That dreaded S-word

So much seems to be about the S-word these days. We're told that most of us are sleep-deprived. Almost daily we hear about the epidemic of obesity. We hear about people going over the edge because of it. To deal with it, some turn to yoga, exercise and healthy eating. Others turn to addictions such as alcohol, food, shopping and other ways of numbing out.

Stress. It's rampant. Of course, we need a certain amount of stress in our lives just to keep us alive and functioning. But way too many of us have way too much, and it has become harmful.

Is stress out of control in your life?

I invite you to look at the energy you "spend" on different parts of your life. On what do you choose to spend your time and energy? Are there some things you can simply tune out because they don't need your attention? Are there things others can do for which you don't need to take responsibility?

See your energy in the same way as you view your money. Choose where to spend it, where to save it. Decide what needs your attention—and what you can tune out. Remember the Serenity Prayer, too: God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.

You'll feel so much better by taking charge and making choices.