Ask Louise

Louise L. Hay is a metaphysical teacher and the bestselling author of 15 books, including You Can Heal Your Life, Life! Reflections on Your Journey, 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 throughout the world.

Dear Louise,

I am a 32-year-old female who is very, very hirsute. I have a mustache; and hair on my arms, breasts, stomach, and buttocks -- and I literally get a five o'clock shadow on my legs after I shave them. I have as much hair on my body as a hairy man, and it is dark and coarse. I am neither overweight nor underweight, and I do not have any other physical "abnormalities."
My question is: Am I afraid of being female or of my womanliness so I unconsciously create a situation where I am uncomfortable with my body? Or, should I think of my abnormal hair growth as a birth defect from which I must learn a life's lesson? Are there any affirmations I could use to heal my body and spirit? I am tired of feeling embarrassed. Thank you. I appreciate your being there for us.
J.P., La Mesa, CA

Dear J.P.,

I have personally known several women who have had to shave twice a day. In each case, they were extremely talented, creative people. Your hair growth is not abnormal for you. It means that you probably have lots of testosterone, which every woman has in differing amounts. Testosterone is supposed to increase energy and creativity, so it would be very helpful for you if you would consider yourself "blessed," and use these gifts.
Each one of us grows up believing that there is something "wrong" with us. This belief keeps us from being all that we can be. We each must learn to love ourselves in spite of what we consider a defect. There is no reason to feel embarrassed when you can help yourself. If you are uncomfortable with facial and body hair, visit a good electrologist. Nowadays, electrolysis is very effective and in time will permanently remove all unwanted hair.
I AM BEAUTIFUL, AND EVERYBODY LOVES ME AS I AM. Say this affirmation at least 100 times a day for a month, and you will be amazed by the positive results.

Dear Louise,

I love all animal life and, in fact, would rather spend time with them than with humans. I hold a very negative view of the human race as a whole, and basically feel that most people are selfish, greedy, evil, manipulative, etc.
What troubles me is the question of soul and immortality with respect to animal life. How can it be that humans, with all their faults, weaknesses, and shortcomings, can go to a place called heaven, but animals cannot? Humans are guilty of committing great acts of cruelty against innocent animals. Even though we now have many groups that speak for the welfare of animals, I feel that we have a long way to go.
What I'd like to know is: Where do animals go when they die? Do they have spirits? How do karma and reincarnation figure into this? Since I view animals as the most oppressed life form on earth, I'd be interested in hearing your views on this matter.
C.F., Warner Robins, GA

Dear C.F.,

It sounds like you had a childhood where you were surrounded by selfish, greedy, manipulative people. Where else would you get this outlook on life? We all need to forgive our families for something before we can truly love ourselves. Remember, what we believe about life and what we look for in life, we will always find. Begin each morning by looking for the good within yourself. Find something positive, and then spend the rest of the day seeing that same quality in others. I see my world as populated with loving, giving, supportive people; and also some very unhappy people who create problems for themselves and others out of ignorance. Humanity is awakening as fast as we allow ourselves to find our own pathways.
I, too, love all animals. I have four dogs, two bunny rabbits, and a flock of birds and other wildlife that I feed. Heaven and hell, to me, are not places we "go to" after we die, but places we inhabit here on earth. I believe that animals have a soul or spirit and are also on an evolutionary pathway. Awakened individuals would never harm anyone, including innocent animals. So, let's do our best to come from a loving view of everything and everyone on earth. Also include in your prayers that the awakening of humanity is speeding up. Affirm: I ENVISION A WORLD OF LOVE AND KINDNESS, AND I DO MY BEST TO CONTRIBUTE TO THIS LOVING WORLD.

Dear Louise,

I want to thank you for your book, You Can Heal Your Life. I have been practicing many of the things you suggest. For example, I had an ulcer for years, and after understanding the correlation between the disease and the probable emotional cause, I was finally cured, although it was certainly not an overnight process.
Lately, I have learned that I have "low blood oxygen at exertion." Doctors have tried all kinds of tests, but they haven't yet found out what's causing this malady. Since I'm a metaphysical student, I believe that things are generated in the mental plane first. Please help me! What's the mental cause for this condition? I would greatly appreciate any advice you may have, as well as any affirmation that is fitting for my particular situation.
R.G., San Francisco, CA

Dear R.G.,

I have never heard of this particular malady, and you don't explain much about it. Does this happen when you exercise or walk up the stairs? In any case, let's look at this question from a metaphysical point of view. Blood always signifies joy and family. When there is a blood problem, we are dealing with how the family has either taken away your joy or has somehow prevented you from having joy in your life -- at least from your point of view. Oxygen is the breath of life, and healthy blood has the appropriate amount of oxygen.
Our heart represents love. Blood is the joy moving through the veins. So, a healthy, happy individual would have a happy, loving heart, with joy bubbling throughout the veins and arteries. I envision this joy soaking and soothing and saturating all the cells in your body so that each cell is able to do its best work in an atmosphere of joy. Are you a fun person? Do you laugh a lot? Can you replace fear with joy? How can you allow more joy to be in your life? Is there someone you still need to forgive? Your heart is made for love. Love will heal you.
Affirm: I MOVE THROUGH LIFE JOYOUSLY AND FREELY.

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