As we age, it’s common to reflect on our past—on the choices we’ve made, the paths we’ve taken, and the dreams we’ve had. For many older adults, this reflection is often accompanied by a quiet, persistent voice of regret: “I should have done more,” “I should have been more successful,” “I should have followed that dream.” These “shoulds” can be deeply ingrained, stemming from cultural expectations, family dynamics, or personal ideals internalized over a lifetime. While they m