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’ve been reading your books for a few years, but I didn’t really “get it” until fairlyrecently. Last month I took a meditation course and shortly after I began practicing I started to feel a bit different, so I kept going and meditating daily. I started to feel the presence of my inner child, and when I would hold my 20-month-old daughter, I’d feel my own inner child being held and loved along with her. I read your book LIFE! and started to tell myself that I love myself constantly. I started to practice forgiveness, and my thoughts have been changing for the positive.

I expected to go through a glorious transformation and had my arms wide open for the rush of abundance that I believed would come through. Instead of any of that happening, I started to get sick—a plethora of illnesses attacking my head. First I grew a small pea-sized ball of infection from a root-canal tooth. Then I got the flu. Then I got strep throat, which spread through my jaw and into my ear. Now I have a cold and a nasal drip that is nonstop (as well as a lot of headaches). And then last night in bed, my husband broke the news to me that we’re almost broke, and he’s terrified.
My question to you is, although I know and believe with my whole heart that this is me doing this to myself, is this just a bump on the road, or a cleansing of old beliefs and anxieties (in reference to my minor illnesses)? Help!
- C.K., Canada

Dear C.K.,
This is definitely a bump on the road. Sometimes when we begin to clear our consciousness and change our thinking, we stir up a big mess. Think of the turkey pan after Thanksgiving dinner. There’s all this baked grease, so we fill the pan with hot, soapy water and set it out to soak. Then we begin to scrape the pan, and boy, do we have a mess. However, if we keep scrubbing, we’ll soon have a nice clean pan.

This is where you are now. However, keep going, keep meditating, and keep doing your affirmations. The mess will clear, and life will be better than ever. Use the powerful affirmation below. And if your husband is willing to say the affirmation, too, the situation will clear even quicker!
All is well. Everything is working out for my highest good. Out of this situation only good will come. We are safe.

Dear Louise,
Three years ago when my twin sister died of alcohol poisoning, I intuitively knew she was in trouble and was calling me; however, I didn’t go to her because I was angry at her for continually drinking, and there was nothing I could do to help her. I felt really frustrated. I was also studying for a very important exam for my job that I had to take the following day. She died that night alone, and I haven’t been able to get rid of the guilt that I should’ve been there for her. I could’ve helped her, and I let her down.

I have terrible muscle pain and severe arthritis in my neck, shoulders, upper and lower back and feet. I was wondering if this pain could be related to that experience and my feelings of guilt. If so, are there any affirmations you can recommend?
- M.D., New Zealand

Dear M.D.,
“Shoulds” will get you in trouble every time. You must release that guilt. First of all, you need to acknowledge that you’re very angry at your sister for drinking so much and for killing herself in this way. You did not kill your sister! She really wanted to go. Of course you have pain, because guilt always looks for punishment, and punishment creates pain. You might look into therapy to help you release this guilt.
Also, talk to your sister, ask her for help. She doesn’t want to see you suffer in this way, ask her to help you release this. Being a twin, she’ll know exactly what advice will soothe you. Also, please join a “grief counseling” group by calling 1-818- 907-9600, or go online to www.grief-recovery.com.

Dear Louise,
My dog recently passed away, and I thought I would be okay with it, but I’m actually very sad. What can I do to ease my pain about this? He was my companion for a long time, and I really miss him.
- K.K., Los Angeles

Dear K.K.,
Our animals give us so much unconditional love, and it’s heartbreaking when they leave. There’s a homeopathic remedy that soothes grief. It’s called Star of Bethlehem and can be purchased at any health-food store. Just a few drops under your tongue several times a day will bring relief.
Grief is a normal emotion. Allow yourself to go through it in your own way. Also, talk to your pet and ask him to help dissolve the pain. Know that you’ll be united in a twinkling of an eye when you leave the planet. There are many puppies in shelters just waiting for a good home. In time, that might be right for you.
Affirm: I remember the past with joy and love.

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