Carla’s Corner – Edition One
Dual Commonwealth Games gold medallist and world champion Carla Krizanic will be sharing her thoughts and perspective with bowls.com.au readers in a reoccurring weekly article branded ‘Carla’s Corner’ throughout the remainder of the year, as she lives through Victorian lockdown restrictions while eagerly awaiting the arrival of her second child.
Welcome everyone to the first addition of Carla’s Corner, I’m looking forward to sharing my random thoughts with you all and I hope you enjoy the insight into the life of a BCiB Australian Jackaroos representative.
It’s probably pretty obvious but the life of a Jackaroo is extremely different at the moment, compared to our usual busy lives of traveling, competing and training.
As a Victorian, I’ve spent a considerable amount of time at home in lockdown, which is a huge culture shock to someone who has spent the last decade of their life living out of a suitcase and predominately spending my time at a bowling club.
I mentioned on Bowls Australia’s new ‘The Right Line’ podcast (which can be listened to here) earlier this week about my struggles with motivation; I think it’s almost impossible for this last 18 months to have not affected all of our mental wellbeing in some way and whilst I’m doing okay, I’d be dishonest if I didn’t say my mental wellbeing has taken a bit of a hit.
For me personally the continual disappointment of not being able to get on the green and do what I love has been a real mental challenge. The ongoing cancellation of events that we all love has put a dampener on the sprits. The biggest hit was not being able to compete at the recent Australian Open and instead having to watch from afar.
Whilst bowls is to some extent a career for me, it’s also my outlet from my everyday job as a nurse and life in general. Being on the green is a chance to block out everything and just focus on the game and competing.
It’s really blown me for six not having my bowls community in such easy access but the last month I’ve really tried to change my mindset and get on top of my mental wellbeing and find that motivation again.
Watching our Aussies succeed at the recent Olympics came at the best time for me. The resilience and mental toughness they showed to get through that unplanned twelve-month delay was tremendous and so inspiring. If they can do it, so can I.
To get myself back on track, whilst I can’t get on the green, I’ve really tried to start focusing on what I can do instead of what I can’t do.
Sitting down and writing down some short-term and long-term goals has been the first step in getting my headspace back into the elite bowler zone.
Keeping in contact with my fellow Jackaroos through the amazing virtual platforms we have these days has been extremely important to remind me that I’m a part of the team and the Jackaroos spirit is still as alive as ever. Bouncing off one another and the support amongst our team is like a giant cuddle.
And similar to many of the Jackaroos, I’ve turned my focus to my fitness instead. At 23 weeks pregnant it’s not my past routine of taking the dog for a daily jog. I’ve joined forces with some fellow team mates to take part in the STEPtember challenge of completing 10,000 steps a day to raise money and awareness for those living with cerebral palsy. Having a fitness challenge that is not only beneficial to myself but about supporting others has been a great motivation to get me moving and out in the fresh air rain, hail or shine.
It’s a pretty short snapshot but I don’t want to bore you too much at week 1. Sending strength to all of those in lockdowns around the country and I hope you can also find some motivation and ways to improve your own mental wellbeing.
Take care and stay safe,
Carla Krizanic.
