that week is over.
The Keep Me Post-It Campaign will be having their main event on Friday, November 22nd, in the McElroy lobby, starting at 10 a.m. Make sure you stop by to tell the Boston College community what positive message you would write on a Post-It, out it on our board, then snap a picture and share it on the group’s Facebook page. There will be free candy, as well, just in case you need some extra incentive to feel good! For updates and extra Post-It positivity, like their page right now!
Photo credit to HC BC writers Meaghan Leahy and Nadya Karpova. All photos can be found on the Keep Me Post-It BC Facebook page.