DEAR Louise

Louise L. Hay is a metaphysical teacher and the best-selling author of numerous books, including You Can Heal Your Life, Empowering Women, and I Can Do It®. For the past 25 years, she has assisted millions 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 29 different languages in 35 countries throughout the world.

Dear Louise,
I have a twin sister whom I love very much. We're very close, and even though we’re 26 years old and single, our lives are as similar as when we were children. We really enjoy our life together.
What’s the purpose of a twin sibling in someone’s life? What’s keeping us together? Is it "normal" for twins to stay together for such a long time?
- A.M., South Carolina

Dear A.M.,
You’ve been with your twin since you were in the womb — of course you’ll be closely bonded for your entire life. The twins I’ve known have always wanted to remain close. With a twin you love, you’ll never feel the aloneness that others do. Sondra Ray, who has done workshops with twins, believes that the firstborn comes out guilty and the second one comes out angry. I wonder if that’s true for you. You could look this author up on the Internet and ask her for more information.
Enjoy your unique situation, and continue to love each other and rejoice in life!

Dear Louise,
I’ve recently been diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), but have been self-medicating for hyperthyroidism with herbs and vitamins, as my blood tests are negative. Could you possibly advise me of good affirmations for this problem?
- M.C., Australia

Dear M.C.,
CFS usually develops as a result of being disconnected from our emotions. Emotions are the energy that bridges the mind with the body.
At home and in society, many of us are told it’s “wrong” to express certain feelings, such as sadness or anger. Women are especially taught that it’s not okay to express anger or sexual feelings. We suppress the so-called unacceptable feeling inside us, become cut off from our emotional energy and are left with a general feeling of fatigue and disconnection from life.
At least 80 percent of all autoimmune disease occurs in women. Somewhere deep within many of us, there’s a destructive message that must be revealed and transformed. To break free of this pattern, it’s helpful to establish a safe environment to reconnect with our feeling processes and begin to safely release stored anger, sadness, and other suppressed emotions. It’s highly recommended and important to see a qualified professional as you go through this process.
Affirm: It is safe to express all that is within me. I love, honor, and accept all aspects of who and what I am. As a result, I am energized, expressed, and filled with joy!

Dear Louise,
Since my 19-year old daughter died six and a half years ago in a car accident, I’ve been feeling very lethargic, have trouble feeling any positive energy, and am unable to enjoy living or planning for anything anymore. Basically I feel as though I’m just going through the motions, not caring what’s going to happen today, next week, or next year.
I used to be very active, walking three to five miles every other day and working out at a gym four or five days a week. I recently started working out again, but the days after, I feel so debilitated that I can’t even get out of bed. Sometimes I even feel the pain when I sleep. I’m trying very hard to get some of my strength back, especially now that I have a one-year-old granddaughter. Please help.
- D.M., Boston, MA

Dear D.M.,
My deepest condolences for the challenges you’ve gone through. I know that experience was a tremendous blow to you. And it sounds like you’ve been punishing yourself ever since. When a loved one dies, we have a tendency to blame ourselves. We accept guilt for the event, even though we’re not responsible in any way. But now you’re reaching out for help, and that’s a good sign. Your daughter is gone physically, but she’s still near you and loves you very much. Ask her for help in healing your heart. She has never wanted you to suffer in any way, and it distresses her that you do. Another thought: How do you know that your granddaughter isn’t your daughter returned to Earth?
There’s a reason for every experience we have. For your daughter’s peace of mind and your granddaughter’s opportunity for a joyous life, begin to love and cherish yourself. Six and a half years of punishment is enough. Talk to your daughter constantly, and open your mind to hearing her voice telling you how much you’re loved. All truly is well.

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