Louise L. Hay is a metaphysical teacher and the best selling author of 23 books, including You Can Heal Your Life, Empowering Women, and Letters to Louise. 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,
In the last five years, I've made radical changes in my life by seeking nutritional counseling, using sound therapy, and by doing bodywork such as Trager and therapeutic massage. I feel I have come a long way, but there is one last issue that needs to be corrected. At this point in time, I am no longer employed. My former career in human resources was difficult because of the onslaught of people wanting a part of me. My marriage is sapping the energy from me; it's always been that way, but I didn't recognize it for years.

Now, I'm starting a business where I'm marketing a new product, but I have limited funds. Can.you help me with affirmations on money, launching a new product, and leaving my old life behind? Thank you for your assistance.
T.J., Detroit, Michigan

Dear T. J.,
Congratulations on being so open to new ideas and new therapies. This is the best way to make positive changes in your life. I am delighted that you are going into business for yourself. Women-owned businesses are growing by leaps and bounds. But first let's look at the issues you have had at work and at home so you don't take them into your new business.

I feel that you give your power away and allow other people to take advantage of you. You give so much that you become totally drained. As a child, you probably learned that no matter how much you gave or how hard you tired, it was never enough. Subconsciously, you are still trying to please either your mother or your father. It is time for you to come into your own and to realize that you are enough just as you are.

I would like to recommend that you go to The Church of Today in Warren, Michigan. It's a place of empowerment and quite near you, and it's run by Rev. Marianne Williamson. Also, go to see the wonderful Rev. Sandy Scott. I have known her for years. She is an expert in helping people get their power back, and you will be glad you went.

Now for your business; let me create a few affirmations for you:
I LEAVE THE PAST BEHIND, IT IS NO LONGER A PART OF ME. I MANIFEST THINGS EASILY IN MY LIFE. I CREATE MONEY WHENEVER I NEED IT. MY BUSINESS IS A BLESSING TO EVERYONE. I AM ENTHUSIASTIC AND DELIGHTED TO BE LAUNCHING A NEW PRODUCT. MY PRODUCTS AND SERVICES ARE WELL RECEIVED. I AM BLESSED AND PROSPERED IN EVERYTHING I TOUCH.

I hope this helps!

Dear Louise,
Your books helped pull me through a terrible bout of depression during my late teens. As a young boy, I became aware of my homosexual orientation, and from the age of 10 to 18, I struggled with it. I was raised fundamentalist Christian, so after eight years of praying and believing God would "heal" me, I found that all I had done was ignore my sexuality altogether. I now think that perhaps the God I believed in was not the way God actually was.

As an adult, I now have a wonderful partner, a great job, a wonderful and accepting family, and a comfortable lifestyle. But I still feel guilty or depressed, and I have a hard time believing in any type of God. I recently joined a small Unitarian Universalist church, but the congregation seems a little standoffish to newcomers. I feel that I have lost any sense of magic and wonder in my life. I am tired of being depressed!

Please advise me on reacquiring that sense of innocence, wonder, and mystery that gives life meaning.
P.D., New York City

Dear P.D.,
Gays have come into this world with a particularly difficult challenge. Because of their sexuality, their parents (who were frightened of what the neighbors would say) told them they were wrong when they were growing up. Schools and society say they are no good, and many of the churches say they are an abomination to God. Under these circumstances, how on earth can a dear, innocent child grow up with self-worth and self-esteem?

Remember, God is not an old man sitting on a cloud watching your genitals. God is the name many people use for a Universal Intelligence that keeps the planets in order, grows the plants, and causes your heart to beat. Life is so much more than you are aware of, so learn to love and cherish who you are. Don't you be standoffish at church. Go up to people and introduce yourself, and say, "I am new here." Give them the chance to meet the wonderful person that you are.

Now on a physical level, as far as your depression is concerned, I feel that it may be food-related. I would like you to remove sugar, dairy (milk, cheese, and ice cream) and wheat (bread, waffles, and pasta) from your diet for one month. These items eaten to excess can contribute to depression. You say you have a good partner, job, family, and lifestyle so you have to find "something" to hang your depression feelings on, and you have chosen God and your sexuality. Make this change in your diet for one month, and I am sure that this depression will lift. Also, go to the gym and exercise, or take a long walk every day. You do not need to stay depressed.

Dear Louise,
I have been a member of the Church of Religious Science for five years. More and more, I find myself out of step with most of my nonchurch-going friends. I recommend books to them that I find inspirational, but they do not read them. I loan them audiotapes that have moved me, but they are returned to me unlistened to. I say things that are intended to be helpful, and I get strange looks like I've just walked out of a spaceship. More and more I'm feeling that I'm ahead of my own time. I wish I could give my friends a boost up and bring them to where I feel I am.

Why do people resist the truth so much?
R.S., Torrance, CA