Dear Louise,
I’m 45 and have struggled with depression since childhood. Although from outside appearances it would appear that I had an idyllic childhood, behind the scenes I had a dysfunctional family with alcoholism on both sides.
I have one older sister who’s very successful and has always been favored. Other family members have recognized this, but she (my sister) says she doesn’t. She has a completely different relationship with my parents than I do. She’s married with a child of her own; I’m single and very much alone except for my two cats, and live in the house that my mother bought for me four years ago, which is supposedly mine although my name is nowhere on the deed.
Because of my depression (and other ailments including lupus) I haven’t worked steadily, so I rely on my parents for money.
I feel that I need to speak my truth. If you’re able to shed any light on my situation, I’d be most grateful.
— F.S ., Portland, ME

Dear F.S.,
I feel that you’re stuck in the past. Your mind goes over and over the old experiences, and you don’t allow yourself to see a bright future. As hopeless as your situation feels, it’s really only your own thoughts that you’re dealing with. As you choose to change your thinking, your whole life will respond.
There’s a part of you that wants to remain the helpless child, and you want your parents to give you the love and affection that you were denied back then. The trouble with remaining a victim is that you give all your own power away. As a child, you didn’t have much choice, but now you’re an adult, and no one can think in your mind but you. You’re not a victim unless you choose to believe you are.
The depression (hopeless anger) and the other ailments will all disappear when you’re willing to stop wanting to punish your parents for the past. Forgive, forgive, forgive, and then forgive some more. Forgiveness is not for them, it’s for you. So stop thinking about the past. Keep your thoughts in the now, today, in this moment.

Affirm: I AM THE LOVING PARENT I SEEK, AND I TAKE LOVING CARE OF MY
INNER CHILD.


Dear Louise,
I’m so blessed with two beautiful girls and everything else in my life. Miracle after miracle happens every day. But I’m still struggling with alcohol addiction, and I can’t completely understand its cause. At the very moment when I feel strong and believe it’s behind me, I’m tempted so strongly that I can’t deal with it. The period of time between these temptations is longer and longer every time, and the response of my body is worse every time. I’m still drinking and abusing myself. I thought I could handle it on my own, but I can’t. Thank God that I know I need help.
— C.I., Chicago, IL

Dear C.I.,
You’re not alone. Many people struggle with this same problem, which is why Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) was born—to help people like you who want to put an end to their internal conflict. They’re the experts in this field and will be able to help you understand the origins of your addiction and how to find the solution. Contact an AA group in your area immediately!
It’s an act of loving yourself to reach out like this. I know that you can move away from your thoughts of the past and create the bright future that you deserve.

Affirm: THE ANSWER IS AT HAND, AND I AM FREE OF THE PAST. ALL IS WELL!


Dear Louise,
I seem to be in a rut in my life right now. I’m very attracted to this older man who comes in for lunch at the market where I work. He’s quite a bit older than I am, but I think about him all the time. Just seeing him seems to make the day go by better. But we both have a spouse. I don’t know if somewhere in my life there’s an imbalance of something.
Why do I want this man? I know it’s wrong to lust after him. Can you help me?
— M.P. Detroit, MI

Dear M.P.,
Yes, you’re in a rut, and a most useless one at that. It’s a total waste of your precious thoughts to obsess about a customer like this. It can’t possibly create any good in your life.
Your thoughts are your most valuable tools. Every thought you think is creating your future—which is why you need to continually monitor your thinking. Think of your thoughts like a paintbrush on a canvas. What is the picture you’re creating? Is it muddied and confusing, or is it clear and beautiful? Choose thoughts that make you feel good. Thoughts of gratitude and appreciation bring you many more experiences to be grateful for. Love the life you have now, and know that that love will expand to include more good than you can even imagine. The Law of Attraction is always operating. Be joyous, and more and more joy will enter your life.

Affirm: I AM SO PLEASED WITH MY LIFE NOW, AND I KNOW THAT IT WILL ONLY
GET BETTER AND BETTER.

Louise L. Hay is a metaphysical teacher and the bestselling author of 27 books, including You Can Heal Your Life, Empowering Women, and Inner Wisdom. 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.

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