Dear Louise,

I’ve been reading some books on spirituality, and I feel confused as to whether to follow the psychological route or the spiritual. At times they seem to be contradictory. For example, spirituality tells you not to concentrate on the fruits of your labors-just do your duty and the fruits will come of their own accord. On the other hand, psychology teaches you techniques such as visualization and affirmations. At the moment, I’m not sure which path I must follow. Can you help me sort this out?

I.J., India

There is no one path that’s right for everyone. Each of us is a unique individual with our own inner yearnings. So follow your heart. Ask yourself, "What is the right path for me at this moment?" As you continue through life, your understanding will change and grow. The wise student is a student of all areas of life. You’ve already learned that parts of both paths work for you, so learn to blend them.

I’ve studied many pathways and have come up with a philosophy that has worked for me. I’ve gone from bitterness and fear to joy and great prosperity. I willingly share what I’ve learned, yet I know that my pathway isn’t for everyone. No matter what others teach, you’re the only thinker in your mind, and your thoughts will create your life. So love yourself, fill your heart with joy, and it will all sort itself out easily and effortlessly.

Dear Louise,

I’m currently employed, but am not content and need more money. I ‘ve listened to your tape Receiving Prosperity, where you say that money is the easiest thing to manifest. That seems very unusual for most people. I’ve gotten rejected many times while trying to get a better job. Even though I shouldn’t listen to the negative news on the economy and the many individuals out of work, it’s hard to avoid. So I need guidance on how to prosper in my remaining years of employment. I affirm "My income is constantly increasing, and I prosper wherever I turn" every day.

In order to get over any blocks, I’m even considering hypnotherapy. Again, this isn’t cheap, but I don’t know of any other way to get rid of some of this old thinking.

R.F., Denver, CO

Negative news is easy to avoid if you make up your mind that you won’t listen to it. Don’t read newspapers or listen to or watch the news. You’re in control of your thoughts, not anyone else. If you dwell on poverty thinking, you’ll never prosper. Saying affirmations is only part of the process. What you do for the rest of the day (and night) is even more important. The secret to having your affirmations work quickly is to prepare the atmosphere for them to grow in. Affirmations are like seeds planted in soil. Poor soil, poor growth. Rich soil, abundant growth. The more you choose to think thoughts that make you feel good, the quicker the affirmations work. So think happy thoughts all the time. It’s that simple. And it’s doable.

Every thought you think counts, so don’t waste your precious thoughts. Every positive thought brings good into your life. Every negative thought pushes good away. It keeps it out of your reach. Don’t dwell on lack. Instead, love the job you have now; by doing so, the next job will be easy to love. Shower every aspect of this job with love and gratitude. Find things to love-even make them up. Create a mental atmosphere of joy. Joy and gratitude attract good experiences. Affirm I LEAVE THE LAND OF COMPLAINTS AND NOW LIVE IN THE LAND OF JOY AND GRATITUDE. I SAY YES TO A NEW LIFE. You can do it!

Dear Louise,

I always hear that it’s not good to drink a lot of coffee. What do you think? Is it bad for you?

G.P., Hollywood, CA