Louise Hay is one of the most famous psychologists in the world, a talented writer, the founder of the technique of self-healing through affirmations and positive thinking. Today, Louise's works help a huge number of people to believe in themselves, recover from complex ailments, find happiness and the meaning of life.
Childhood and youth
Louise Hay was born in 1926 into a poor family in Chicago. All of Louise's childhood was spent in the poorest and most terrible districts of the city, among garbage and rats. The stepfather often beat the girl, and at the age of four or five she was raped.
Louise grew up as a weak and fearful child, often fearful for her life. She received neither warmth, nor support, nor protection from her mother. And upon reaching adolescence, the girl left her home.
At the age of 16, Louise became pregnant and gave birth to a daughter, whom she immediately gave to a couple who had no children. Louise's youth was also difficult. She changed a lot of professions before finding herself working as a photo model. This is what allowed her to finally break out of the gray and hopeless for her Chicago and leave for the brilliant New York.
As a model, Louise quickly became successful. She had a beautiful appearance and a purposeful character, which helped in a short time to find not only a well-paid job, build a career, but also find a husband, businessman Andrew Hay. The wedding took place in 1954, and they lived together for 14 years. The marriage ended when Louise's husband left for another woman. Louise herself returned to the modeling sphere, but she could only get a job as an ordinary fashion model.
This period is considered a turning point in the biography of the writer. When a loved one left her, she lost faith in herself, became withdrawn and unhappy with everything. Depression swept over her head. All this could have led to the most sad consequences, if not for a lucky chance.
The beginning of the creative path
In 1970, Louise attended a meeting of the First Church of Religious Science, where she gave a psychological lecture on the connection between a person's thoughts and the state of his health. This lecture changed the worldview of the future writer. Louise realized that all our illnesses and bad conditions are based on our negative thoughts.
From that moment on, she began attending Church meetings, and soon became a popular and beloved speaker there, and even began to advise those in need.
For several years Louise worked for the benefit of the Church and its parishioners. The knowledge and experience gained during this time allowed her to compile a "Handbook", which detailed the psychological causes of most physical illnesses. Louise also developed unique affirmations that allow replacing negative internal attitudes with positive ones and getting rid of ailments.
The first pamphlet of the writer had only 12 sheets and was called “Heal Your Body”. The circulation of 5,000 copies sold out in just two years, and in the shortest possible time Louise became famous in all states of America. It took Louise Hay three years to acquire knowledge, pass exams and finally obtain a license to officially advise and train people.
Overcoming difficulties
In 1977 Louise Hay was diagnosed with cancer. The writer met the terrible diagnosis fully armed. She studied in detail all the methods of treatment offered at that time (from traditional medication to alternative surgery) and, not satisfied with the proposed options, developed her own program. Mandatory elements of treatment were:
- Positive affirmations.
- Healthy body visualization.
- Competent cleansing of the body.
- Psychotherapy.
- Reflexology.
One of the reasons that caused cancer, Louise considered the unwillingness to forget the strong grievances against her mother and stepfather. She came up with a special "Forgiveness Scheme" and practiced it until the very moment of her recovery. It took Louise six months to get rid of the disease, and her recovery is considered a real miracle to this day.
Gaining fame and helping people
1984 was marked by the publication of one of the most famous books by Louise Hay. The work was called You Can Heal Your Life. This book describes how human beliefs affect the occurrence of physical ailments, and provides guidance and advice on how to change your mindset from negative to positive. This book also included lists of diseases and affirmations for their treatment from the previously published brochure "Heal Your Body." In no time, the book became a bestseller and stayed at the top for three months.
Since 1985, Louise began to provide psychological assistance to AIDS patients. The first group, supported by the writer, consisted of only six men. But by 1988, the number of people hungry for help had reached 850 people, and for lectures they had to rent a large auditorium in the western part of Hollywood.
1987 was marked by an important event. Louise Hay founded and also took over the Hay House publishing company. It was originally a small business located in the living room of the writer's house. But Hay House soon became a huge and prosperous company.
In 2004, the writer appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show, and this was another impetus for her popularity. And significantly increased the sales of Louise's books.
Louise Hay's final years
Until her death, the writer adhered to a healthy lifestyle. She tried to be active, continued to give lectures on the fight against AIDS, helped those in need to get rid of panic attacks, supported women who were subjected to domestic violence. Louise died on August 30, 2017 at the age of 90 in a dream in her own home.
Although Louise Hay herself left this world, her books, her philosophy have survived for centuries. The wisdom of this great woman is collected in quotes that spread around the world in the blink of an eye and continue to support people in difficult times in their lives. Here are some quotes that make you think about life and who really is the master of your destiny:
- Our every thought, every belief creates our future.
- Beliefs are formed in early childhood. Then we move through life, involuntarily recreating situations that fit our beliefs.
- When a person discovers a disease in himself, he should look into his heart and look for someone to forgive.
- Your mind is your best weapon. And only you decide how to use it.
