In the Name of Self-Care

Email 1:

Hi Susan,

I just wanted to let you know that I need to take Wednesday off. I usually participate in what is now an implied weekly American holiday: Self-Care Sunday, but this weekend my phone screen cracked and I had to spend hours at Apple. I had no clue who was texting me or more importantly—who wasn’t. I’m sure you can see what sort of psychological trauma this would induce. As a result, my doctor advised me to book my Keratin treatment on Wednesday to avoid the trappings of my escalating Guilt Complex. Again, I will make it my mission to continually observe Self-Care Sunday so that this does not inconvenience you or the company ever again.

Stay nurtured,

Ashley

Email 2:  

Hi Bob, 

I am confirming that I received the creative brief on our new digital strategy going forward. I am also writing to tell you that my answer is no. The Oxford Dictionary defines self-care as “the practice of taking an active role in protecting one's own well-being and happiness, in particular during periods of stress.” This is a stressful period. I ask that you please respect my boundaries and consider my response through the lens of compassion and empathy. The ability to say no is a skill, and harnessing this power will allow me to continue thriving and flourishing—which is what I plan to do here at Lucifer and Smith.

With endless compassion,

Steven

Email 3: 

Hi Greta,

I am writing this in confidence, and as my boss I hope you take into consideration the sensitivity of this issue. After much personal resistance, I have been seeing a therapist to address what he deems a “maladaptive coping mechanism” that is affecting my day-to-day life. I’m a student of self-care and one of the ways to support authenticity is to dress in a way that makes you feel good. Gucci makes me feel good. So good, that I am $25,000 in debt. I was hoping we could talk about renegotiating my salary because frankly, I know what I’m worth. The final step towards realizing self-care is action and that’s what I’m taking. Action. 

Looking forward,

Sarah