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,

Do you know what causes paroxysmal atrial tachycardia?

- H.J., Boulder, Colorado

Dear H.J.,

You need to calm your anxious heart, dear one. Why don't you just call it 'rapid heartbeat' instead of that dreadful label? Instead of worrying about every little thing, love and appreciate everything you do have. Trust that Life will always take care of you. Look into the mirror, put your hands over your heart, and say: “Heart, I love you. You can calm down. We are safe.” Then breathe deeply. Appreciate your heart, your lungs, and every other organ in your miraculous body. All is truly well.

Dear Louise,

Is it true that there must be a balance of good and evil in the universe? If so, then isn't it true that for every good and loving act someone performs, the universe must balance that with the creation of an evil act?

- M.K., London, England

Dear M.K.,

Oh my! I've been getting the most bizarre letters and questions since September 11, 2001. I think the events of that date triggered some fear corner in our collective brains. Stop wasting your thoughts thinking about evil. There is no evil. There are simply some people behaving very foolishly. But that's only because they don't understand the laws of life. What you give out comes back to you. Always. It's just that simple. The outpouring of love and compassion around the world since that date has been amazing.

Decide what you want to receive in your world - not what the media tells you is coming. Think the thoughts that will attract that, and you can create your own paradise.

Affirm: I live in the paradise of my own creation. I am the creator of my life. I love me!

Dear Louise,

I went back to school at age 53 to get a long-dreamed-about MBA. I'm not ready to change careers, as I'm done with school, but I'm 58 now and terrified that I'll be subjected to age discrimination and never get the job I desire. Help me through worrying about my age in this crazy job market!

- R.Z., Richmond, Virginia

Dear R.Z.,

Time to stop whining! You went to school for the joy of it. You're now giving the world the opportunity to experience your wonderful new self. All that other stuff may be true for others. It's not true for you! You're not under the law of anyone else's thinking. You create your own reality.

Now, what is the reality you really want for yourself? Get a hold of your thinking, girl. It's your world. Make it the way you want it. Here are some affirmations to use:

There are people looking for exactly what I have to offer. They will be delighted with my joyous personality and positive outlook on life. They see my spirit and love me. I attract a good salary, and the job market is perfect for me. All my dreams come true, and I love life!

If you would like Louise to answer your letter in this publication, please send it to: Dear Louise Column, c/o Hay House, Inc., P.O. Box 5100, Carlsbad, CA 92018-5100, or e-mail your letter to: admin@hayhouse. com (letters used in this column may be edited for length and clarity).