Hi Jesse,

> Thanks, Dien, for your kind words. There are
> few experiences in life more rewarding than
> inspiring another individual, and I am
> humbled that my experiences had such an
> effect on you!

Jesse, your words -- and especially your words on leverage -- have had a great effect on my life.... They're like a beacon of light, piercing through the fog....

I know it probably sounds like I'm exaggerating, but I'm not. You've helped me to see a truth which I hadn't seen quite so clearly before!

> You make many great points in your post
> below, but what stood out the most to me was
> your differentiation of having a job vs.
> being a business owner. I think that in many
> ways jobs are synonymous with limitation and
> lack of total freedom and control, while
> owning a business lends itself to so many
> aspects of personal development and
> embarking on an unforgettable journey, while
> at the same time, having no ceiling on what
> can be accomplished.

Jesse, it's true.... The benefits of business, as you point out, go beyond personal freedom and monetary rewards.... They extend into personal development.

Being in business is about taking responsibility, and with that always comes personal growth.... :)

And how your business looks will reflect aspects of your personality.... It forces you to confront some of your weaknesses, to turn them into strengths....

> And you make another very astute point by
> reminding us all that at our roots, or
> perhaps even our primal level, almost all of
> us are entrepreneurs at heart!

> Thanks again, Dien. Would love to exchange
> more stories with anyone as to how business
> has changed their lives. Julie, naturally,
> is a wonderful personification of this, and
> I think young Sam is going to have a very
> rewarding childhood!

I agree, Julie seems angelic.... She has touched many lives (including mine)! :)

Thanks Jesse for your words of wisdom, I enjoy everything you say.... What you say makes a LOT of sense to me. :)

Dien