In this busy day and age it is so wonderful to have friends to lean on when times are stressful or even just to share a good laugh with when you need a pick-me-up.

Maintaining friendships is an important way to lessen the stress in your life and also stay connected to what's real.  A good friend will tell you when you are right on track and support you in your growth and development. They will also tell you when you have gone too far, when your decisions are less than wise, and when it is time to get motivated.

There is something about the light this time of year that always seems to inspire me and put me in a good mood.  Whether it is the cool light of a winter sunrise or the warm glow of a fireplace, light seems to take on many facets during this time of year.

And so many of the holiday traditions that we carry forward each year are filled with the glow and inspiration of light.  In celebrating Chanukah the Menorah brings light to this holiday commemorating the miracle of the oil, while the Kinara, part of Kwanza, is lit to represent the seven guiding principals. In South India they light clay lamps on the rooftops and walls of their houses, the same way as Hindus decorate their homes during the Diwali Festival.

During this festive holiday time of year it is amazing the number of things that can turn from joyous to stressful in just the blink of an eye. Money, or the lack of it, is often a source of stress and anxiety as the holidays approach.  It can lead to arguments between couples, stress in families, and a sense of anxiety for those making it on their own. It is a facet of modern living that greatly influences our relationship with ourselves and others and yet it is a subject that very few people are comfortable speaking about openly.

In many cases, our associations with money have become such a negative influence and our expectations of the holidays so high that it becomes impossible to balance the two. There is also a huge amount of pressure from friends, family and society to buy the "perfect gift", or at least display the material symbols of success.

One of the toughest things about being a teenager is not what happens in the classroom but what happens on the school yard - the criticism and the ridicule, the gossip and rumors. It is so easy to get caught up in the world of gossip and lurid tales, especially in school. Everyone else is telling tales of the latest juicy scandal and it is easy to agree as a means to feel accepted and fit in. For many teenagers this is a way to socialize, connect to others and feel like they are part of the "in" crowd.

But words have power and what we speak of to our friends and casual acquaintances reflects on who we are as people.  Have you ever been in a conversation where a friend starts badmouthing another friend and wondered what happens when you are not around? Does that person speak poorly of you when your back is turned?

Money, or the lack of it, is often a source of stress and anxiety. It can lead to arguments between couples, stress in families, and a sense of anxiety for those making it on their own. It is a facet of modern living that greatly influences our relationship with ourselves and others and yet it is a subject that very few people are comfortable speaking about openly.

In many cases, our associations with money have become such a negative influence in our lives that it can be challenging to shift our negative beliefs into healthy ones. There is also a huge amount of pressure from friends, family and society to succeed, or at least display the material symbols of success. Thus, for many of us, success doesn't exist without money.

As scary and lonely as it may feel when a teenager is lost in depression it is important to know that there is a way out of the darkness and that they don’t have to go it alone. It is important for a parent to be comfortable with talking with their teenager about the intense feelings that come up when depression is present in their teen’s life.

Rather than talking down to their teens parents should validate the feelings that are being expressed and simply acknowledge the sadness and pain that is being shared.

Sometimes it's fun to go it alone.  To be a pioneer and take on tasks all by yourelf.

But sometimes the feeling of alone can alter into the feeling of lonely, morping into an energy that can make you feel isolated, depressed, and unworthy.

Isolation has the ability to hamper our ability to feel good about ourselves and the lives we lead.  It can make us question our value, our ability to give and receive love, and our place in our family and community. Isolation is often driven by a vague feeling of not belonging that then leads to a lack of desire to encounter rejection.

As the summer progresses there are lots of activities to participate in and many people find themselves out in the sun: running, biking, swimming, hiking, and in general enjoying lots of physical activity.  An interesting byproduct of this increased level of exercise  can be a lift in mood (especially for people facing depression or anxiety)  and a general feeling of well being.

We all know that exercise is integral to physical fitness and assisting in the prevention of  high blood pressure, diabetes and other diseases. A growing volume of research is now suggesting that exercise can also help improve mental wellness including the symptoms of depression and anxiety.

A guest blog from my colleague Elizabeth Gordon, professional organizer, on the importance of getting the clutter out of your life

The beginning of the school year is an exciting time. New classes, new faces and a chance for new experiences. But what is going on in your physical environment that may be affecting your personal and/or professional life? Clear that clutter for some renewed energy!

There is so much I can say about clutter. Just looking at a pile of junk is enough to raise your blood pressure and heart rate, increase stress and anxiety and make you feel depressed. Things that are neat and orderly have the exact opposite affect. You will feel lighter, have more energy and have peace of mind.

A recent experience reminded me of the power of paying attention to the challenges that present themselves in our daily lives. I was on my way to the store, going over my grocery list in my mind as I drove. As I pulled into the busy parking lot, I saw a space and pulled in to park. I opened my car door and a man started barking obscenities, ranting furiously that I had taken his parking space.

At this point, as in any moment that involves the presence of intense emotion, I had a choice...