Louise Hay (1926-2017)
The self-love movement is a response to the post World War II era which, as we all know, had devastating consequences globally - politically, socially and economically. In India, the same disastrous effect was caused by the Partition of India which caused the largest exodus and displacement of people in human history. These events were the cause of trauma for a large part of the world’s population. Quite obviously, it led to a lot of introspection by people all across the world as to what had gone so wrong.
Around the world as well as in India, people began to speak about ending war and promoting peace and love.
"In the infinity of life where I am, all is perfect, whole, and complete."
You Can Heal Your Life
One of the fundamental questions that arose in the course of the self-love movement was – can we be loving to others if we don’t love ourselves?
Quite a few thinkers wrote extensively about this topic. Most prominent amongst them was Louise L. Hay, who explored it deeply in her seminal book – You Can Heal Your Life. In this book, Louise shared her personal journey through pain and trauma, revealing how she transformed her life through the power of self-love.
Her book became a global phenomenon, inspiring millions around the world to embrace self-acceptance and healing. It has sold over 50 million copies worldwide.
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About the Book
What kind of problems does Louise write about in her book? They are the same ones that you commonly see around you – poor physical and mental health, money, career and relationships.
Louise writes extensively about physical and mental health issues. The most common physical health issues globally are high blood pressure, high blood sugar, diabetes, high blood cholesterol, cancer, weak eyesight, digestion issues, malnutrition, and addictions to psychotropic drugs and alcohol.
This has resulted in not only lower life expectancy but also in day-to-day human suffering, lack of joy, and a general unpleasantness in life. In her book Heal Your Body, Louise traces the origins of most physical health problems to our disabling emotions and lack of self-love.
Complaining about money is nothing new. But in recent generations – millennials, Gen X, and Gen Z – more people are speaking about unfulfilling careers and relationships.
Our work is more than a way to earn money – it shapes our identity and self-esteem. With the rise of social media, people are also opening up about unfulfilling relationships, often calling them “toxic.” Louise explains how we tend to attract such experiences due to deep-seated emotions stemming from a lack of self-love.
Mental health is a widely discussed topic post-pandemic, though its challenges have existed for decades. The rising cases of depression and suicide are symptoms of poor mental health.
Louise has written extensively about emotions and behaviors that lead to poor mental health, tracing their roots again to one source — lack of self-love.
In the past few decades, Louise’s work has been highly appreciated by the medical community — general physicians, surgeons, oncologists, dieticians, psychologists, and alternative healers.
For instance, Dr. Mona Lisa Schulz (M.D., Ph.D.) discussed Louise’s influence in her book Heal Your Mind, providing scientific evidence of how Louise’s teachings improved people’s health.
Most importantly, Louise Hay’s work has transformed millions of lives worldwide through her books, talks, and workshops. Today, her teachings continue through certified coaches, trainers, and healers across the globe.
The self-love movement is here to stay — bringing more joy, fulfillment, and peace into people’s lives and making the world a more loving place.
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Points of Philosophy
As you read through these points, you could feel a strong urge to agree or disagree with them. You are bound to feel an upsurge of emotions, especially the ones that you disagree with. While reading, please remember that this is completely normal. Respecting your emotions is also a critical part of Louise’s philosophy.
So here goes…
Louise Hay’s teachings revolve around the belief that our thoughts shape our reality. The more loving we are to ourselves, the more love we attract into our lives. Here are some of her most profound principles:
What we give out, we get back
You may have heard the adage, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Louise extends this to our thoughts. If we constantly criticize others, we will attract criticism. Thoughts of hate bring more hate. Thoughts of love attract love. When we unconditionally love and accept ourselves, we invite people who mirror that same energy.
What we believe about ourselves and life becomes true for us
We inherit many beliefs from parents, teachers, friends, and media. Louise reminds us that thoughts create reality — not the other way around. If we believe “life is hard,” it will be. If we believe “success comes easily,” opportunities will start to appear. Our mindset becomes the foundation of our experience.
Our thoughts are creative
Thoughts grow when repeated. Negative thoughts breed doubt and unpleasantness; positive ones foster optimism. Louise’s message is simple yet transformative: “It’s just a thought. A thought can be changed.” She teaches gentle, practical ways to shift our thinking toward healing.
We are worth loving
Society often tells us we must “earn” love or respect. Louise gently reminds us that love is our birthright. We don’t need to change to deserve love — we are worthy just as we are. The real question is: do you believe you’re worthy of unconditional love?
Self-approval and self-acceptance are keys to change
Criticizing ourselves rarely leads to lasting transformation. Louise teaches that gentleness, not guilt, drives change. Self-acceptance doesn’t mean ignoring growth — it means loving yourself as you evolve, rather than punishing yourself for who you were.
We can release the past and forgive everyone
The past can weigh heavily, resurfacing as anger or regret. Louise offers healing methods rooted in forgiveness — of ourselves and others. Forgiveness is not forgetting; it’s releasing ourselves from pain and making space for love to flow freely again.
Love is the most powerful healing force
Love transforms everything. Louise says love moves us from victimhood to victory. Healing becomes impossible in an atmosphere of hate — but love helps us attract people and experiences that uplift our souls. Love is, and always will be, the most powerful healing force there is.
