Dear Louise,

I’m doing affirmations for more prosperity, but they don’t seem to be working. Every time I take a few steps forward and money starts to flow, an expense shows up that I have to handle (such as a medical bill) and I feel like I just took two steps backwards. What do you suggest I do to keep the prosperity coming? Thank you.

J.M., Ohio

Dear J.M.,

Your prosperity is doing fine. It’s your deservability that’s the problem. So let’s work on that. The money starts to flow in, but then your old-thinking patterns come forward and say: “You don’t deserve this money; let’s find some expense to take this away from you.”

So, begin to do mirror work three times a day. Stand in front of a mirror and say out loud: “I release old, limiting thoughts. I release all guilt. I accept permanent prosperity. I deserve to prosper. I am worthy of a good life now. I allow my bank account to grow. I am grateful for all the good in my life.”

Dear Louise,

I love your morning and evening meditations tape, but my husband and I are concerned about the effect it may have upon our two-year-old daughter, who sleeps in the same room with us. We play it on our tape recorder every night. Is it OK for our little one to hear this tape? Thank you for all you do in the world.

K.T., London

Dear K.T.,

It’s wonderful that your daughter’s subconscious mind is hearing the tapes. The earlier we start with positive affirmations, the better it is. She’ll have fewer problems as she grows up. Teach her affirmations and mirror work as soon as you can. Children love to talk positively to themselves in the mirror. (My Adventures with Lulu book series is written for very young ones and includes this exercise.) May you and your family have a healthy, prosperous, loving and joyous life for the rest of your days.

Dear Louise,

I have thoughts of pain, frustration and doubt about affirmations working because I don’t see my life turning around. How do I overcome the pain and at what point is enough, enough?

G.A., Miami

Dear G.A.,

No matter what you’re doing or not doing, you’re thinking. Your thoughts shape your life. This is why it’s imperative to take control of your thinking. Stop choosing thoughts of pain. Author Sonia Choquette, in her new book, Trust Your Vibes at Work, offers this wonderful exercise, which will turn this problem around for you: Once a day write down ten things that you love. Do this first thing in the morning and last thing at night. Verbalize the things you love. Also, if during the day you find yourself thinking thoughts of pain or saying “I hate [fill in the blank],” take a breath and say, “Enough of that. This is what I love.”

Try this for a month and your life will explode with good experiences. Remember to be grateful and be sure to say, “Thank you! Thank you!”

Louise L. Hay is a metaphysical teacher and the best-selling author of numerous books, including You Can Heal Your Life, Empowering Women and You Can Do It®. For a free catalog of books, audios, videos and other products by Louise Hay and other Hay House authors, please call (800) 654-5126. If you would like Louise to answer your letter in this publication, please write “Dear Louise Column,” c/o Hay House, Inc., P.O. Box 5100, Carlsbad, CA 92018-5100, website: www.hayhouse.com.