I am sure most of you have heard about Louise Hay, the great inspirational author and Publisher of Hayhouse. But in case you have not, I wanted to share her wisdom with you as I believe we can learn a great deal from her teachings – I know I have.

Everyone knows how important it is to love yourself, but often one get caught up in negative thoughts about past events – that may back years. Like in this story of the two monks who were walking to the temple. They came to a small river and saw a young woman sitting by the river bed. She told them she was afraid to cross the small stream, so the older monk picked the woman up and carried her across the stream and put her down before the two men went on. After quite some time of walking and pondering, the younger monk asked his senior why he had carried the woman over the stream, as she was young and able herself when the older monk knew he was not supposed to touch women. After a pause, the older monk responded: I had certainly picked up the woman and put her down on the other side quite some time ago, however he pointed out to young monk, you are still carrying her after all this time.

Letting go can be hard sometimes, forgiving others and ourselves for what has happened in the past. However, it is truly one of the most important things we can do. Let go and free ourselves. Stop judging ourselves and others for what has been done. It is the past - it is done and over with, why not start from a clean slate. Begin with loving ourselves and focus on what we like about ourselves and what we are good at only. There is some truth to the saying "forgive and forget". Begin to appreciate ourselves as we do a loved on. Love every part of our body what ever it may look like right now and love the point you are at in life, at this very moment. When the negative thoughts come – see them – thank them - and let them go. We do not need nor benefit from those thoughts, as we only hurt ourselves by keeping them. By letting go we have room for the new that is waiting, but sometimes can't enter our cluttered mind. To me it feels similar to a good house cleaning. We need to get rid of old stuff that we don't use anymore, that prevent us from seeing how beautiful our place here is. Because when you start looking there is so much to be thankful for and to love.

Here are a few things that I love to do:

At night before I go to sleep I think of 10 people to be grateful for - people who during that day did something for me to appreciate. It can be a smile from someone at the grocery store or a nice conversation with a friend. This has made me get out more and notice small gestures – when you seek good, good comes to you.

Another evening ritual is loving every part of our body. I thank every part of my body – from my toes to my nose. With out my feet I would not be able to walk , and I am very grateful for them working hard every day for me.

You can find an abundance of material online of Louise Hay. I have posted just a few here, and I encourage you to read the information that is readily available for you.

Much Love!