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.

But can you tell me, what’s the purpose of a twin sibling in someone’s life? What is keeping us together? I don’t think it’s very “normal” for twins to stay together for such a long time. I don’t know if you’ve mentioned something about this in any of your books, but if you ever decide to write a book about twins, I think that will be great!

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 and you’ll always have someone to negotiate with. 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 on twins.

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? Thank you.

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. When we disconnect from this energy, we experience a lessening of life energy, which can eventually lead to chronic fatigue and/or depression.

This is a pattern that usually begins in childhood. At home and in society, many of us receive the message that it’s not OK to express certain feelings, such as sadness or anger. Women are especially taught that it’s not OK to express anger or sexual feelings. We suppress or “depress” the so-called unacceptable feeling inside us. We become cut off from our emotional energy and are left with a general feeling of fatigue and disconnection from life. As a result, we very often feel we’re “running on empty,” so to speak.

It’s important to know that at least 80 percent of all autoimmune dis-ease occurs in women. Somewhere very deep within so many of our bodies, there’s some kind of destructive message that needs to 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 be in contact with 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 any more. 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. After not exercising for six years, I started working out at a different gym (the other reminded me too much of the years before), 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’ve become a grandmother of a one-year-old granddaughter, but I’d just rather give up. Please help.

D.M., Boston, MA

Dear D.M.,

You have my deepest condolences for the challenges you’ve gone through with your daughter. 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. “If I only had or had not....” we say over and over again. We accept guilt for the event, even though we’re not responsible in any way. And that’s what you’ve done. But now you’re reaching out for some help and that’s a good sign. I think your daughter has been asking you to do this for some time. Yes, 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. I think that 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.

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®”. If you have questions for Louise Write to: Dear Louise Column, c/o Hay House, Inc., P.O. Box 5100, Carlsbad, CA 92018-5100 (letters may be edited for length and clarity). Due to the volume of e-mails Louise receives, she can no longer respond via the Internet. Visit Louise and Hay House at: www.LouiseHay.com or www.hayhouse.com®.