Allowing Peace
Hiking in the North Georgia mountains recently, I was reminded how important it is to keep working toward your best—whatever that looks like at the moment. Most of us are not going to be the best at everything we do, and that’s not a failure, it’s simply part of being human. The centuries-old quote comes to mind: “A jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one.” That has always resonated with me.
My life has been full of different adventures and careers. Through it all, I have very seldom been the best—or the worst—but more often somewhere in the back of the pack, steadily moving forward and doing the best I could.
“Back of the pack” is a running term. It refers to the slower portion of runners, walkers, or participants in endurance events. I was always a back-of-the-pack runner. But over time, I’ve realized I’ve spent much of my life there—not just in races, but in many areas of life. I was rarely first, but that never truly bothered me, because I was still in the race. Whether in sports, work, or personal growth, I showed up. I stayed consistent. I remained disciplined. I didn’t need to be the best—I only needed to give my best.
And “best” is a relative term.
Don Miguel Ruiz, in The Four Agreements, reminds us to “Always Do Your Best.” What I appreciate most about this idea is the understanding that our best is not fixed—it changes from moment to moment. Some days our best feels strong and energized; other days it’s simply getting through. When we accept this, we release ourselves from constant self-judgment and regret.
As I hiked that challenging trail, I couldn’t help but reflect on how different my “best” looks now compared to 10, 20, or even 30 years ago. Physically, my body has changed—it’s a bit slower, a bit more cautious—but my spirit still longs for adventure. In some ways, that spirit has deepened. My outlook on life has shifted, and with time, I hope, has come wisdom.
Maybe you can relate.
Confidence
Over time, many of us become better at managing stress and letting go of unrealistic expectations. There’s a quiet confidence that comes from experience—an understanding that we don’t have to prove ourselves in the same way. This often leads to a deeper sense of contentment. Strong relationships and meaningful connections also play a vital role in building self-esteem and reminding us of who we are beyond achievement.
Life Transitions
Life is full of transitions—some expected, others not. Learning to navigate these changes requires emotional awareness and self-care. Creating simple routines, leaning on support systems, and practicing mindfulness can help us stay grounded. Breaking things down into small, achievable steps allows us to keep moving forward, even when the path feels uncertain.
Mental Health and Well-Being
Being proactive about our well-being becomes increasingly important as life evolves. Prioritizing sleep, nourishing our bodies, staying active, and engaging in activities that bring joy or purpose—whether through hobbies or volunteering—can significantly improve both mood and physical health. Taking care of ourselves is not a luxury; it’s essential to showing up as our best.
Living with Gratitude
Gratitude has a way of shifting our entire perspective. A daily practice of noticing and appreciating even the smallest moments can reduce stress and increase happiness. It reminds us that even in the “back of the pack,” there is beauty, growth, and meaning.
Creating a high quality of life doesn’t come from being the fastest or the best. It comes from small, consistent actions that support our health, nurture our relationships, and cultivate a positive mindset. We are all on a journey—not as experts, but as individuals finding our way, learning, adjusting, and growing.
It doesn’t matter where you fall in the pack.
What matters is that you’re still moving, still showing up, still choosing to be part of life.
Because in the end, it’s not about leading the race, it’s about living it.
"The purpose of life, after all, is to
live it, to taste experience to the
utmost, to reach out eagerly and
without fear for newer and
richer experience."
— Eleanor Roosevelt
Robin Griffiths
RAGRIFFS@gMail.com
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Robin Anne Griffiths is a published author, owner of Breathe In Stillness coaching, founder of ReChargeMe Zone health,wellness and fitness programs, yoga practitioner, and mindfulness advocate based in Southwest Florida.
Find out more at www.rechargemezone.com
