Dear Louise

I have read your books for many years, and they have been a great source of inspiration. My question is about chronic fibromyalgia. A few years ago I started to lose feeling in my legs, and it would sometimes be difficult for me to walk. I also was very tired. My doctor told me I had chronic fibromyalgia. Up until then, I had never heard of this disease. Now my sister-in-law has been diagnosed with this, also. Do you have any suggestions on how to handle this condition?
Thank you so much!
H.T., Stamford, CT

Dear H.T.,
Fibromyalgia seems to be accompanied by emotional tension reflected in the knotting up of muscles. When a person is under stress, the body reacts and tenses. Stiffness and pain is felt in the fibrous tissues, usually deep within the muscles, yet there is nothing wrong with the muscles themselves. Stiffness is a result of rigid, stiff thinking. Tension, fear, and holding on result in the body cramping and gripping.
Dr. Christiane Northrup, author of Women to Women, recommends a book by Dr. John Sarno called Healing Back Pain. He has found that many cases of back pain are similar to fibromyalgia, in that there is a chronic stress in the body that creates abnormal levels of neurochemicals such as adrenaline.
Use the following affirmation: I AM RELAXED AND SAFE. MY MIND IS FLEXIBLE AND PEACEFUL, AND SO IS MY BODY. I AM FREE OF PAIN, AND ALL IS WELL!

Dear Louise,

I suffer from terrible halitosis. It's affecting my life in such a way that you can't imagine, especially with my job, where I deal directly with people. I have gone to various doctors who think that it is all in my head. I take vitamins, don't drink or smoke, and I'm in good health otherwise.
I am thinking of seeing an endocrinologist to see if there is something wrong with my glands, and I would also like to consult with a dental surgeon to see whether it could be the metal in my crowns that is producing this bad breath.
Can you give me some advice?
O.L., New York, NY

Dear O.L.,

How do you know that you have bad breath? If various doctors "think it is all in your head," does that mean they can't smell it? Who has told you that you have halitosis? It is good you are consulting your dentist, for often gum disease can produce unpleasant breath. You may simply need to have some deep scaling to remove plaque from under the gum line.
Our breath is our very life force. It comes from the center of our being and often reflects our innermost thoughts. When there is consistent bad breath, it could reflect a core issue of resentment or bitterness. Do you feel that this could be true for you? If there is an area of your past that needs forgiving, I would begin to work on it. You may not know how to forgive, but if you become "willing" to forgive, the Universe will find the way.
I RECOGNIZE THE SWEETNESS AT THE CENTER OF MY BEING, AND I EXPRESS THIS AT ALL TIMES would be a good affirmation for you.

Dear Louise,

My sister is obese and has many related health problems. (Her weight-induced diabetes requires her to be on dialysis twice a week.) Even though she is not supposed to eat sugar, she periodically goes on eating binges and neglects to take her insulin. She has a wonderful husband and two small children, and I don't understand why she seems to be committing a slow suicide. What can I do or say to help her?
T.K., Toronto, Canada

Dear T.K.,

I know it is hard to love someone and see her living her life in a way that you believe is not good for her. However, every person is on his or her own particular pathway of life, and we all have our own lessons to learn. You do not know what demons your sister is battling or what her lessons are. It would be good if she would seek professional counseling to help her with these issues, but she may not be ready to do that yet.
You can make a suggestion, and if she is not ready, then just love her and let her be. We have no right to judge anyone. You need peace of mind. Affirm: ALL OF MY FAMILY MEMBERS, INCLUDING MY SISTER, ARE HAPPY, HEALTHY, WHOLE, AND COMPLETE. ALL IS WELL IN OUR WORLD. Then relax and see how the Universe works this out. Trust that every experience is really for our highest good.