Just because we are not gambling does not mean we will not experience the ups and downs of life. If anything we will just be more aware of them. A trip to the casino will do nothing to help the swings of your business but could put you on the downward spiral and make you lose your business eventually. Use your business mind to solve your business problems or they might resolve themself if you just work hard and stay patient. Do not use that as a excuse or reason to gamble. Just another curve ball that life is throwing your way. You will survive it by using your business mind, not by running to your addiction.

Life is hard at times for sure. I am reading Louise Hay's book, "You Can Heal Your Life." I would really recommend this book. She will have you saying lots of affirmations such as: I approve of myself. It's great that you haven't gambled. Nothing to win and everything to lose at the casino. Keep fighting the good fight.

Life is full of ups and downs. I am not sure what particular business you are in, but are many reasons that any particular business has ups and downs. Seasonally most companies want to hold spending down in the last quarter of the year and many homeowners and property owners have a whopping tax bill due in the last quarter of the year. Then, they are also facing unloading inventory, as much as they can by Jan 30 as they pay inventory taxes based on that at that time. People who have buildings are racing against time right now to do all the necessary winterization, maintenance and repairs that need doing. Also sometimes a big cash outlay for them that prevents them spending elsewhere.

Have you done any research on your competitors lately, is the market flooded with your service? Or is there a big competitor getting more business now that was not there before. Is your service/business up to date? Is your heart in what you are doing? Do you have a business plan? Do you have access to any small business administration classes? Does your business have a Mission Statement? Does your business have a Vision Statement? Have you done any visioning about where you want to be and what you want doing in a year/5 years/10 years/20 years? Do your personal visions and business visions align? Do your personal values and business values align? Researching any or all of these things, in my opinion, would be far more productive than a trip to casino. (And not nearly as dangerous.)

Affirmations can really heal your psyche, so can artwork, dancing, singing, anything creative. (I use artwork now like an anti-anxiety medication) I recommend Louise Hay as well. Also, She has several books and several presentations available via YouTube. Her "How to Love Yourself" audio presentation may have saved my life. Hang in there Nancyzoman and know that you are loved!

Thank you all for the great advice. Shortly after I wrote this, I got a promising call for tomorrow, and another meeting for Monday. (Maybe venting to this group is somehow magical, I don't know?)

Regardless, I need to know that great things are headed my way, that I can deal with what God chooses to give me, and that everything is going to work out well. Thank you all.