Pillars of Strength

Question

Pillars that need work
write it with this information
When tennis star Naomi Osaka withdrew from the French Open in May 2021 to protect her mental health, the move shook the tennis world and put mental health in the spotlight.

As Osaka, then 23 and the No. 2 player in the world, walked away from the Grand Slam event at the top of her game, she shared her struggles with depression and anxiety with her fans. The move was unprecedented in the sport and deeply relatable for many.

"The truth is that I have suffered long bouts of depression since the US Open in 2018 and I have had a really hard time coping with that,” she wrote on Instagram at the time.

"I think now the best thing for the tournament, the other players and my well-being is that I withdraw so that everyone can get back to focusing on the tennis going on in Paris," Osaka wrote. "I never wanted to be a distraction and I accept that my timing was not ideal and my message could have been clearer. More importantly I would never trivialize mental health or use the term lightly."

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Saying out loud that I'll take a break and I'll come back when I am truly in love with the sport and I know what I want to do here, it gave me time to reset."
Osaka, who has returned to tennis competition, most recently competing in the Australian Open, is now reflecting on that moment and why she chose to speak about her mental health.

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"It was important to me to be public because ... I think it gives me clarity," Osaka, 24, said in an interview with "Good Morning America." "Just saying out loud that I'll take a break and I'll come back when I am truly in love with the sport and I know what I want to do here; it gave me time to reset myself."

Journaling has become a regular part of her self-care routine, she said.

"Lately, I’ve been writing in my journal, and I think that that keeps my thoughts in order," she said. "I feel like it gives me clarity on what I want to do and what I want to accomplish."

Naomi Osaka of Japan kisses the trophy in celebration after winning her Women's Singles final match against Victoria Azarenka of Belarus at the U.S. Open, Sept. 12, 2020, in New York City.
Al Bello/Getty Images, FILE
Osaka said her ambitions extend beyond the court to being an entrepreneur and the founder of KINLÒ, a beauty brand designed for melanin-rich skin. The company launched in September 2021 with natural skin care products and sunscreen.

"KINLÒ was made for people with melanated skin," she said. "Because we found that there wasn't that many sunscreen products available for them."

Tennis star Naomi Osaka founded KINLÒ, a beauty brand designed for melanin-rich skin.
Naomi Osaka
Osaka said she hopes through KINLÒ she can bring awareness that skin cancer affects people of all skin tones and help everyone embrace their beauty and health inside and out. Her idea of beauty centers on celebrating our individuality with our skincare needs and rituals.

"I think to me, beauty is a uniqueness," she said. "Just embracing your uniqueness and your individuality is what makes you beautiful to me."

Answer 1

Pillars of Strength

Naomi Osaka's journey through the world of tennis highlights several pillars of strength that resonate deeply with fans and aspiring athletes alike.

1. Vulnerability in Mental Health: Osaka’s decision to withdraw from the French Open in May 2021 marked a monumental moment in sports. By prioritizing her mental health over competition, she not only showcased her strength but also sparked a critical dialogue about mental health in athletics. Her candid admission of enduring long battles with depression and anxiety since the US Open in 2018 was a courageous move that many found relatable, encouraging others to prioritize their own mental well-being.

2. Self-Reflection and Growth: In an interview with "Good Morning America," Osaka articulated the significance of taking a break from the sport to reconnect with her passion. This intention of reset underlines the importance of self-reflection and personal growth—critical components for success both on and off the court. By prioritizing her mental health, Osaka has demonstrated that stepping back can often lead to rejuvenation and renewed clarity about one's goals and aspirations.

3. Journaling as a Self-Care Tool: Osaka’s incorporation of journaling into her self-care routine serves as a powerful testament to maintaining mental clarity. She appreciated how writing helps organize her thoughts and reinforces her ambitions. This practice not only aids her in navigating her feelings but also empowers her to reflect on her trajectory and direction.

4. Empowerment and Entrepreneurship: Beyond tennis, Osaka has ventured into the entrepreneurial landscape with the launch of KINLÒ, her beauty brand tailored for melanin-rich skin. This endeavor exemplifies her commitment to creating products that address the specific needs of underrepresented communities, showcasing her strength as an advocate for inclusivity and health awareness.

5. Celebrating Individuality: Osaka's philosophy on beauty emphasizes the celebration of uniqueness and individuality. Her belief that beauty lies in embracing one’s distinctiveness reflects a broader message of self-acceptance and confidence, encouraging others to cherish their unique attributes as part of their identity.

Pillars that Need Work

Despite the strengths highlighted, there are also pillars in Osaka's narrative that require further development:

1. Navigating Public Expectations: While Osaka has opened up about her mental health struggles, there's still work to be done in how public figures manage the expectations placed on them by fans and the media. Finding a balance between personal well-being and public life can be challenging and requires ongoing dialogue around the pressures athletes face.

2. Expanding Conversations Around Mental Health: Although Osaka has made significant strides in bringing mental health discussions to the forefront, there remains a need for broader conversations and resources dedicated to mental health in sports. Continued advocacy can help in destigmatizing these issues and providing the necessary support systems for athletes.

3. Sustaining Long-Term Self-Care Practices: While Osaka has implemented journaling and self-reflection as part of her routine, sustaining these practices amidst the pressures of competition is crucial. Developing reliable strategies and support networks could help her, and others, maintain their mental health over time.

4. Broader Representation in Entrepreneurship: Though her brand KINLÒ addresses a specific gap in the market, there is still a need for increased representation and support for entrepreneurs of color in the beauty industry. Osaka could further leverage her platform to initiate initiatives that uplift other minority entrepreneurs, promoting diversity in business.

5. Embracing Vulnerability in Performance: Osaka's strength comes from her vulnerability, but a shift towards guiding younger athletes on how to embrace this vulnerability in performance could enhance the culture in sports. Workshops, mentorships, and open forums may foster an environment where athletes feel empowered to share their struggles.

In conclusion, Naomi Osaka exemplifies strength through vulnerability, personal growth, and entrepreneurship. However, her journey also reveals areas for continued growth that can further enrich both her life and the sporting community.