Naomi Osaka is reflecting upon turning 26.
The skilled tennis participant celebrated a birthday on Monday, Oct. 16, and in a publish on her social media channels on Sunday, she opened up about beginning a brand new yr, life, and motherhood. Among the many insights she shares, Osaka defined how she’s grappled with self-doubt and confidence in her talents as a brand new mom.
“The place has the time gone,” she begins the publish. “I look again on my life, and it seems like I’m rewinding an previous VHS tape; it flashes by so rapidly, and instantly, I’m right here within the current. I usually attempt to retrace my steps to determine how did I find yourself right here.”
Osaka grew to become a mom for the primary time in July when she gave beginning in Los Angeles to a child woman named Shai, whom she shares together with her boyfriend, rapper Cordae. Since asserting she was anticipating, the four-time Grand Slam singles champion has saved followers up to date by way of social media posts, sharing photographs from a trip to Japan whereas pregnant and a sneak peek at Shai’s minimalistic and stylish cloud-themed nursery. A month earlier than she gave beginning, Osaka shared scenes from her princess-themed child bathe together with her followers on Instagram.
“I do know I say this usually, however I really nonetheless really feel like that child taking part in on public courts in [Queens], NY,” she stated in Sunday’s publish.
She continued, “Randomly, I ponder if I’m doing okay, is there an accurate path to soak up life, or have I veered off onto the scenic route for a little bit bit? Nonetheless, I’ve now come into the mindset that I can solely hold transferring ahead, and all the things that might be might be.”
Reflecting on her first few months of motherhood, Osaka added, “One thing I needed to conquer just lately is combating the thought that I gained’t be a very good mother. So many doubts raced by way of my head I needed to swat them away like mosquitoes.”
The younger tennis champion famous that she’s continually realizing how a lot her daughter is determined by her and questioning whether or not or not she must do higher. Osaka additionally described a relatable feeling for a lot of dad and mom.
“It’s such an odd feeling watching your child develop; you blink, and so they’re double dimension in just a few months,” she stated.
2023 has been a busy yr for Osaka, marked by many adjustments, together with motherhood and her announcement that she’ll return to tennis after a quick hiatus on account of psychological well being considerations.
In her publish, she stated “gratefulness” reminds her to breathe and never lose sight of the little issues in life. She concluded, “I’m so grateful to have one other yr, and I’m so grateful to everybody that believes in me, love you, and thanks.”
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