Dear Louise

Louise L. Hay is a metaphysical teacher and the best-selling author of numerous books, including You Can Heal Your Life, Empowering Women, and I Can Do It®. For the past 25 years, she has assisted millions of people in discovering and using the full potential of their own creative powers for personal growth and self-healing. Louise's works have been translated into 29 different languages in 35 countries throughout the world.

Dear Louise,
I really need your help. I hope you hear my prayer and reply to me. I usually find your affirmations very useful, but I'm currently in such a depressed state of mind that my thoughts keep turning negative. I try to say affirmations, but they ring hollow because I'm having a difficult time believing in any good or positive thoughts these days. Is there anything I can do to help myself believe the positive words and thoughts again, or is repetition the only answer? Second, much of my current situation has to do with a lack of money. Are there any specific affirmations that attract money and a positive cash flow?
- S.B., Chicago, IL

Dear S.B.
We sure make a big god of money. If we don't have some, many of us choose to make ourselves miserable by our choice of thoughts. The more miserable our thoughts, the more depressed we get and the more that money stays away from us. And I bet you're choosing to eat junk foods with lots of sugar, which only depresses you further. If this is true for you, find the best diet plan for your particular body by seeking out a good nutritionist in your area.

Meanwhile, affirmations for prosperity can be: The Universe is my supply. I release all resistance to attracting money. The Universe finds unique ways to increase my prosperity. Money is my friend. I open the doors to accepting money. I let it come in expected and unexpected ways. I am a channel for all good, including money. I breathe deeply and know that I am blessed, I am worthy of a positive cash flow. I smile often, knowing that I am moving into a new way of thinking that will allow abundance to flow to me. And remember: All is well!

Dear Louise,
Although I've worked with your books for some years now, there's still one thing I don't understand: When I don't like something about a person, why is that a reflection of me - or why does it say that I don't like something about myself? For instance, my husband is very stubborn. I don't like that at all. But I'm not stubborn myself. I'd be happy if you could explain the concept behind it again. Maybe there's an aspect that I've overlooked so far.
- T.C., Montreal, Canada

Dear T.C.,
Being stubborn, of course, means being unwilling to yield to something or someone. And it also can mean 'not responding to treatment.' You're unyielding in your dislike of your husband's behavior, as you've relayed it here in your letter. What I don't know is what he thinks about you and your behavior. I'm only hearing one side of the story. First, his behavior has nothing to do with you. Second, if you sit in quiet meditation you might find many little places in your life where you're quite stubborn. We all hide from ourselves.

If you don't believe that people really are mirrors of your feelings, then you have nothing to worry about! Just take care of you. People in our lives may behave in ways that trigger uncomfortable responses in us. However, they didn't get into our minds and create the buttons that have been pushed. Taking responsibility for our own feelings and reactions is mastering our 'ability to respond.' In other words, we learn to consciously choose rather than simply react.

Choose these aspects of yourself when you're interacting with others and they'll come back to you many times over: Forgiveness. Kindness. Love. Joy. Respect. All is well!

Dear Louise,
My husband and I have been very close, and on a spiritual journey for many years. Although we've been through our ups and downs, we've always been together in our search. Now, it's as if we're parting ways. What does one do for oneself during this time?
D. J., Atlanta, GA

Dear D.J.,
The best answer I can give you is to love yourself as much as you can. See this as a bump in the road. Sometimes relationships last longer than they're supposed to. In spite of the words society has put into the marriage vows, not all marriages are meant to last forever. It's wonderful that your marriage has a spiritual element to it. However, just as we all change over time, so do our spiritual journeys. None of us are the same people we were 10, 20, 30, or 40 or more years ago! We often change in different directions. Bless your husband with love and shower yourself with lots of tender love, too. You never know with Life; you may come together closer than ever.

Affirm: I place this relationship in the hands of the Universe and know that it will be resolved for the highest good of all of us. I am at peace.  All is well!

This Louise Hay column was provided courtesy of Hay House. You may email your letters for possible inclusion in Louise's column to admin@hayhouse.com