Dear Louise,
I’m so grateful that I’ve come across your work. I have a question though: What effect, if any, do songs, and the information disseminated in the print and broadcast media, have on our minds? If thoughts and words create our reality, then what happens when we’re exposed to all the negative thoughts put forth by lyrics, TV programs and films, and newspapers and books? If the words are negative, can that have a negative effect on us? If so, besides doing our best to avoid watching, singing, listening to, or reading these kinds of things, is there anything else we can do to protect ourselves?
– M.B., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Dear M.B.,
First of all, you don’t need protection. You’re already Divinely protected by Life itself. Life loves you and is standing by to give you all you could wish for, and far more than you could ever dream possible. It’s you who has put up barriers as a result of the beliefs you’ve gathered and the thoughts you think.

The Universe constantly waits in smiling repose for you to learn its language so that it can work its magic. Any fears you have are self-created can be self-erased. And all by changing your thinking.

Now, as to your question, it all depends on what you’re predominately reading, listening to, or viewing. If you’re constantly reaching for things that frighten you or depress you or make you angry, then yes, you’ll be negatively influenced. I’m very careful about what I listen to, what I read, and the movies or TV programs that I watch. I don’t listen to the news. It has nothing to do with my reality, and can only frighten me if I dwell on it. I don’t read the front sections of the newspaper either—they’re just frightening experiences that have nothing to do with my reality. I see very few movies and watch very little TV—all for the same reason.

I and I alone create my own reality. I do this through my thoughts and beliefs. I will not allow others to influence my thinking unless it’s positive or uplifting. I won’t allow others to make me feel bad in any way. If I come across something that’s a downer, I say to myself, "It may be true for them, but it’s not true for me. I am Divinely protected and guided at all times."

Dear Louise,
I’m new to metaphysics, so a lot of the concepts are now just sinking in. My question is this: I want to attract new friends into my life and to feel like life is more of an adventure. Can you please write with ideas, suggestions, and affirmations you’d recommend as helpful. I would be most appreciative and will look forward to hearing from you!
– F.D., Baltimore, Maryland

Dear F.D.,
Here are some favorite affirmations of mine:
My new life is just beginning. I am open and receptive to new supportive friends and to new, wonderful adventures. I see myself working in a job where I am appreciated, using my best talents and abilities, and earning a good income. I am living in a home that I love in a neighborhood that provides everything I desire. My health is excellent, and I am filled with vitality and good energy. I am a good student and love to learn. I express myself creatively in ways that bring me joy. All this good and more is available to me, and I accept it now. I am a beloved child of the Universe. Life loves me, and I love Life. This is the truth of my being. I know it and I live it.

Dear Louise,
At the moment I’m traveling around the world, and frankly, I don’t feel like going home to Sweden. I was in Italy, next will be North America, and then I’ll go to India to help with a charity project. I really love myself and life, but I’ve failed in reaching my personal goals. For the past eight years, it seems like I’ve attracted the opposite of what I’ve wanted and have never found deep friendships, a good partner, or good connections at work. I’m nice to people, but I often get totally ignored or even met with disrespect. I seldom get invited to dinners or activities. People make me feel invisible.
Yet on my travels, I easily make contact with people and receive a lot of warmth from them. Sometimes this feels like a healthy breakthrough—to change environments. I need your help!
– H.S., Stockholm, Sweden

Dear H.S.,
– Wherever you go, you take you with you!
Perhaps as you travel, you let out a part of you that’s not as conservative or reserved as you are at home. Therefore, people react differently toward you. It’s good for you to do some more traveling, for by the time you get back home, you will have perfected the "new" you. Then the people in Sweden will react to you as a new person, more outgoing and more approachable. And, of course, you have the option of living in another country. You might find one more suited to your personality than your home country.

Isn’t Life wonderful! We have so many options with respect to how and where we can live. Affirm: I live in a wonderful place where everyone accepts me and loves me. I enjoy Life, and I am safe."

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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