Dear Louise,
I’m a 33-year-old student going back to school for a teaching credential. In school, public speaking was a huge issue for me and still seems to be. I actually have panic attacks, and the affirmations I’ve done on my own don’t seem to be working.

Self-esteem has always been an issue for me, as my mom suffers from schizophrenia, and I grew up with an abusive father before going into foster care and living in at least five different homes. However, I realize that I have the power to change my life, and I have a healthy marriage and two beautiful children. I do have a tendency to isolate from family and friends, not trusting that my life will change with outside influences. My biggest question is: How do I get past my fear of public speaking?
- W.A., Oregon

Dear W.A.,
You’re not alone. Public speaking is one of the biggest fears we all have. Every city seems to have a Dale Carnegie speaking course, and they’re the experts in helping you work through this fear. If you can, take a course with them. I also saw an ad in the New Yorker magazine that said: "Fear of Public Speaking? Gone immediately. Call 212-709-8060." And your local school may even have a course on public speaking. There are definitely options to just staying in fear.

You need to forgive and release your parents and your experiences in foster homes. All that is in the past, and dwelling on it can’t create good in your future. Bring your thoughts into the now, this moment, and think about all the good that’s in your life and how wonderful it will be when you’re able to guide students with your knowledge and understanding. If fearful thoughts about public speaking come up, then just say: That will take care of itself. Right now I am happy and free.

The more you can enjoy this moment, the more moments you’ll create that are enjoyable in the future—including, in time, public speaking.

Dear Louise,
I’ve never been able to figure out exactly what makes me happy or what I want to do with my life,
no matter how many times and how hard I’ve tried. I don’t understand what I’m not doing right. Do you have any affirmations to figure this stuff out? Also, most of the affirmations in your books are geared toward healing your body, but is it possible to also heal your mind, or do you have to have a sound one to begin with in order to
heal anything?
- L.J., San Francisco, CADear L.J.,

Dear L.J.,
First, you need to stop beating yourself up. You’re terrorizing yourself with your thoughts. What makes you laugh? You need to enjoy this moment, right here and
right now.

Here are some wonderful affirmations for you to use: I do my best to help create a loving, harmonious world. As I change my thoughts, the world around me changes. There is no problem too big or too small that cannot be solved with love. I go back to the basics of life: forgiveness, courage, gratitude, love, and humor. I seek inner peace. I forgive myself for not being perfect. The thoughts of this moment create my future. The past is over, so it has no power now. I am living the very best way I know how, and I am constantly increasing my knowledge and understanding.
All is well.

Dear Louise,
I’m very scared of cults and manipulation, so it really turns me off of every religion that
threatens me with hell or damnation. I’m looking for another way, such as Eastern religions or meditations, but I’m afraid that if I look into these things, I’ll be doing something wrong, or sinning against my Catholic family. Also, I’m a bit afraid of the Lord, Who was forced into my mind during childhood. How can I change my thinking?
Thank you for your answer.
- B.G., the Czech Republic

Dear B.G.,
The question you have to answer now is this: Am I going to stay a little child, fearful of the things adults used to threaten me with, or am I ready to grow up and make my own decisions based on my inner guidance?

I empathize with your question. I, too, have moved away from groups and religions
that preach hell and damnation. I’ve learned over the years that these groups use these ideas so that they can control you with guilt. Cults have no power over you if you ignore them.

We know what you’re scared of, but what is it that makes you happy? What brings you joy? What do you love to do? What kind of relationship would you like to have with Life? What makes you feel great? These are the thoughts for you to dwell on. They will help you make the right decisions in every area of your life, including exploring your spiritual pathway.

Affirm: Life loves me, and I only make decisions that are for my highest good. I am an adult, and I am free to make my own choices.

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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