We’ve all been there… saying some or all of the following things:

“I should be doing more of that.”
“I should be eating more vegetables … or more protein… or less ultra-processed food.”
“I should be exercising more.”
“I should be getting more sleep.”
“I should be drinking less alcohol… or more water.”

And so on.

Here’s where I weigh in—as a Healthy Aging Coach.  I believe mindset may be the most critical aspect of being and staying healthy.

When we’re aware of what we should be doing—and we understand why it matters, how it’s connected to our energy, longevity, and ability to thrive—then something shifts.  And when your mindset shifts from “I should” to “I choose," everything changes. 

A couple of weeks ago, I went in for my routine mammogram. For the first time, I was called back for a second look. 

While I tried not to dwell on it, the possibility of what might come kept creeping into my thoughts.

As I lay on the table during the ultrasound, my mind drifted to my friends who are breast cancer survivors. 

When I considered them all together, the sheer number was staggering—so many of my close friends had already faced and survived this. 

The statistic says it all: one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer.  It's a sobering reality that reminds us how vulnerable we are, especially as we age.

Aging is, of course, one of the greatest risk factors for many diseases. But while we can’t control everything, we do have power over a significant portion of our health. 

It’s about strengthening our defense systems, and it all boils down to doing the basics—those fundamental principles I teach and coach every day.