Dear Louise,
I have overcome a variety of health, emotional, professional, and spiritual challenges. I feel fairly confident and much more enlightened. Now I know I can handle relationships and situations in more joyful, productive ways. The trouble is that now I'm old. I truly believe that age-related prejudice is limiting my options, especially regarding male companionship and opportunities. Is this reality-based thinking? I tell myself that I should not have this conviction, but it does seem like reality in this time and place.
-- C.L., Montreal, Canada

Dear C.L.,
When you say you're "old," I wonder how old you really are. You can be old at 25, or you can be young at 80. Each day we have the opportunity to live life to the fullest. If you believe that you're too old to attract love, then that is an affirmation and it will be true for you. However, that is only a thought, and a thought can be changed. Instead of looking at what you don't have, begin to create a scenario of what you would like your life to be like. Remember, it is our thoughts that create our experiences, not society's beliefs. Opportunities are everywhere, and we only need to be open to them. Affirm: I AM ALWAYS OPEN TO LIFE, AND THERE IS AN ABUNDANCE OF LOVE AND JOY AVAILABLE

Dear Louise,
At present, I am suffering from very painful heel spurs. Could you please tell me the metaphysical reason for this so that I can heal myself.
-- A.B., Sydney, Australia

Dear A.B.,
Heel spurs are often the result of a nutritional imbalance, so I would suggest that you go to a good nutritionist to have a nutritional diet worked out for you. Perhaps you just need to take in more protein and green vegetables on a daily basis. However, let's look further.

Metaphysically, feet symbolize direction as well as our understanding of ourselves. The heels are "shock absorbers" for the family, both within and without. The spurs can be a deep-seated fear of the unknown and a sense of total vulnerability. Do you feel out of step with everyone around you?

Sit quietly with yourself and meditate on what's going on in your heart and mind. Is there something you really want to change but are afraid to? Take a close look at your emotions; they are the way in which your Higher Self communicates with you. When we stuff them down and ignore them, our body takes over as the messenger. Is your thinking out of alignment with your desires? Now is the time to decide how you truly want to live. Write it down! Allow it to come from the highest place within you, honoring the dreams in your heart and soul.

Building trust and faith takes time, practice, and most important, patience. Know that change is possible in your life. Affirm: I AM FIRMLY ROOTED IN MY CONNECTION WITH ALL OF LIFE. I HAVE THE ABILITY TO MAKE POSITIVE CHANGES. I AM SUPPORTED BY THE UNIVERSE.

Dear Louise,I
am only 13 years old, but I have a lot of questions that I know only you can answer. I've been having a lot of trouble with friends lately. I don't really know what to do. I don't feel wanted or accepted in school. I don't have anyone to open up to or share my feelings with. Who can I talk to? And, I don't know what I will be when I grow up. I also wonder if I will ever have true love in my life. Please respond. Thank you for reading this.
-- R.N., New York City

Dear R.N.,
How wonderful that you are searching for answers and that you're willing to reach out to ask for help. You're not alone in the way you feel. There are three Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul books, and I would suggest that you go to the library and read all of them. They are filled with stories that you will be able to relate to.

Just know that love and friendship start on the inside. Happiness comes from the star of love in our own heart, not from outside of us. When we truly love ourselves, we become attractive to others. So start loving who you are. Morning and evening, go to the mirror, look in your own eyes, and say, "I LOVE YOU. I REALLY, REALLY LOVE YOU." When you love yourself, Life unfolds in the most delightful ways, including bringing you friends and opportunities that suit you. And, of course, you will find true love. In the meantime, learn a lot and have fun. I see a great life ahead for you.

Affirm: TODAY MY LOVE SHINES OUT FROM MY HEART AND TOUCHES EVERYONE I MEET.

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