Having been self-employed for the last 25 years, we have enjoyed the benefits of being our own bosses. We have also experienced less wonderful aspects of owning our business. Some of the benefits include having more freedom and flexibility for myself and my family, making my own decisions, which is great when I have made the right decisions. When I make the wrong decision, the responsibility is mine. With research, faith and luck that does not happen very often. Another benefit of having our own business is enjoying our workplace and taking pride in our accomplishments as they benefit us, our family, employees and their families, our customers and our community. When we do our best, everyone benefits.

The harsh reality of owning our own business is having to deal with stress at all levels and under all circumstances. When the economic times are good and our business is running at full force there is the pressure to service our customers in a timely manner. There is also the stress of managing our employees, working with all kinds of different personalities from employees to customers, getting the job done, filling the order or whatever the case may be. We do not have the luxury of punching a time card and leaving the job behind at the end of the day. Our work goes home with us and sometimes we work 16 hours a day.

Then there is the financial factor and I am sure many of you can get the picture. It has been our experience that people assume you are very wealthy when you own your own business. They do not take into account all of the expenses of running a business, such as payroll, insurance, taxes, rent and all of the other overhead whatever it may be. There is money to be made, but most certainly it is a roller coaster and at times can be very stressful.

Having said all of this, I do not think I would want it any other way. The greatest gift we have had was being there for our children with all of their school events, sports events and now college events. Owning our own business has allowed us to be present in our children’s lives,

especially when they have traveled. Our oldest son is a pitcher in college and has played spring and summer ball all over the country, so in addition to being there for him we have been able to travel as well. Our youngest is a high school senior and is pursuing music and we have been grateful to be able to support him and travel with him when he has gigs.

We have dealt with the pressure, stress, fatigue and other negative aspects of this lifestyle in many ways. Some of the stress management techniques we used were meditation, herbal supplements and continuous work on our spiritual journey. One of the greatest tools we have discovered are our Q-Link pendants. The QLink provides us with more balance in our lives, allowing us to have more energy, less stress, greater focus and an overall sense of well-being.

The Q-Link was created scientifically to balance and harmonize our existing energy field. The results of wearing my Q-Link pendant have been astounding. It has really helped to ease stress

in my life to the point that people are asking me what I am doing because I seem so much more peaceful. Others I know have been equally excited about the benefits that they have received from wearing their Q-Link. So, as time goes on I am really glad that I have a tool to help me deal with life on life’s terms.