Dear Louise

Louise L Hay is a metaphysical teacher and best-selling author of 27 book s including, You Can Heal Your Life,  Empowering Women,  Meditations to Heal Your Life,  Letters t o Louise, and The Power Is Within You.

Since beginning her career as a Science of Mind minister in 1981, she has assisted thousands 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 25 different languages in 33 countries.

Dear Louise,

I long for the simplicity of life that I had when I was in my 20s (30 years ago). So, what do I do about a mate whom I dearly love, but who doesn’t even begin to feel the need to simplify his life? In fact, he is busily acquiring possessions and burying us both deeper in debt by the moment. It’s not something that can be talked about with him with any degree of cooperation or interest.

Have others had this problem, and how have they dealt with it? It seems a bit harsh to have to sever this relationship in order to attain the simplicity I desire.

H.P., Las Vegas, NV

Dear H.P.,

It seems as though both of you have an insecurity, and are each expressing it in different ways. The simplicity you once had may bore you now. It really is impossible to go back in time, because life only moves forward. Instead of making your mate wrong, why don’t you begin to simplify things in your own heart. What is it you really want that you think this simplicity would bring you?

People often behave in ways that trigger uncomfortable responses in us. However, they do not create the buttons that have been pushed. Make sure you do not fall into blame or resentment. These are both powerless acts and accomplish nothing. Instead of talking finances with your mate, begin to talk about the things that make you both happy, such as what fulfills you and how you can both achieve that state.

Affirm: I am at peace with my life.

Dear Louise,

It has been ingrained in me from early childhood that certain diseases as we age are “normal,” and God isn’t going to heal them any more than He would heal baldness, weakening eyesight, or gray hair. So it is hard for me to believe that “old-age disease” can be healed.

When I was 45, I began to develop osteoarthritis of both my thumbs—I guess the cartilage of my thumb joints has worn out. Now I have been diagnosed as having an arthritic disc in my lower back, and I live in constant pain.

How do I deal with these so-called normal, old-age illnesses? I am sure there are lots of people who grew up with the same belief, which has been further compounded by the medical profession. It is difficult to pray for a healing when a doctor tells you that “it is normal for this to happen as one gets older.”

C.W., Wesport, CT

Dear C.W.,

What really needs healing is our societal belief that it is normal for our health to deteriorate as we get older. We do not have to believe this. Please read Deepak Chopra’s book, Ageless Body, Timeless Mind. Your body does not have to wear out. It is constantly renewing itself. We as a society must go beyond our old limitations.

I would find another doctor. Have you ever tried a holistic healing practitioner, looked into traditional Chinese medicine, or seen a nutritional consultant? Are you aware that the foods you may be eating could contribute to your conditions? Go to a health food store and read some books, such as Dr. Linda Page’s Healthy Healing. Increase your knowledge about health and the current nutritional healing information.

God gives us exactly what we choose to believe. If we believe in limitation, then we will have it.

Affirm: I am willing to grow in understanding, and I become younger and healthier every day.

Dear Louise,

I am a 21-year-old student who has been attending a liberal arts school for three years, but I’m very unhappy. My true interest lies in alternative medicine and astrology, but my grandparents, who are paying for my education, have tried to steer me away from these passions. I don’t know if I should comply with my grandparents’ wishes and stay in college in order to graduate with a liberal arts degree, or go out on my own and jump into the healing world. Basically, the choice is to either play it safe and get a “real education” that’s paid for, or get out now and follow my heart. Please help me, I feel I’m being pulled in two directions.

M. E., Chicago, IL

Dear M. E.,

Have you tried to find a college that teaches alternative medicine? You are being pulled in two directions and you are in a dilemma that has destroyed many lives. Your grandparents mean well, however this is a form of control. You only think you are unhappy now; if you do it their way, you will really regret it forever and it could easily lead to physical problems later in your life.

If you follow your passion, you will always be fulfilled, and somehow the Universe will find a way to support your choice. Tell your grandparents how much you love them and how much you appreciate their offer, but you have to follow your heart. Perhaps they could help you with alternative medicine and you could finance the study of astrology yourself.

Affirm: The universe supports my passion, and I easily find the training I need.

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Questions for Louise? Write to Dear Louise Column, c/o Hay House, Inc., P.O. Box 5100, Carlsbad, CA 92018-5100 (letters may be edited for length and clarity). Due to the volume of e-mails Louise receives, she can no longer respond via the Internet.

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