Embrace the positive, says AFLW Crows co-captain Chelsea Randall
AFLW Crows co-captain Chelsea Randall has had multiple setbacks this year but this “glass half full” natural leader is focusing on the positives — and likes one contagious condition.
AFLW
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Crows AFLW co-captain Chelsea Randall has faced serious setbacks in the year of the pandemic, but has embraced one contagious condition – the power of positive thinking.
The virus cost the two-time premiership player her job, she tore her anterior cruciate ligament in pre-season training and saw her team’s hopes of defending a glorious premiership snuffed out, as the women’s season was cancelled.
However, she is firmly looking on the bright side of life as she studies at UniSA to be a teacher, with a focus on physical and outdoor education.
She encouraged anyone feeling anxious due to the pandemic to surround themselves with positive people, get outside to exercise in fresh air and look on the bright side of life.
“I definitely believe in the power of positive thinking; it is about always attacking challenges,” Randall said.
“I did my ACL and I think it is important to understand we don’t always know why things happen, but you can believe that they happen for a reason.” She said instead of defining herself as someone who had ”done their knee”, she decided to be part of the “amazing courageous legends” club.
“I knew it was going to be hard rehabilitating, but I knew plenty of people have gone through it before me and they got through it,” she said.
“I knew if I remained positive it would be a pretty small thing in the wider scheme of life.”
The 29-year-old said exercise played a vital role in her overall wellbeing,
“I like to immerse myself in nature,” she said. “I think communicating with nature can change your entire mood and set you up for a good day.”
She said being outdoors also helped put you in a positive frame of mind.
“When I get to a mentally challenging moment, I like to take myself to nature and also to surround myself with positive people – it is contagious,” she said.
“They say you are the five people you hang around with the most, so I choose them carefully.”
Randall said the challenges of this year had its silver linings. Her surgery, being stood down from her job and having the football season cancelled allowed her to concentrate on her studies full time and return to full fitness ready for next season.
“Everyone has had to face an interesting year and deal with it,” she said.
“We are all going through this with a lot of unknowns and, it may be a football cliche, but I’m taking it day by day.
“I’d encourage other people to do the same and, importantly, reach out to family and friends and support each other.”
