June 7, 2021

Hello Everyone,

Mark your calendars for next Tuesday, June 15th at 6:30pm EST for our The Likability Trap meeting hosted by Catherine.

The Weekly Three

1. Something about anxiety and boundaries from Naomi Osaka: Athletes do press conferences. Before big games, after big games. It's a requirement. If not, they get fined. Naomi Osaka announced that she would not be doing press for this year's French Open but the entire Grand Slam decided to threaten her with suspension from all of their events should she made good on her stated intentions. Her response was to step away from the court.

What makes this series of events so remarkable is that Osaka's decision was based on her mental health. She suffers from anxiety and depression and was setting a boundary to protect herself from a major trigger. Tennis wasn't ready for it "because mental health in sports, like in many occupations and environments, remains a complicated, under-discussed subject, still wrapped in stigma and dated notions about toughness and 'gutting it out.'"

Sharing this story is relevant to BOSLady as we transition back into pre-pandemic social activity and are asked (or allowed) to go back into our offices. Over the past year, what we've needed to stay mentally healthy has changed. Maybe what other people can do, like press conferences during intense competition, isn't doable for you. Don't be afraid to say so and to advocate for yourself.

2. Something about inclusive landscapes: What public spaces are designed for teenage girls? Playgrounds are for little kids. Skate parks are perceived as masculine spaces. Enter Make Space for Girls, the group "rethinking which age groups need to swing and climb, how to encourage physical activity (and not just playing a sport), and how to make a safe, sheltered place for outdoor conversation, according to surveys." An example of a space being designed for teenage girls? WIP Collaborative's "Restorative Ground" in Hudson, as shown below. Thank you for the link Alexandra!

3. Something about committing to creativity: Thank you Anna Brones

Thank you as always for reading,

Amber