My good friend Louise Racine recently commented with surprise: It's because most women feel so out of control in their lives that they don’t recognize or identify with the idea of how controlling their actions actually are. I was talking to her about my observations of busy women trying to get everything done, feeling responsible for everyone in their family, overstressed with obligations at work, taking on roles that rescue, protect, serve and nurture.

I was so frustrated, stressed and overwhelmed with my work. After hours of unsuccessfully being able to balance my business's  books, I was ready to scream.  It was just wrong to be inside on such a beautiful autumn Saturday.  I’d given up weekends when I traded my office job for my own business.  Now I do my work Monday through Friday, and spent a few hours each weekend on my books and catching up with tasks I did not accomplished during the week.

Christmas ... the most wonderful time of the year ... or so they say. Yet we all know that holiday stress can take its toll, robbing us of the peace and joy we long to experience.

A recent University of Laval article, revealed that we spend “One-third of our life at work.” The article explores the notion that “work is more than just a way to support oneself financially. It is a psychological necessity: it is how we express our potential, demonstrate our skills, excel, define our identity and do something useful for ourselves and for others.