"There's nothing like a little healthy competition," someone says. Outwardly, everyone in hearing range casts a knowing grin and nods their head in agreement. Yet, how many of you stop in your tracks and want to run the other way at any hint of a competition?

I don't run away from competition but I am not the first to routinely throw my hat in the ring. I know myself well enough to know when I am playing it too safe and get the urge to shake things up a bit. There are times, however, when the ever-present voice echoing "CAN'T" does get in my way.

When I let it.

That voice has been a life-long companion of mine and I've learned how to silence it. At the top of the list of ways is to surround myself with right people. I was commenting to the husband the other night that I have the perfect friends for me right now - fearless, strong, and accepting.

I've been doing CrossFit for almost nine months now. Have you tried working out with young(er) and/or very strong athletes and not feel a tinch of dismay at your own age and/or physical condition? How'd that go for you?

Welcome to my world. I have to remember to keep my "mirror" handy and appreciate my gains each week.

This week, I actually had a big gain. I did a kipping pull up. Mine is more of a muscle up than a smooth glide like the instructor in this video but I got my chin above the bar and set myself up for a second one. It's a combination of mind and muscle and it's been a long time coming.

And you know what? I like the view.

By: Lisa Rosendahl

Most anyone can see the obvious. Let them have it. The obvious is too easy. I want the rest.

The devil is in the details and it's the fine lines that get me thinking. Driving into work the other day, it hit me just how many "fine lines" there are circling around me at this very moment.

There's a fine line between:

Talking through an employee adverse decision you are making and violating due process
Wanting to give your child more than you had and spoiling her
Watching what you eat and changing your eating habits
Conduct that creates discontent and conduct that warrants discipline
Exercising and building strength
Talking about <fill in the blank> and really knowing what you're talking about
A non-negotiable issue and a bad idea
Accepting your child as is and setting behavior expectations
Listening to understand and not speaking up when you should
Recognizing performance and playing favorites. Tip: Favorites perform.
Right and wrong
Writing to meet a deadline and writing to make a difference
Robust debate and bullying
Having a friend and being a friend
Choosing between one outfit in a snug size 6 (suck it in) and another in an 8

There's a fine line between age and aging and I am staying on the right side of this one today as I say good-bye to my 40s. Be inquisitive. Query, question and wonder. Don't run from what you find and tell me about a fine line on your mind today.

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My Competition: A Day in the Life Sunday

Fine Lines: A Day in the Life Sunday

Lisa Rosendahl