Jan/Feb 2003
Dear Louise by Louise Hay

Dear Louise: I’ve read many of your books, and I also listen to your tapes constantly. After my divorce, I was very depressed, and your books helped me a lot. I was doing great, but I have a question. I’ve noticed that no matter how much I visualize some things that I wish for, I end up with the total opposite. What am I doing wrong?
— L.R., Miami, FL

Dear L.R.,
You’re not doing anything wrong. You’re on your pathway of learning and growing. I’m glad you’ve reached out. Affirmations and visualizations are good; however, the thoughts you think the rest of the day—that running commentary in your mind—is even more important. Remember that depression is beating yourself up for something you experienced that you felt helpless to correct.

From now on, don’t allow yourself to have a negative thought. This sounds like a tall order, but the more you aim for this goal, the more you’ll begin to create the mental atmosphere you need to bring your desires to fruition. Begin to think in positive affirmations. Use as many as you can each day, such as: The past is over and done. I am open to new experiences. I deserve only good. I trust Life to bring me the best. I enjoy today and know that tomorrow will be even better. I see joy everywhere. I am always laughing and enjoying my world. I love me, and I love Life. I notice beauty everywhere. I am at peace. Life is good. I am safe.

Dear Louise,
What do you think about organ donations and cremations? I’m presently considering both. — W.R., Lincoln, NE

Dear W.R.,
I’m personally going to be cremated, and I carry an organ donor card. I feel that donating my organs is one more way for me to be useful to someone after my passing. I want to use up every bit of me. Remember, there’s no beginning and no end. There’s only a constant cycling and recycling of energy. Think of how breath is recycled all over the planet. Life is such a miracle. Know that you’re safe and all is well!

Dear Louise,
I’m a man who’s just gone through divorce. Enough said. I just discovered you and have listened to a tape of yours about changing my thoughts and changing my life. These ideas are almost the same as my own, except for the affirmation concept. Can you give me advice and positive affirmations to overcome my lack of self-worth and self-esteem? This basically centers around my thinking that this or that is too good for me. I really want to correct this.
— B.L., Denver, CO

Dear B.L.,
Good for you. It’s always nice to meet a new and eager student. Remember, self-worth and self-esteem—or the lack of it—are merely thoughts that you choose to think. Early in childhood you probably learned to think very little of yourself, and you’ve continued the habit. Now’s the time for you to substitute different thoughts. First, forgive those who taught you that you weren’t good enough. They might have felt that way about themselves.
Here are some new thoughts: I can choose any thoughts I want to think. I choose to be happy. I choose to love myself. I choose to share in Life’s abundance. I choose to love and be loved. I choose to release everything in the past. I choose to feel good right now. I choose a new life. Enough said!

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